The world after Covid-19 will be a better place, because we will make it so. We have to. And the life science sector, of course, is in a particularly good position to contribute towards that aim. So, let’s find the strength in the midst of all of this to start thinking about how.

How can we stand more prepared when the next pandemic hits, not only with vaccines but also with various types of tests and innovative tools? How can we cope with the long-term consequences of the current outbreak and, equally as important, how can we strengthen the health of patients worldwide? We know that those who are the most vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus are those with underlying conditions.

Several of our members are now working hard to find pieces to solve the coronavirus-puzzle, as others continue to work just as hard to find solutions to existing health challenges, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes etc, diseases killing hundreds of thousands that should not be forgotten as the world suddenly faces a simultaneous acceleration in health challenges.

“The nature of what life sciences is all about has become brutally clear to each and every one of us over the last few weeks”

The nature of what life sciences is all about has become brutally clear to each and every one of us over the last few weeks. It is about saving lives or, at the very least, about increasing quality of life. But in order for the life science sector to continue to do so, and to help our societies to stand better prepared in the future, the sector itself needs to survive. Companies across the Nordics are now experiencing the economic consequences of the Corona-crisis. The stock markets are plumbing, clinical trials delayed or halted, and production lines are suffering from lack of staff.

Measures are urgently needed to safeguard that the Nordics will remain a vibrant epicenter of life science innovations. Some of those measures lies within the responsibility of the political system. But there are also initiatives that industry organizations, such as SwedenBIO and our Nordic counterparts, can undertake ourselves.

“I personally find it incredibly inspiring to hear about the creative solutions some companies have found to keep the wheels spinning”

I personally find it incredibly inspiring to hear about the creative solutions some companies have found to keep the wheels spinning: clinical trials leaping into digitalization development, production lines being altered in order to swiftly produce products needed in the healthcare system, and staff being shared both within and between sectors.

Let’s do everything we can to ensure that this crisis was not all in vain. The wins that we are currently making in collaborative spirit must be what prevails when all of this is over. And it is in our hands to make it happen.

By Helena Strigård, Director General, SwedenBIO

Photo: Nicole Hanzon

This column was originally published in our magazine, issue 02 2020 (May 2020)