Collaboration Key to European Success in Life Sciences

Commissioner for Enterprise and the Information Society Erkki Liikanen has admitted that the Commission is 'anxious' about the state of the European biotechnology industry, and has called for further cooperation between policy makers and the private sector to solve the problem. In an attempt to meet this challenge, Mr Liikanen identified several key issues which he said require 'decisive actions'. Important progress has already been made in two of the areas, the fragmentation of research and the need for increased protection for intellectual property rights. I would take this even one step further. The Europeans should be cooperating with the U.S. biotech industry to ensure a smooth flow back and forth of U.S. and European biotech companies.

This same recommendation could and should be said for the U.S. biotech industry and the many regional and state campaigns to harness a piece of the industry across the nation. Yes, local initiative is a very good thing. No, underfunded and uncoordinated efforts are not a good thing. What's the answer? Let's all say it together--"national and global partnerships" that draw upon and couple the unique strengths of individual centers belonging to this growing network of life science and biotech initiatives. Most biotech centers cannot be successful with a "go-it-alone" strategy. Write that down.

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