Life Science: A Catalyst for European Competitiveness
Maersk Tower
University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, Copenhagen
Lykke Friis, Director, Think Tank EUROPA
Eva Hoffmann, Prorector for Research and Innovation, University of Copenhagen
Carl-Johan Dalgaard, Chairman of the Danish Economic Councils and Professor of Economics, University of Copenhagen
Closing the Gap: How to Design a European Industrial Policy for Public Health and Innovation
Moderated by: Lykke Friis, Director, Think Tank EUROPA
Stefan Oelrich, President of the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) and Member of the Board of Management of Bayer AG
Rui Santos Ivo, President of the Portuguese National Authority of Medicines and Healthcare Products (Infarmed) and Chair of the Management Board of European Medicines Agency (EMA)
The panel will debate the priorities of the ’Choose Europe for life sciences’ strategy by exploring the risks and potential of tools such as targeted investment, policy reform, European coordination, and public procurement to drive breakthrough innovation in life sciences while advancing public health objectives.
Losing Ground? Challenges for Europe’s Life Sciences Sector in the Global Race for Innovation
Elizabeth Kuiper, Associate Director and Head of the Social Europe & Well-Being Programme, European Policy Centre
The keynote will assess the core drivers of Europe’s competitiveness and strategic resilience in life sciences and identify future policy challenges for the EU.
Public-Private Partnerships: A Catalyst for European Competitiveness and Health?
Moderated by: Lykke Friis, Director, Think Tank EUROPA
Natasha Azzopardi-Muscat, Director of Country Health Policies and Systems, WHO Europe
Thomas Klee, Senior Vice President, Major Europe & Canada, Lundbeck
Niklas Blomberg, Executive Director of Innovative Health Initiative (IHI)
The panel will examine the role of public-private partnerships in fostering dynamic R&I ecosystems and strengthening health systems. Speakers will discuss how Europe can excel by building more effective national and cross-border partnerships between the public and private sectors.
Why life sciences must be at the heart of Europe’s industrial strategy to drive strategic resilience, innovation, and public health
Morten Bødskov, Minister for Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, Denmark
Unlocking the Societal Value of Innovation: Shaping the Future of Resilient, Sustainable and Innovative Healthcare in Europe
Moderated by: Ditte Brasso Sørensen, Deputy Director, Think Tank EUROPA
Marco Greco, President, European Patients’ Forum
Søren Nedergaard, Chief Portfolio Officer – Portfolio, People & Partnerships, Novo Nordisk Foundation
Teresa Graham, CEO, Roche Pharmaceutical
Rainer Becker, Director, DG for Health and Food Safety (SANTE), European Commission
The conversation will assess how strategic investments in life sciences and cutting-edge research can strengthen healthcare systems across Europe through economic growth and improved patient outcomes.
How to Boost Private Investment in Start-ups and Scale-ups: The Role of Policy Reform and Support Mechanisms
Moderated by: Ditte Brasso Sørensen, Deputy Director, Think Tank EUROPA
Felicitas Riedl, Director of the Innovation & Competitiveness Department, European Investment Bank
Jens Nielsen, CEO, BioInnovation Institute
Adam Kostyál, Head of European Listings, Nasdaq
This session will debate how the EU can bridge the private investment gap in life science research and innovation – in particular which regulatory reforms and public support mechanisms are needed to unlock private funding and how the EU can steer capital markets towards socially beneficial purposes.
Spreading the Gains: Enhancing Access to Innovative Healthcare Across the EU
Moderated by: Ditte Brasso Sørensen, Deputy Director, Think Tank EUROPA
Claudia Louati, Head of Policy, European Patients’ Forum
Benjamin Rochette, Vice President, Global Regulatory Affairs, Coloplast
Moving Forward: Next Steps for Europe
The closing remarks will reflect on key takeaways from the conference and highlight actionable next steps for policymakers to reinforce Europe’s leadership in life sciences.