CEO calls for a reinforced science base for Europe
Europe needs to make a concerted effort to improve it's science base if it wants to remain competitive, said Dr Franz Humer, president of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and CEO of Roche, while addressing a meeting on the single market in Brussels. The research-based pharmaceutical industry in Europe can significantly contribute to achieving the Lisbon and Barcelona objectives of turning Europe into the most dynamic and competitive knowledge-based economy by investing three per cent of the EU's GDP in research and development (R&D), believes Dr Humer. 'The pharmaceutical industry alone accounts for 15 per cent of the whole EU business R&D expenditure. It remains one of the most innovative and successful industries in the EU, a key asset to the health and wealth of Europe,' he stated. 'However, it faces the challenge of declining competitiveness as compared to the USA, where the environment is more attractive for R&D investment and more supportive of pharmaceutical innovation.' Dr Humer welcomed the promising start of the new Commission, which has given central importance to economic competitiveness in Europe. Indeed, under the leadership of José Barroso, the Commission is expected to focus on reform and the implementation of the Lisbon agenda. 'Our research-based pharmaceutical industry represents a strategic sector for achieving the Lisbon agenda. If we want pharmaceutical research to continue in Europe, Europe must strengthen its science base. We must reverse current negative trends, reinvigorate our competitiveness, fight the 'brain drain' and stay in the innovation race,' Dr Humer concluded.