Foreword by Hans Schikan

As chairman of the Topsector Life Sciences & Health, it is my pleasure to share my views on the opportunities this thriving sector can bring to the Netherlands. The Top Sector LSH is one of the nine specially selected areas of innovation supported by the Dutch government with the ambition to create an attractive business climate, foster R&D collaboration and provide optimal conditions for innovative companies.

More than 200 public-private partnerships have been realised as a result of this policy. They include larger consortia like the Oncode Institute, where some of the country’s best cancer researchers work together to outsmart cancer, but also RegMed XB, which brings together health foundations, top scientists, entrepreneurs and governments to tackle ambitious challenges in regenerative medicine.

" ...we have all necessary ingredients in our country to grow our LSH cluster into one of the world leaders in this field."

It is my strong belief, confirmed by recent visits to Boston, that we in the Netherlands are in a very privileged position. Comparing notes, we came to the conclusion that we have all necessary ingredients in our country to grow our LSH cluster into one of the world leaders in this field. The keywords are density, community and collaboration. 

As for density, we have an unrivalled concentration of LSH companies and world-class universities at a very short distance from each other. With regard to community and collaboration, we can look back upon a long history of strategic partnerships connecting science, industry, government and healthcare organisations. Cooperation is a key part of our DNA. 

Thanks to these essential elements, the Netherlands is a fertile breeding ground for LSH innovation in Europe. With the relocation of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to Amsterdam in March 2019 as the cherry on the cake, I am convinced that the Netherlands will become a strong magnet for key LSH players from around the globe.

"We are champions at building long-lasting public-private partnerships as a growth engine for innovation."

The LSH sector has enormous potential and remarkable solutions for care, cure and prevention. At the same time, we are also facing some major global challenges. Keeping healthcare affordable and accessible, especially with an aging population, is a key issue. In order to maintain and improve the high standards of care, cooperation is critical. And that is something we are very good at in the Netherlands. We are champions at building long-lasting public-private partnerships as a growth engine for innovation. Not only between industry, academia, patient organisations and government, but also between regional actors. By joining forces, by identifying each other’s strengths, we can sustainably grow the Netherlands into the Boston of Europe.

Hans Schikan
Chairman a.i.
Top Sector Life Sciences & Health