Strengthening Sweden as a research nation – Medicon Village at the National Conference on Clinical Studies
Sweden’s competitiveness as a research nation was the central focus when 340 representatives from healthcare, academia, industry, and patient organisations gathered in Umeå on 22–23 May for the National Conference on Clinical Studies.
Medicon Village was present and shared insights on stage, highlighting key experiences and success factors from Skåne that contribute to strengthening Sweden’s position in clinical research.
Held every two years and organised by Clinical Studies Sweden, the conference serves as a national platform for stakeholders committed to improving the conditions for clinical studies across Swedish healthcare. This year’s theme – sustainability in clinical studies – was explored from a wide range of perspectives.
The conference opened with Jeanette Edblad, Head of the Government Offices’ Life Science Office, who outlined current national strategies and investments aimed at reinforcing Sweden’s role as a research leader. Following the national outlook, representatives from Västra Götaland, Stockholm, and Skåne shared concrete regional initiatives driving clinical research forward.
From Skåne, a notable initiative was the recurring dialogue meetings on clinical studies, organised by the Research and Innovation Council in Skåne in collaboration with the Swedish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (Lif). These meetings were highlighted as a compelling example of how regional collaboration can lead to more favourable conditions for clinical trials.
A key message throughout the conference was the importance of shared working methods and coordinated efforts on a national level.
– It’s crucial that we find ways to align nationally and share best practices to enhance our competitiveness. At the same time, we must remember that collaboration is not a goal in itself but a method to achieve greater impact. That’s why it’s essential to critically evaluate these partnerships to ensure they truly deliver the intended results, said Petter Hartman, CEO of Medicon Village Innovation.
The Clinical Studies Sweden Award was also presented during the event. This year’s award went to Uppsala Clinical Research Center (UCR) for its comprehensive research infrastructure, which has served as a model for many others. Alongside the success stories, the conference also addressed ongoing challenges – particularly how to ensure that clinical research is prioritised within an increasingly strained healthcare system.
Together with Region Skåne, universities, and industry partners, Medicon Village will continue to prioritise efforts that improve the landscape for clinical studies – a mission where regional collaboration can generate national impact.
The next National Conference on Clinical Studies will take place in 2027 and will be hosted by the southeastern healthcare region.