New life science survey takes the pulse of one of Sweden’s most important industries

The Life Science Barometer is an annual survey produced by SwedenBIO, the industry organisation for Sweden's life science industry, with the aim of taking the temperature of the life science industry. A record number of companies from all over the country have participated in this year's survey, making the report the most comprehensive to date. This year’s report is produced by SwedenBIO in collaboration with Medicon Village Innovation, Sahlgrenska Science Park, Stockholm Science City Foundation, STUNS Life Science, and Citeline.

The survey confirms the importance of Sweden having the entire value chain in the development of life science products established and available within the country, from basic research in academia, commercial research and development in companies, to clinical trials in healthcare, and world-class pharmaceutical production.

"The Barometer serves as a smorgasbord of data, graphs, and figures, inviting discussions, reflections, and further analyses. It complements hard facts and industry statistics on the state of the life sciences industry and offers a snapshot of its optimism, concerns, and trends," says Dr. Maja Neiman, SwedenBIO's science director who led the data collection and production of the report.

“With 21% of Swedish life science companies being based in Skåne, Skåne has a key role to play in developing and strengthening an innovative and globally competitive life science sector in Sweden. The Barometer is a valuable complement to providing the data and insights needed for decision makers to target resources and efforts in the right areas,” says Sarah Lidé, Deputy CEO at Medicon Village Innovation.

Some key figures from the report:

• Medtech is the largest segment in the life science sector in Sweden, constituting 61% of a total of 4,000 companies in the industry.
• Research and development are the main activities among small and medium-sized companies.
• A majority of the companies are privately owned.
• Financing is the biggest concern for the companies.

As a qualitative survey with fresh data from 200 Swedish company managers who have responded to the survey, the Barometer offers unique insights that are missing in previous statistics. An analysis of the results at a regional level for Skåne will be published later this spring by Medicon Village, supported by Sparbanksstiftelsen Finn.

The 2024 Life Science Barometer is available for download at www.swedenbio.se.