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‘Life science can be a catalyst for growth in the region’

2019-08-26

Three quick questions to Håkan Tribell, acting regional manager of the Uppsala Chamber of Commerce, about how Uppsala’s life science industry is doing and why the chamber of commerce has launched a new local network to bring the industry together.

How is Uppsala’s life science industry doing?

– On the whole, well. Uppsala has actually great potential to become a unique life science environment thanks to the city’s long pharmaceutical tradition and its proximity to two university hospitals, two universities, three government agencies and the world via Arlanda [Sweden’s largest airport]. In Uppsala, many companies are combining research with large-scale industrial production for global export. The dynamic environment produces a ripple effect, and today with almost 5,000 employees, life science is Uppsala’s largest industry.

We also see many positive signs that the industry is investing. GE Healthcare, the municipality’s largest private employer, is investing, for example, SEK 400 million in a new plant in Uppsala. We also have small companies that are now beginning clinical trials of new cell and gene therapy drugs. However, the Uppsala region, just like Stockholm, is badly affected by the difficulties in recruiting the right skills, and that is hindering potential growth.

Why are you forming this network?

– Uppsala is growing rapidly, and we see the innovative life science industry, with its long tradition in the region, as being able to play an important role in creating jobs and growth. Quite simply, we need to make much better use of the opportunities provided by the industry. Moreover, the industry faces a number of challenges that we need to approach in a long-term and strategic way in a more policy-oriented forum. The great interest in our initiative is demonstrated not least by the excellent response we have received from both companies and politicians.

What issues will you be pursuing?

– The single most important issue facing companies is skills provision. However, there are many other issues affecting the companies’ competitiveness: access to housing and schools, taxation levels and excellent infrastructure. Basically it is about ensuring that Uppsala is an attractive city for companies setting up business and for people to live and work in. The next stage of our work is the publication of a report on the Uppsala life science industry, which we are producing together with New Republic. It will be launched in mid-October.

Håkan Tribell was interviewed by Maria Eklöf, senior consultant and associate partner at New Republic. ‘Three Quick Questions…’ is a series of interviews conducted by New Republic.

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