UK government faces major challenges in life sciences
Cuts would have a negative impact on the sector, says survey
The UK’s life sciences industry is not competing effectively for global investment, nor creating the right environment to grow new technology companies, according to a survey published today (16 September) by ST&I (Science, Technology & Innovation) Partners.
The study also revealed concerns about possible cuts to life science research by the UK government and the negative impact this would have on the sector.
Nearly 400 leaders across the life sciences sector in management, preclinical r&d, clinical research and regulatory affairs, medical affairs, sales and marketing, and supply chain and manufacturing positions across the UK responded to the survey, which was sponsored by RSA and carried out with the assistance of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the Bioindustry Association (BIA) and the Ethical Medicines Industry Group (EMIG).
Dr Philip Wright, founding partner at ST&I Partners, said: ‘Life science leaders’ believe the UK’s competitiveness is under serious threat – in fact costs, regulation and access to medicines are, among other factors, not expected to improve unless bold steps are taken to fully exploit the opportunities available to the UK.’
The four main themes identified across the survey are the escalating cost of operating in the UK; the reorganisation of the NHS and the impact on clinical research and access by patients to innovative medicines; excessive regulatory burden; and a lack of tax incentives to support small and growing innovative companies.
Ways of overcoming these problems include radically streamlining the regulation of new therapies and medical devices and taking a more joined-up approach to enhancing the business environment to attract inward investment.
Nick Stephens, chief executive of RSA, said: ‘We are seeing a skills double-whammy: because of the coalition government’s approach to immigration policy both multinational pharmaceutical companies and growing biotech companies are having problems bringing in the skilled staff on whose input their future success depends. This is coupled with concerns over the supply of high quality life science graduates in the UK – the life science leaders of tomorrow.'
Dr Richard Barker, director general of the (ABPI), concluded: ‘Life sciences is one of the key industry sectors that could grow Britain out of its economic woes. This report charts the changes urgently needed if the new government is to change investor attitudes and so realise this tremendous opportunity.’
