The best performer on biotech industrial development in mainland Europe.
With a strong tradition in science, coupled with a location in the heart of Europe and highly skilled work force, Belgium is currently by far the best performing country in mainland Europe on innovation and biotech industrial development. Continual intense cooperation among academic research teams, biotech firms, university hospitals and venture capitalists is a well-established feature of the Belgian Biotechnology industry.
What you should know about Belgian biotech:
- Sixteen universities and research centers active in life sciences
- 127 biotech companies established
- High quality basic and applied research and technology development
- Strong cooperative efforts among academics and industry
- A highly skilled workforce: 32 % of the population has a higher education degree.
- Belgium has benefited from early investments in biotechnology, owing to the strong local
presence of major pharmaceutical companies.
- For many years now, the regional and federal authorities have made biotechnology a
priority in their policy plans through financial incentives and regional investment
aid.
- By the end of the 90’s, the growing interest of venture capitals and the success of biotech
companies on public equity markets did spur a rapid development of Belgian Biotech.
- Proximity of key markets and decision markets: 60% of the European Union purchasing
power and markets lie within 300 miles.
- Cheap and high quality venues: real estate costs in Belgium are among the lowest in
Europe.