ABPI response to Life Science Competitiveness Indicators
The government has published new data on the life science sector in the UK and other countries.
It’s great to see UK life sciences continuing to punch above its weight. The investment in R&D that the sector makes will be critical to the economy as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic. Richard Torbett
The Life Science Competitiveness Indicators 2020 show that the UK's life sciences sector is a crucial pillar of the UK economy: generating almost £81 billion in annual turnover in 2019 and employing over 250,000 people across the country.
In response, Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI, said:
"It’s great to see UK life sciences continuing to punch above its weight. The investment in R&D that the sector makes will be critical to the economy as we recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
"However, it’s vital that these innovations make it to NHS patients quickly.
"The statistics show that we are often slower off the mark than other European countries to get the latest new medicines to patients. We welcome renewed efforts and focus by the government to improving this and we will work with them and the NHS to make this a reality."
The new data comes as the ABPI and seven other industry trade bodies unite to call on the Chancellor to update R&D rules to help release further growth in tech and advanced manufacturing sectors.
- Life Sciences
Last modified: 20 September 2023
Last reviewed: 20 September 2023
