The Basel Area continues to solidify its reputation as a leading global hub for life sciences innovation.   

A newly released report developed by EY-Parthenon provides an in-depth look at the region’s unique strengths as a highly favorable environment for innovation, as well as identifying gaps and future improvement strategies for the region.  

This data-driven study validates the Basel Area’s remarkable efficiency and productivity relative to its size, excelling in stakeholder density, infrastructure and strategic investment. It also demonstrates that the region excels in clinical trial activity and per capita output in patents and pipeline assets. 

In addition, the region boasts the largest life sciences talent pool in Europe, with more than 33,000 professionals contributing across the entire ecosystem. This concentration of expertise enables companies to scale rapidly and efficiently. From R&D to commercialization, the region’s unparalleled density, quality and diversity of talent make it a standout destination on the continent. 

Why ecosystems matter in life sciences

Deciding where to locate a new commercial or R&D hub is a pivotal decision for life sciences companies. The success of such endeavors often hinges on the quality of the ecosystem in which they are embedded.  A flourishing life sciences ecosystem fosters collaboration, accelerates innovation, and provides the resources that companies need to thrive.

The study from EY-Parthenon highlights the Basel Area as an innovative ecosystem capable of competing globally with renowned hubs like Boston and London. The report identifies the core strengths and weaknesses of the three ecosystems, drawing on quantitative data and qualitative insights from interviews with key stakeholders.

#1 – High density and diversity of stakeholders

The Basel Area excels with a concentrated presence of life sciences companies, including major players like Roche, Novartis, and Syngenta, alongside startups, research institutes and investors. This ecosystem fosters collaboration among its players, resulting in exceptional research output, a high density of clinical trials, and numerous partnerships. This all reflects the region’s strong commitment to knowledge exchange and innovation.

#2 – Unmatched biopharma focus

The Basel Area is a renowned global biopharma hotspot, with a high density of biopharma companies, a significant share of employment in biopharma, and over 98% of the deals being made and funding being attracted concentrated in this sector. This specialization is supported by tailored investments, robust research and supporting infrastructure that attracts top talent, investors and industry leaders, solidifying the region’s position as a leading hub for drug discovery and commercialization.

#3 – Strategic investments and funding

The Basel Area ecosystem benefits from substantial venture capital and late-stage funding, with funding levels per round comparable to those seen in Boston and London, making the ecosystem a highly attractive location for companies expanding to Europe. The study highlights the benefits of investment diversification into other life science sectors – such as digital health and medtech – to enhance resilience, encourage cross-sector innovation, and attract a broader range of stakeholders. 

Moreover, the study calls for an increase in early-stage funding through grants, seed capital and early-series venture capital initiatives, in terms of both volume and value, to remain competitive with global hubs such as Boston and London and foster a more dynamic and inclusive ecosystem that drives sustained innovation and growth.

#4 – Advanced infrastructure and laboratory space

Offering laboratory space comparable to Boston on a per capita basis, the Basel Area provides a robust environment for scaling and innovation. Science and technology parks – such as the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area – foster collaboration among stakeholders, ensuring operational efficiency and connectivity within a highly equipped ecosystem. 

The ecosystem study from EY-Parthenon confirms the Basel Area as a unique and innovative life science hub boosted by a unique combination of infrastructure, international talent, and proximity to European markets.  

For comparison, Boston in the United States is renowned for its academic institutions and venture capital funding, while London offers access to financial services. The Basel Area distinguishes itself with its unparalleled density of life sciences companies and unmatched R&D capabilities. Its strong biopharma focus, economic productivity and collaborative culture drive innovation despite its smaller size compared to Boston and London. By leveraging its strengths, the Basel Area will further enhance its global competitiveness and solidify its position alongside leading life sciences hubs.