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13 February 2004
Scotlands biotechnology sector is continuing to punch well above its weight in the global marketplace, but it needs young people to embrace science from school age to keep up the momentum. This was the message from Jack Perry, CEO of Scottish Enterprise, speaking at the annual Biotechnology Scotland dinner at the EICC on Thursday evening (12 February 2004).
Some of Scotlands most successful biotechnology companies and leading players within the sector were also recognised with awards. These included Cyclacel, Strakan, Ardana Bioscience and PharmaImaging. The award for Best Newcomer was given to Invinity Bioscience, which specialises in human antibody research and development.
In his introductory speech to more than 400 delegates from the Life Sciences community, Jack Perry delivered a short update on SEs current Framework for Action. Since this was first launched in 1999, highlights within the Scottish biotechnology community include:
an average growth rate per annum (1999-2003) of more than 20%
expansion to over 500 organisations, employing between them some 26,000 people
a broadening and maturing of the sector, including a burgeoning industry for the supply and support of a wide variety of medical devices
the setting up of the Scottish Stem Cell Network during 2003
£15m public /private partnership funding secured for the most advanced medical imaging centre in Europe.
Jack Perry also welcomed the setting up of the ITI (Intermediary Technology Institute) for Life Sciences and identified that:
the Life Sciences sector is the largest single recipient so far of Proof of Concept funding
the Scottish Co-Investment Fund, which has so far attracted 14 private sector partners, with over 50% of investments made within Life Sciences.
Jack Perry said, We will continue to focus our efforts, with an emphasis on quality, investment, and creating an environment which is attractive for investors.
This includes continuing to support promising later-stage businesses as well as start-ups.
Nobody would pretend that the last five years have been easy ones for companies working at the cutting-edge of science and technology. But despite a few high profile business failures, theres a real buzz about the Scottish biotechnology sector and the Scottish Enterprise network is fully committed to supporting companies and researchers turn ideas into viable realities.
Next month sees the BioDundee Conference, supported by local partners including SE Tayside and the Council. In April, its the turn of the Edinburgh Medical Park Science Festival and the Biological Forum for the Biomanufacturing industries. Then in May, Scotland becomes the focus of Europes investment community, coming to Edinburgh for BioEquity Europe 2004.
I have been impressed with what Scottish based biotech businesses have achieved over the last few years. Scottish Enterprises ambitious five year plan for the sector concludes in 2004 and a new strategy will be released later this year. The aims however will remain constant; to maximise the potential of businesses, enhance the level of, and return on, investment, create high value, sustainable employment and to make a substantial contribution to Scotlands economy.
At the end of the Biotechnology Scotland Annual Dinner, awards for those companies who have made a Leading Contribution to the success of the community during 2003/04 were made to Cyclacel, Strakan, Ardana Bioscience, and PharmaImaging Group. The award for Best Newcomer was independently judged and given to Invinity Bioscience in Edinburgh.
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