The European policy agenda for life sciences and biotechnology seeks to unlock innovation, strengthen biomanufacturing, and ensure that Europe remains a global leader in health, agriculture, and industrial biotechnology. It addresses investment gaps, regulatory bottlenecks, and the need for stronger innovation ecosystems, while supporting the green and digital transitions. By aligning initiatives such as the EU Bioeconomy Strategy, EU Life Sciences Strategy, the forthcoming Biotech Act, and the European Health Data Space, the agenda aims to accelerate the scale-up of breakthrough technologies, enhance sustainable production, and secure Europe’s leadership in critical biotechnologies.

To explore these opportunities, the European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, hosted the EU Clusters Talk: “Life Sciences and Biotech in Europe: Policies, Clusters, and the Road Ahead” on 5 November, from 08:30 to 9:45 CET. This session outlined the main elements of the evolving European policy framework, discussed the role of clusters as connectors in the life sciences and biotech ecosystem, and provided participants with the opportunity to share their views on priorities for future EU regulation.

Speakers included: 

• Ferenc Marofka, Policy Officer, DG GROW, European Commission
• Ann Van Gysel, CEO, Biovia
• Iris Öhrn, Investment Advisor – Life Science /Healthcare, Business Region Göteborg
• Kazimierz Murzyn, Managing Director, Klaster LifeScience Kraków
• Ralf Huss, Managing Director, BioM Biotech Cluster Development

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