Catalonia and the Swedish region of Västra Götaland strengthen cooperation between their health ecosystems in advanced therapies

The Government of Catalonia's Delegation to the Nordic and Baltic Countries, together with Biocat, organized an institutional and industry mission to Gothenburg (Sweden) aimed at strengthening cooperation between the life sciences ecosystems of Catalonia and the Västra Götaland region. The visit, held on November 9 and 10, brought together around 70 Catalan and Swedish professionals, including representatives from public institutions, hospitals, research centers, specialized facilities, and companies, to explore new opportunities for collaboration in advanced therapies, clinical research, health data, and European R&D programs.

The meeting, supported by the Government of Catalonia's Departments of Foreign Action and European Union and Health, helped consolidate the relationships established in recent years between Catalonia and Västra Götaland and identify specific areas for collaboration in clinical translation, advanced therapy manufacturing, clinical trials, biomanufacturing, and joint participation in European initiatives. The Catalan delegation included representatives from the Department of Health through the Agency for Health Quality and Assessment of Catalonia (AQuAS); Biocat; Sant Joan de Déu, Vall d’Hebron, and Sant Pau hospitals; the Blood and Tissue Bank; and the company Reig Jofre.

The Secretary for Foreign Action, Agustí Fernández de Losada, emphasized that "the Government of Catalonia firmly believes that Europe's strategic autonomy in healthcare is also built at the regional level. Europe already has significant capabilities in research, innovation, and the development of healthcare technologies. What we need is to better connect, strengthen, and expand these capabilities. Cooperation between Catalonia and Västra Götaland is an example of how regions can contribute to a more competitive, more resilient Europe that is better equipped to address future challenges."

The Government of Catalonia's Delegate to the Nordic and Baltic Countries, José Luis Martos, noted that the meeting had strengthened the existing institutional relationship between Catalonia and Västra Götaland and helped identify opportunities to develop a lasting strategic partnership. “We are two regions with very strong life sciences ecosystems, significant research capabilities, and a clear ambition to turn knowledge into social and economic value,” said the delegate. 

For his part, Biocat CEO Robert Fabregat added that "the challenges related to scaling up, manufacturing, sustainability, and access to advanced therapies are shared across Europe. The solutions and the ways we address these challenges must also be shared, and we will find them by working collaboratively. In this dialogue and search for synergies, Sweden, and particularly the Västra Götaland region, is a key partner for Catalonia, with whom we want to collaborate and move forward together in addressing these global challenges."

The mission to Gothenburg focused primarily on advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), considered one of the areas with the greatest transformative potential for European healthcare systems. Clinical research, the use of health data, and European cooperation complemented the agenda as key enablers of future collaborations.

During the two-day visit, the delegation toured GoCo Health Innovation City, located in Mölndal, on the outskirts of Gothenburg. This collaborative ecosystem brings together companies, researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, and universities dedicated to innovation in areas such as healthcare, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and digital health.

The visit included the laboratory of CCRM Nordic, a nonprofit organization that helps researchers, startups, and biotechnology companies turn advanced therapy projects into treatments for patients. The delegation also visited the facilities of pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

Through this mission, the Government of Catalonia and Biocat are helping strengthen the international visibility of Catalonia's healthcare and biomedical innovation ecosystem and advancing the development of European partnerships aimed at creating new therapeutic solutions for the public.