Health-Holland

Living in a densely-populated river delta such as the Netherlands creates, by necessity, a culture of collaboration that is perhaps most clearly manifested in the country’s smart and effective defences against water. In creating a highly competitive economy where a third of GDP is earned below-sea-level the Dutch have, over the centuries, learned the value of interaction, trust, and vision in the establishment of robust, well- functioning systems. This propensity for cooperation and consensus can be found in every facet of Dutch society, including the government, which is unfailingly in the form of a coalition. There is a high level of inter-dependency between government, industry and population that is supported by a complex matrix of physical and digital infrastructures - providing a holistic, integrated approach to work and life in the delta. This is manifested in the ability and the willingness of companies, research institutions, and government to work closely together, sharing knowledge, creating solutions and achieving valuable synergies. Tradition of innovation In its 2017-18 Global Competitiveness Index, the World Economic Forum ranks the Netherlands as the 4 th most-competitive economy in the world and 1 st in the EU, making it an excellent location for business and providing a thriving hotbed for companies in which to settle and grow. This is fostered by centuries of scientific innovation, invention, and discoveries that have impacted global health and well-being, such as the microscope, electrocardiogram, artificial kidney, heart/lung machine, artificial heart, the description of red blood cells and ground- breaking advances in microbiology. Situated at the very heart of Europe, with world- class physical and digital infrastructure and robust services sector, the Netherlands is the ideal location for the establishment of global or European operations in Life Sciences & Health. Companies choosing to locate here can count on a strong economy and stable government, access to a skilled, motivated and multi-lingual workforce, inspiring cities, and high quality of life at a reasonable cost. Close-knit community Consequently, it should come as no surprise to learn that the Netherlands is home to one of the most concentrated, efficient, and close-knit Life Sciences & Health clusters in the world. The Netherlands provides an unbeatable location for businesses in the biopharmaceutical industry. The dynamic and thriving Dutch biopharmaceutical sector is characterised by outstanding hubs and clusters linked by first-class physical and digital infrastructure. Home to 2,900 innovative Life Sciences businesses, including 420 biopharmaceutical companies, and the European Medicines Agency (in 2019), the Netherlands is one of the most concentrated Life Science & Health clusters in the world. BIOPHARMACEUTICAL SECTOR 12