Scottish Government launches new life sciences strategy

The Scottish Government has launched a new life sciences strategy designed to increase the profitability and scope of the life sciences sector in Scotland.

The strategy outlines a series of actions and investments intended to turn the sector, which covers areas like biology, genetics and biochemistry, into a £25bn industry by 2035.

“In the past five years, the life sciences sector has shaped our response to a global pandemic, responded to new opportunities in personalised medicine, health technology and medical devices, and played its part in meeting the Scottish Government’s net zero commitments,” said Richard Lochhead, the business minister.

According to the government, the life sciences industry contributes around £10.5bn in turnover to Scotland’s economy. It already supports more than 46,000 jobs in human, animal and plant sciences including pharmaceuticals, health tech and agritech.  

A significant base for life sciences in Scotland is the Edinburgh BioQuarter, one of the largest leading health innovation districts in the UK. The site has generated an estimated £2.72bn in gross value added from its research, clinical and commercial activities and a further £320m from its development.  

Innovation in Scottish universities is also high. Earlier this year Tess Watt, a PhD student at Heriot-Watt University launched a groundbreaking project that utilises artificial intelligence to detect signs of skin cancer from an image, without needing internet access or input from dermatologists.  

Once a diagnosis is made, results are shared with a local GP to begin a treatment plan, making it valuable for those who are housebound or live far from medical facilities.

“Scotland is rich in talent and already the destination of choice for many global businesses, investors, researchers and innovative health and care professionals,” said Lochhead. 

“Our Strategy will build on these strengths and outline actions to harness the power of the triple helix – industry, academia and the public sector – to collaborate and grow life sciences, using new technologies such as artificial intelligence.”