Lisa Goodman
Senior Public Affairs Executive, BioPharmaChem Ireland, Ibec
A successful National Life Sciences Strategy demands not only political commitment but also a strategic, needs-driven approach to its development and implementation.
After sustained advocacy from the biopharmachem sector, the Irish Government has committed to developing a National Life Sciences Strategy as part of its 2025 Programme for Government. Their goal: to ensure the sector remains globally competitive while taking a coherent, future-focused approach to opportunity.
Life sciences strategy needed amid challenges
Ireland’s life sciences sector has long been a cornerstone of the economy. The biopharmachem industry alone supports over 80,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes more than €116 billion annually in exports, making it the country’s most valuable export category.
This long-awaited commitment is a welcome first step. As economic and geopolitical uncertainty continues, Ireland’s position as a global leader in life sciences is no longer guaranteed. Regulatory complexity, talent shortages, energy and infrastructure constraints and insufficient public R&D funding are hindering biopharmachem ecosystem development. A strong strategy must be built with these challenges in mind.
For the strategy to succeed, it
must reflect the full breadth
of issues facing the sector.
The right scope, the right voices
For the strategy to succeed, it must reflect the full breadth of issues facing the sector. That requires more than input from industry and the health system; it calls for meaningful involvement from multiple departments and agencies. A cross-departmental, cross-agency approach that reflects the breadth of sector challenges will ensure alignment, reduce silos and position Ireland to lead internationally.
Execution is as important as vision
Clarity around implementation is essential. The strategy must be underpinned by a well-resourced, cross-government implementation group that includes industry stakeholders. This body should guide delivery, anticipate risks, and respond proactively to developments, particularly at the EU level.
As major EU policy initiatives on life sciences take shape, Ireland needs a mechanism to shape upstream policy in a way that aligns with national health and industrial priorities. The direction is clear. With our track record and expertise, Ireland has what it takes. What’s needed now is a cohesive, future-focused plan that ensures our leadership in life sciences is not only maintained but strengthened for decades to come.
