Region Stockholm and Region Uppsala adopt joint life science strategy for a world-leading cluster

The strategy, developed under the shared identity Capital of Life, aims to strengthen collaboration between academia, healthcare, industry and public actors, and to further position the region as a global hub for research, innovation and the development of new treatments that improve health and quality of life.

A shared ambition for global leadership

The Stockholm–Uppsala region already holds a unique position in European life science, with a high concentration of world-leading universities, advanced healthcare, research infrastructures and a dynamic business sector. The new strategy builds on these strengths and sets out a clear ambition: to establish the region as an internationally recognised and leading life science cluster with a strong role in shaping the future of Swedish life science.

The strategy highlights the importance of acting together as a unified regional actor to strengthen international competitiveness, attract investment and talent, and accelerate the translation of research into real-world healthcare benefits.

Strengthening the full innovation chain

A central objective of the strategy is to reinforce the entire life science value chain – from fundamental research and clinical studies to innovation, commercialisation and implementation in healthcare.

Key priorities include improving conditions for clinical research and trials, strengthening collaboration between healthcare, academia and industry, and enhancing the use of health data in a safe and ethical way. The strategy also emphasises the importance of supporting the development and scaling of companies, increasing access to funding, and improving pathways to market for new therapies and technologies.

Five strategic development areas

The strategy identifies five key areas essential to achieving its ambitions:

• Research and innovation for health and growth, including stronger collaboration across disciplines and improved use of health data and AI  
• A strong international voice, with a shared identity and increased global visibility to attract investment and talent  
• Resilience and sustainable development, including preparedness for future health crises and reduced environmental impact  
• Attracting, educating and retaining talent, with strong education pathways and international competitiveness in skills development  
• Research infrastructures and test environments, enabling faster clinical trials and improved access to world-class research facilities  

Together, development of these areas are intended to create an integrated and competitive ecosystem where innovation can move more efficiently from idea to patient benefit.

Responding to a changing global landscape

The strategy is also shaped by rapid global change, where technological development, geopolitical shifts and increasing competition are redefining the conditions for life science. Advances in AI, biotechnology and digital health are transforming how research is conducted and how healthcare solutions are developed and delivered.

At the same time, Europe is strengthening its focus on life science through new initiatives aimed at improving competitiveness, resilience and access to innovation. The Stockholm–Uppsala region is well positioned to contribute to and benefit from these developments. 
From strategy to action 
The strategy is intended to be implemented through concrete action plans, with clear goals, responsibilities and follow-up mechanisms. Progress will be monitored and evaluated regularly, ensuring that the region can adapt and continue to develop its position as a leading international life science cluster.

Through strengthened collaboration and a shared long-term vision, Region Stockholm and Region Uppsala aim to create better conditions for research, innovation and healthcare – and ultimately improve health outcomes for patients in Sweden and around the world.

Read the strategy