Commission launches strategy to lead in life sciences by 2030

On 2 July, the European Commission launched a new strategy to make Europe the most attractive place in the world for life sciences by 2030.

Life sciences – the study of living systems, from cells to ecosystems – are fundamental to our health, our environment and our economy. They drive innovation in medicine, food and sustainable production, contribute almost €1.5 trillion in value to the EU economy and support 29 million jobs across the Union.

The strategy, backed by more than €10 billion per year from the current EU budget, sets out a coordinated approach across the entire life sciences value chain. The aim is to accelerate innovation, facilitate market access and foster public confidence in new technologies, ensuring that they benefit both people and the planet.

The Strategy proposes the following actions:

1. Optimising the research and innovation ecosystem

The Commission will develop an EU investment plan to facilitate the funding of multinational clinical trials and strengthen European clinical research infrastructures. This strategy will also promote the “One Health “ approach to research and innovation and mobilise up to €100 million under the Horizon Europe work programmes for 2026-27 to develop and implement microbiome-based solutions. In addition, €250 million will be mobilised for cross-sectoral life science technologies that will support the development of new products that drive industrial innovation and sustainability, including new approach methodologies, novel molecules, advanced materials and more efficient bio-manufacturing.

2. Enabling rapid market access for life science innovations

To accelerate market access for life science innovations, the Commission will propose an EU biotechnology legislative act that will create a more innovation-friendly framework for all biotechnology sectors. The Commission will also launch an interface to facilitate contacts between start-ups, industry and investors, building on the portfolio of the European Innovation Council and its network of trusted investors.

      3. Boosting confidence and the take-up and use of innovation

300 million to stimulate procurement of innovative life science solutions in areas such as climate change adaptation, next generation vaccines and affordable cancer solutions. The Commission will also set up a Life Sciences Coordination Group to harmonise policies and funding across sectors and support engagement with key stakeholders, including industry and citizens.

Background

President Von der Leyen announced the strategy in her Political Guidelines and it is included in the Competitiveness Compass.

Europe has long been a leader in life sciences, backed by a strong knowledge base and scientific excellence, but has recently been losing ground to other global players in turning research into real-life solutions. Challenges include fragmented innovation ecosystems, under-utilisation of data and artificial intelligence, and slow market uptake.

The strategy is based on a public consultation and an extensive dataset, as well as two studies by the Commission’s Joint Research Centre: The life sciences sectors in the EU: Drivers of economic growth and innovation, highlighting 29 million jobs and ¤1.5 trillion in value added, and Patenting trends in life sciences: an analysis of pharmaceuticals and medical technologies, showing that the EU ranks second worldwide with 17% of patents filed.

More information: European Commission