Drug Discovery and Development Resource and Competence Network

Purpose and goal

The aim of the project is to develop strategies and working practices in Discovery and Development with a view of facilitating and strengthening long-term strategic alliances between different universities and the life science industry. Discussions with universities, organizations and industry have pointed at the importance of improving the competence in drug discovery and development in the academic sector. This will also strengthen the ability of the universities to formulate powerful strategies and models for corporate alliances. A continued project has been defined.

Results and expected effects

An expected outcome of the suggested scope of the project is an additional strengthening of the collaboration between several universities while at the same time compentecies important to Sweden in Drug Discovery and development are maintained and developed. All together possibilities of establishing productive strategic collaborations with life science companies will improve which can benefit positively growth of the Swedish life science sector.

Approach and implementation

Potential partners from academy, public agencies, strategic initiatives and industry focusing on Drug Discovery and Development were initially identified. Constructive and detailed discussions were then initiated with a view of defining scope, planning and continued execution of the project. In close collaboration with Uppsala University and the top management at Karolinska Institutet a plan for a national research school was developed. A market and business analysis has provided ideas about how resources and competencies can be utilized for industrial collaborations.