Despite is relatively small size, Sweden, the land of Nobel, is established as a heavyweight nation in the field of biotechnology and bioscience. From a solid research base with strong ties between qualified universities and various internationally successful companies, the Swedish Government is now investing considerable resources in supporting the internationalisation of the sector. In parallel with this, the initial decision has now been taken regarding the largest Swedish investment ever in the field of biotechnology. A centrally situated research village - Stockholm BioScience - is now being prepared directly adjacent to the renowned Karolinska Institute. This is an investment in an entirely new central city district, measuring half a million square metres, which is worth in the region of SEK 20 billion. When Stockholm BioScience is completed in 2005, it is estimated that 150 new companies will have moved in with as many as 10,000 employees. It is anticipated that the activities will include both applied research and training, pharmaceuticals companies, as well as public sector and commercial services. Other important elements of the project include meeting the expansion needs of the Karolinska Institute and Stockholm's three universities.

Sweden is already Europe's fourth largest biotechnology nation according to a recent survey carried out by the consultancy company Ernst & Young. It is against this background that the Swedish Bioscience Programme should be viewed, a collaboration project lasting several years which is being run by the Swedish Trade Council. The purpose of the programme is primarily to increase the internationalisation of both research and corporate activities. The main prioritised markets are North America, northern Europe and Japan, according to the project manager of the programme, David Ernstsson.
Information to e.g. the media, investments in collective participation in international trade fairs - the next one being Biotechnica 2001 in Hanover, conferences and seminars will be some of the more visible aspects of the programme in its early stages.

The Swedish Trade Council's global office network in 35 countries will also play an important role in the internationalisation process./INS

For more details, please contact:
David Ernstsson, Swedish Bioscience Programme
Tel.: +46 8 7838500 ext. 8701. Fax: +46 8 662 90 93
E-mail: david.ernstsson@swedishtrade.se