The European life sciences industry is experiencing a moment of profound change. Exacerbated by the current geopolitical environment, growing competition from the US and China, decreasing levels of R&D spending or difficulties in commercializing scientific breakthroughs, the sector in Europe faces challenges on several fronts.
Despite this, I believe that Europe can reclaim leadership in the life sciences sector. The EU boasts a strong historical footprint in our sector, based on a solid foundation of scientific expertise and a well-established manufacturing base for pharmaceuticals and biotechnologies, supporting a traditionally robust global trade presence of the sector.
As a research-oriented international biopharmaceutical group firmly rooted in Europe, the success of Chiesi is deeply interlinked with the success of Europe. Our recent investments in Europe of €380 million in a Biotech Centre of Excellence in Parma and another €430 million in a new manufacturing site in Milan underscore our commitment to bioinnovation in Europe, reflecting priorities from Mario Draghi in his report on EU competitiveness to address the challenges faced by European industry. It also emphasizes the importance of the life sciences sector not only in addressing unmet medical needs and enhancing the health of the EU population but also in driving economic growth, creating jobs and along with it, prosperity.
Strengthening cross-border public-private partnerships, supporting university spin-offs, and investing in STEM education is key to building an innovation-driven ecosystem
To this end, I believe that the development of an ambitious Life Sciences strategy for Europe, together with the Biotech Act, is the correct next step to support biopharmaceutical companies investing across the Continent. Unlocking the full potential of life sciences will require leveraging Europe’s competitive advantages and fostering an environment where innovation is rewarded.
First, Europe’s life sciences sector thrives on collaboration, and a coherent EU framework for life sciences can better connect research, clinical development, and commercialization across borders. Strengthening cross-border public-private partnerships, supporting university spin-offs, and investing in STEM education is key to building an innovation-driven ecosystem. Clusters should be backed by deeper EU capital markets, retaining talent and attracting global investment.
However, to fortify this mission, the EU must go further – embedding a comprehensive approach to biotechnology funding in the 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, with a focus on infrastructure, skills, and health research, matched by greater member state investment in healthcare, protecting the health of citizens and rewarding innovation.
Second, our success depends on reducing fragmentation across the EU’s health systems. For example, following regulatory approval, the current lack of alignment of national pricing and reimbursement procedures delays patient access and discourages innovation. A streamlined EU HTA process – if implemented without duplicating national assessments – may prove pivotal.
Third, a predictable and innovation-friendly regulatory framework is essential for Europe’s competitiveness. This includes a strong IP system, avoiding barriers to the use of AI, and a carefully implemented European Health Data Space.
Europe has the talent, the science, and increasingly, the ambition. What it needs now is a coherent strategy that removes barriers, rewards innovation and delivers value for patients, society, and the planet.
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