Life science in Sweden: long tradition, strong business case

The life science sector in Sweden has a history which goes a long way back in time and has its origins in sectors like food, chemical and chemical technology products and the engineering industry.

Due to its combination of successful medical research and edge competence within technology, Sweden is a country of achievements of new drugs and other medical innovations. This affects our society not only because it gives access to world-leading innovations which improve health, but also because it increases the Swedish export numbers in this sector. In 2009 the volume of Swedish exports decreased, with the exception of pharmaceuticals and food, which have increased instead. The pharmaceutical products’ exports amounted to 68 billion SEK in 2009, which can be compared, for example, with the total export figures of passenger cars which corresponded to 33 billion SEK in the same period.

In Europe there are only three countries which have more companies within life science than Sweden. In comparison to the population, this concentration is stronger in Sweden than elsewhere.

Different regional and national organisations work to promote the Swedish life science industry. They are mandated by different organisations but have a common goal: to contribute to the build-up of a strong life science industry in Sweden. Click on the cities in the map below, read more about the organisations and surf to their respective websites.