Life science hotspot of the Netherlands
Dutch support for life sciences
The city of Leiden, the Province of South-Holland and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs consider the Leiden Bio Science Park to be the life science hotspot of the Netherlands.
The life science sector remains high on Leiden’s municipal agenda, as it is a key to economic growth, employment and education. It is also supported at national level and by the EU.
EU chooses life science
Within the European Union (EU), life science represents an important pillar of the ambitious so-called Lisbon strategy, which was set out by the European Council in 2000. The strategy aims to make the EU the most competitive economy in the world and to achieve full employment by 2010. The EU supports the sector financially and has improved the life science business climate.
Dutch business climate excellent for life science
The Dutch government recognizes the economic value of life science and its potential for solving important global health issues. The ministry of Economic Affairs has supported the sector financially in the past few years and provided facilities via dedicated programs like ‘Biopartner’. In 2004, the government’s ‘Action Plan for Life Science’ simplified legislation to improve the business climate for life science. It is now considered one of the best in Europe.
Leiden – life meets science
To further strengthen Leiden’s bio-cluster, the local and regional governments, the relevant educational and research institutions and the business community have committed themselves to an action program under the motto Leiden – life meets science. This sets the agenda for the coming years and provides a basis for implementation and coordination of projects with financiers and governments. More information on the Leiden - life meets science program and development organisation
