In a bid to enhance the EU’s competitive edge in the life sciences sector, the European Commission is developing a comprehensive life science strategy that will integrate upcoming policies focused on biotech, artificial intelligence (AI), and cutting-edge research. This move comes as the EU acknowledges that it is currently lagging behind global leaders such as the US and China.
In a recent closed-door meeting, EU representatives revealed that the strategy will be a non-legislative initiative, linking existing and future EU policies, including the Biotech Act, the Startup and Scaleup Strategy, the Research & Technology Infrastructure Strategy, the AI in Science Strategy, and the European Innovation Act. These initiatives aim to bolster Europe’s position in sectors crucial for the economy.
Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the importance of the life science strategy in her political manifesto last summer, emphasizing that its goal is to boost Europe’s competitiveness and accelerate innovation in this rapidly evolving field.
The strategy will focus on a variety of areas, with a significant emphasis on Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products (ATMPs), including gene and cell therapies, which are crucial for addressing genetic diseases. This priority aligns with findings from the Draghi report, which underscored the importance of these therapies in the fight against genetic disorders. Moreover, the strategy will explore ways to de-risk medicinal product development and improve the infrastructure for multi-country clinical trials.
Artificial intelligence and data-driven models will play a pivotal role in predicting and enhancing personalized healthcare approaches. The EU also aims to expand research on microbiome-related data sharing, improving how health data is utilized to tailor treatments for individuals.
As the global competition intensifies, Europe hopes that this strategic initiative will help close the gap in critical research areas, particularly in oncology, where the EU has seen a decline in competitive advantage despite hosting a robust startup ecosystem. A recent study from the European Patent Office highlighted Europe’s diminishing lead in critical medical research, particularly in cancer treatment technologies.
Another significant focus of the strategy will be on ensuring the sustainability and competitiveness of Europe’s food systems by 2050. This will include advancing safer, greener innovations in the chemicals sector and bolstering the bioeconomy. Additionally, the strategy aims to attract investment in early-stage biotech firms, with a particular focus on blue biotechnology.
To kick-start the strategy’s development, the Commission will launch a call for evidence in March 2025, with a final strategy expected to be unveiled later in the year. Denmark, which will hold the EU Council presidency in July 2025, may host a major life sciences conference to present the final strategy.
The Commission’s ambitious plan is aimed at ensuring Europe remains at the forefront of global life science innovation and competitiveness.
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