BIO-Europe, the continent’s premier life science event, celebrated its 30th anniversary in Stockholm from November 4-6, 2024. Hosting Europe’s biggest life science industry event offered a rare opportunity for global visibility. As the main industry association for Swedish life science companies, SwedenBIO seized this chance to showcase the dynamic Swedish life science ecosystem and to empower its members to capitalize on the event.
The Swedish Pavilion – A hub for connections and visibility
Swedish life science actors, led by Business Sweden, came together to ensure high visibility for Sweden through a country pavilion. Centrally located on the exhibition floor, the pavilion became a focal point and practical hub for forging connections and facilitating both informal and formal discussions. Several member companies participated in the pavilion. Sweden’s Minister for Energy, Business, and Industry, Ebba Busch, inaugurated the pavilion, underscoring Sweden’s commitment to its expanding life science sector.
“The pavilion quickly became a bustling center throughout the conference, serving as a meeting point for Swedish companies and international guests alike, interested in exploring Swedish innovation in life sciences,” said Marjo Puumalainen, International Director at SwedenBIO who coordinated and oversaw the organisations activities at BIO-Europe.
“Swedish life science actors have now developed a model for Sweden to showcase its strengths but requires financial backing to continue drawing investment.”
National pavilions at major industry events play a crucial role for countries aiming to attract interest from investors and large companies. A pavilion signals a country’s commitment and willingness to welcome actors to its national arena. For Sweden and its life science industry, it’s important that the national pavilion model is replicated at other leading international events. The Swedish government has often emphasized greater international visibility as an integral part of the Swedish life science strategy. To meet this goal, funding for national pavilions must be secured.
“With competition for life science investments fierce among countries, others like the Netherlands and Switzerland have successfully attracted funding by leveraging national pavilions at events such as BIO-Europe and BIO International. Swedish life science actors have now developed a model for Sweden to showcase its strengths but requires financial backing to continue drawing investment,” she commented.
In addition to showcasing Swedish life science, the pavilion served as a hub for connecting and discussing Sweden’s advantages as an investment destination. SwedenBIO contributed to the pavilion program with two roundtable discussions: ‘Unlocking Sweden’s Innovations,’ a look at Sweden’s strengths within life sciences, and ‘Manufacturing in Sweden: Innovation Meets Sustainability,’ highlighting Sweden’s leadership in sustainable pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Strengthening Members’ Presence
SwedenBIO also worked to elevate the Swedish presence at BIO-Europe through its members. SwedenBIO negotiated a discounted rate for the event, which many members took advantage of. Additionally, through SwedenBIO’s business strategy working group, members learned best practices for enhancing their partnering outcomes.
Facilitating Networking with South Korea’s National Delegation
BIO-Europe’s global scope offers valuable opportunities for global exchange. SwedenBIO capitalized on this by organizing an exclusive networking event with the South Korean national delegation, a prominent life science hub with numerous partnership opportunities for Swedish companies. In collaboration with Korea Innovative Medicines Consortium, Business Sweden and other partners, SwedenBIO arranged the Korea-Sweden cross-border conference at The Swedish Royal Academy of Engineering Sciences. This successful event brought together 70 Korean and Swedish investors and biotech companies, fostering discussions on cross-border collaboration and investment.
Working together to put Sweden on the map
From discounted registration and workshops on partnering best practices to participation in the Swedish pavilion and networking events with investors and international delegations, SwedenBIO aimed to help its members maximize this unique opportunity. Together, we showcased why Sweden is a leading life science nation and a smart investment choice, Marjo says: “Through strategic collaborations, a strong national pavilion, and targeted networking opportunities, we demonstrated why Sweden is a leader in life sciences and an attractive hub for investment. This event allowed us to put Sweden firmly on the global map, highlighting our strengths and creating valuable connections that will drive future growth”, concludes Marjo Puumalainen.
Photos courtesy of Business Sweden.
