For biotech to blossom in any European region, several key parameters must exist locally and simultaneously:
- Intense and excellent academic research in life sciences with effective technology transfer;
- Entrepreneurial spirit;
- Proactive venture capitalists;
- Government incentives for young innovative companies;
- Experienced management;
- A supportive stock market.
And some might add: a sunny environment with good international schools for kids of management and biotech-savvy large pharmaceutical companies. I will focus on academic research and financial support of startups. The most important factor in biotech cluster success is academic research. Although some companies, like the French firm Carmat, an EADS spinoff which is developing the most advanced totally artificial heart, come out of corporations, they benefit from academic backing. Carmat would not exist without the academic support of Paris VI University.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Keys To Europe's Biotech Future – The Site Selection Life Sciences Report
Author: Philippe Pouletty, MD
