Life Science Industry Guide

Life Science industry snapshot

The life science industry encompasses such innovative and growing fields as pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical technology.  The United States is the both the biggest producer in most of these fields as well as the largest market for life science products.  Sweden is an important hub of some of the most advanced innovation, having the highest per capita spending on life science research in Europe. The majority of the world’s biotechnology funding, research and development, and employment take place in the United States.  The U.S. offers favorable patents and research support for pharmaceuticals, and firms in the U.S. are responsible for most new medicine patents.  Many of most groundbreaking medical advances have come from Sweden. There is a strong connection between the Swedish medical industry and its prestigious research institutions.  Continuing breakthroughs and increases to longevity make life science an industry with a bright future.

Quick Facts about Life Science

• The U.S. ranks 1^st and Sweden 6^th among the most highly cited countries in clinical medicine.
• Sweden ranks 2^nd and the U.S. 9^th in terms of the largest per capita producers of medical research.
• The U.S. is a prime market for medical imports, taking in 32.73 billion worth in 2010.
• Sweden is friendly and conducive to high-quality clinical studies; all of the world’s 10 top-selling medicines went through clinical development in Sweden.

Sources: Invest in Sweden Agency,  U.S. Department of Commerce

Life Science Survival Guide

Connection to trade associations, market intelligence, and industry initiatives will keep you connected to the life science communities in the United States and Sweden. Whether you are seeking funding and business information, or trying to make connections and stay informed, these resources could offer you some fresh perspectives on the life science industry.

http://www.alssa.org/index.php – Analytical and Life Science Systems Association, a life science trade association offering publications, data and industry events.

http://www.bio.org/ – BIO, the Biotechnology Industry Organization, the world’s largest biotech association. Has services and members in over 30 countries, including Sweden, and in all 50 U.S states, with information on funding an international access.  Offers Includes a state-by-state interactive map of statistics, initiatives, and local industry groups for the entire U.S.

http://www.swedishmedtech.se/sidor/about-swedish-medtech.aspx – The Association for Medical Technology in Sweden. Industry group for producers and distributor of medical technology.

http://www.swedenbio.se/en/About-SwedenBIO/ – SwedenBIO, a national organization for the entire life science industry in Sweden. 

http://www.lif.se/default.aspx?id=40897 – Association for the research-based pharmaceutical industry in Sweden, offers publications and industry statistics.

http://lifesciences.ieee.org/ – Resources and community with publications, events, knowledge and opportunities for collaboration in life science.