Scottish Government launches new life sciences export plan
The Scottish Government has launched a new export plan for the life sciences sector, with an ambition for exports to represent 25% of Scotland's total GDP by 2029.
The strategy centres on support for Scottish companies to take advantage of the global opportunities in life sciences, with access to key skills and specialist advice, and a specific focus on enhancing support in the US. The plan is particularly relevant to healthtech, as the industry is the largest contributor to Scotland’s broader life science company exports.
There are nine actions listed within the strategy, with the following five that are particularly promising for healthtech:
- Pilot a support mechanism in the life sciences sector to help SMEs undertake market research, market visits and/or attend specialist in-market events.
- Work with enterprise agencies and partners to support companies to navigate the regulatory frameworks in international markets.
- Partner with agencies, industry bodies and relevant experts to deliver a programme of networking events with a focus on encouraging peer-to-peer learning.
- Recruiting an additional SDI in-market specialist in the US.
- Re-establishing Scotland’s international trade and investment presence at the annual BIO International. Convention. We will also explore how Scotland can best leverage opportunities at AdvaMed.
ABHI took part in the research that informed the report and contributed directly to its writing via its work with the Scottish Government and is now working with the Scottish Government to bring the strategy to life.