NLS

Scientific excellence in a fragmented market means Europe will either lead or fall behind in global biotech.

Once limited to decongestants, nasal drug delivery is emerging as one of medicine’s most promising frontiers, offering faster uptake, stronger immunity, and the potential to block transmission before disease takes hold.

Once a fragmented landscape of strong research but limited cohesion, Stockholm’s life science ecosystem is now accelerating toward a more integrated future – a shift that Stockholm Science City’s CEO Ylva Williams has helped drive over nearly two decades.

Nasal drug delivery is a dynamic area in pharmaceutical innovation. What was once a route for decongestants and allergy sprays is now being explored for everything from emergency treatments to vaccines – and even shows potential for future central nervous system therapies.

The Belgian region of Flanders has long been one of Europe’s most industrially dynamic regions. Its economy is anchored by advanced manufacturing, logistics, and a life science sector that consistently performs far above the region’s size.

As Sweden crowns its national champions in youth research, the country is grappling with a deeper challenge: how to inspire more young people to pursue science, technology, and maths at a time when PISA results reveal a steady decline in STEM competence across the Nordics.