Nordic Life Science 1
XXXXX XXXXX n the analysis Life Sciences across t
he Øresund prepared by Øresundsinstituttet as part of the Interregproject Greater Copenhagen Life Science Analysis Initiative (released June 2021), a crucial discussion about the unexploited collaboration potential in the region was highlighted. It was for example suggested that the obstacles to collaboration are much more structural and that more transborder research funds and a shared platform that highlights the differences in Swedish and Danish company rules are needed. I ask therefore Steenberg how she will try to better utilize the region’s collaboration potential. “We would benefit from our respective governments strong support in making our bi-national Medicon Valley one of Europe’s most competitive and attractive regions. It would benefit both countries and life sciences research and industries if the focus was on making 1 plus 1 into 3 instead of only just looking at the national strengths and opportunities,” she says. Steenberg mentions the two research projects ReproUnion (within fertility) and DiaUnion (within diabetes) as two good examples of utilization of strongholds on both the Swedish and Danish side. This makes the research 28 NORDICLIFESCIENCE.ORG and output stronger and better than if it was only conducted on one side of Medicon Valley, she believes. “Moreover, we facilitate several exclusive networking groups and targeted topic seminars where knowledgesharing and networking are key – again with the advantages of making the critical mass larger by including life science researchers, companies and talents from both countries. At our events, people meet and connections and businesses are being made within targeted life science groups across Medicon Valley and beyond,” she adds. A strong collaboration throughout the entire Nordic region would also benefit the industry, believes Anette Steenberg. “The Nordic countries are known for being good at collaborating between the public and private stakeholders. Moreover, we have unique healthcare data, which could be used for innovative research if it became more easily accessible, preferably across the Nordic borders. MVA at present only has active engagement in DanishSwedish collaboration, but will not exclude joint Nordic initiatives or projects.” This year, 2022, Anette and her colleagues will be celebrating MVA’s 25th Anniversary and they have a lot of exciting activities planned she says. “We are hoping for a year where we again can meet and network in the real world.” NLS