The life sciences industry in Scotland is one of the fastest growing sectors of the country’s economy. The dynamic Scottish life science industry generates £3billion each year and is growing at an annual rate of 8 per cent, four times the average rate of Scottish economic growth.
There are many reasons for the prosperity of the Scottish life sciences industry including a world renowned academic sector, a history of biotechnology excellence and innovation, and a supportive political administration.
- Over 70 per cent of the life science organisations based in Scotland are focused on human healthcare which includes drug discovery and development.
- Scotland is one of the most sizeable life science communities in Europe, with more than 620 organisations employing over 31,000 staff.
- The life sciences industry in Scotland has access to 57 University and research facilities and 11,000 research staff.
- Scotland’s knowledge base attracts around £290 million of life sciences funding.
- Scotland is ranked in the top five regions globally for biotech companies to locate in.
- In a poll of international scientists, the University of Dundee was ranked as the best scientific institution in Europe to work in.
- 20 new life science companies started trading in Scotland during 2007.
- The life sciences industry in Scotland has a highly developed network of specialist suppliers.
- Scotland has a number of science parks and dedicated life science parks around its major cities.
- In 2005, 20 per cent of Europe’s life science initial public offerings (IPOs) were Scottish.
Find out more key facts and figures specific to each sector of the life sciences industry in Scotland:
Drug discovery
- The Scottish life sciences industry is at the forefront of cutting-edge research and is a global leader in the drug discovery and development process.
- 264 organisations are engaged in developing human healthcare products and services.
Stem cell research
- Edinburgh has one of the UK’s largest concentrations of clinical scientists and researchers working on human stem cells and related clinical applications.
- More medical research is conducted per capita in Scotland than anywhere else in Europe, easing the translation of stem cell research into clinical benefits.
Medical technologies
- Groundbreaking research takes place, with hotspots in imaging, ophthalmics, orthopaedics, cardiovascular instrumentation and implants.
- A highly skilled, adaptable workforce is boosted by 15,000 new higher education graduates with qualifications suited to medical technology each year.
Translational medicine
- The £600 million Edinburgh BioQuarter is the only location in the UK that offers the co-location of academic, clinical and commercial facilities.
- Scotland provides a highly supportive and attractive regulatory environment for life science companies to innovate and research.
Specialist manufacturing
- Scotland’s thriving biomanufacturing community employs around 4000 people.
- Focused, industry-led training initiatives increase specific specialist life sciences manufacturing skills.
Contract research organisations
- The 65-plus contract research organisations in Scotland comprise home-grown companies and major international corporations and employ in excess of 2500 staff.
Bioinformatics
- Per head of population, Scotland has more bioinformatics-specific degree courses than any other comparable location.
- Over 2000 full time equivalent research staff are involved in bioinformatics disciplines in Scotland, including key researchers with global reputations.
Find out more about Scottish life sciences and how life science businesses in Scotland can benefit from our help. The life science industry in Scotland presents many opportunities for investment across several sectors.