Updates from Forskaren
Alignment and Courage can strengthen the Nordic position in Life Science
How can we ensure that the Nordic region remains at the forefront of life science as global competition intensifies? This was the starting point for a panel discussion at Forskaren on 15 September. The panel brought together Niklas Hedberg from TLV - The Dental and Pharmaceutical Benefits Agency, Jenni Nordborg from Lif - The research-based pharmaceutical industri, Maria Holmqvist from AbbVie, Karin Järperud from Amgen, Suzanne Håkansson from AstraZeneca and was moderated by Britta Stenson from Vectura. The discussion was open, curious and engaging.
Three key perspectives from the morning’s discussion
- The Nordic countries benefit from world-class research, advanced healthcare systems and valuable health data. At the same time, competition for investment, clinical trials and the introduction of new treatments is intensifying. To realise their collective potential, the Nordic countries need to collaborate more closely and learn from one another’s strengths.
- The panel called for simpler, more coordinated processes for clinical trials, a shorter path from treatment approval to patient access, and better use of health data. A greater willingness to pay for innovative medicines was also highlighted as essential to the region’s attractiveness and competitiveness.
- A recurring message was the need for alignment and courage. Public authorities, companies and other stakeholders need to come together around the same table, work from a shared evidence base and deepen their understanding of one another’s perspectives. This is how we can move from discussion to action.-