In this dialogue, representatives from Switzerland and Wales had the opportunity to learn from each other and spot areas for future engagement, such as access to talent, R&D, financing and more. Switzerland is home to a globally unique Life Science cluster. In addition to chemical and pharmaceutical firms, this encompasses a dense network of medtech, biotech and nanotech companies. Thanks to leading universities, research-based pharmaceutical companies and the availability of high-quality scientists, the Swiss Life Science industry is among the most innovative and productive worldwide. With 98% of its turnover generated abroad, the Life Sciences industry in Switzerland has a strong international focus. 

Oswaldo Rodriguez, Head of Medical & Government Affairs at Roche Diagnostics EMEA LATAM, provided the perspective of a big Swiss pharma company actively engaged in Wales and moderated the panel discussion. Our distinguished panellists, Mr Kevin Teburi (Genedata Ltd), Dr Patrick Dümmler (Health Tech Cluster Switzerland), Dr Sian Morgan (All Wales Medical Genomics Service) and Ms Maireadh Pederson (SGS Quay Pharmaceuticals), shared experiences from their various perspectives.

Some of the main conclusions that the panel was in consensus on were that Life Science clusters require patience, trust, sharing standardised data, exceptional talent and most of all a mind-set of strong collaboration.