Scotland is setting ambitious goals for its life sciences sector, aiming to contribute £25 billion to the economy by 2035. With strong government support, world-leading universities, and a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the country is positioning itself as a global hub for medical research and innovation.
A Vision for Growth
“We are recognised as one of the go-to destinations,” said an industry leader, highlighting Scotland’s increasing prominence in life sciences.
As chair of Life Sciences Scotland, the responsibility of driving the sector’s growth forward is clear. “Our new target is ‘25 by 35’—£25 billion to the Scottish economy by 2035. That really is a tremendous growth rate, but the benefits that it brings Scotland’s population are enormous.”
A Strong Ecosystem for Innovation
Scotland’s success in life sciences stems from several key factors:
- Top-tier universities conducting world-class research.
- A supportive government that fosters clinical trials and research.
- A culture of entrepreneurship, encouraging new spinouts and startups.
- Specialist manufacturing centres ensuring high-quality production.
“In this country, we have a can-do attitude,” said industry expert Dave Cook. “We’re agile—big enough to be good at things, but not so big as to be cumbersome. Our chief scientist is doing everything possible to enable Scotland’s people to participate in research. People with good ideas can easily find a place in Scotland to develop them and build successful businesses.”
Attracting Global Investment
Scotland’s life sciences sector isn’t just about local growth—it’s also a major player in attracting multinational investment.
“We really do have all the pieces that even a multinational would want,” Cook explained. “We’re telling companies, ‘Come to Scotland, we’ve got everything you need.’ With a rural and city population, a CHI number that connects datasets, and an aligned ecosystem, businesses can operate faster and more effectively. Life sciences in Scotland makes a very compelling offer.”
Conference and Awards: Driving the Sector Forward
The upcoming life sciences awards and conference in Glasgow aim to strengthen the industry even further. The event, expected to attract 600-700 attendees, will feature key industry insights, networking opportunities, and a special awards dinner hosted by Paul Sinha from The Chase.
“It’s the first time we’ve run a conference alongside the awards,” organisers shared. “If you’re coming to the dinner, drop in earlier—you’ll learn things that will take you from strength to strength.”
The event isn’t just about celebrating achievements. It’s about preparing for the future. “A lot of the people shortlisted for the awards succeeded because they got ahead of regulation and raised the funding they needed. This conference will help everyone learn and collaborate. In a world of online meetings, there’s still something special about in-person networking.”
A Broad and Thriving Sector
Life sciences in Scotland isn’t limited to human health. The sector also sees major advancements in animal health and agritech, showcasing its breadth and impact.
“25 by 35 is a big goal, and events like this will help us move towards it,” said Cook. “It’s an exciting time for Scotland’s life sciences industry, and the momentum is only growing.”
