Healthcare innovation: Gathering of Leaders and Experts
Healthcare innovation took centre stage at a forum held at the University of Cyprus on 2 March, where policymakers, business leaders, and academics convened to discuss its role in enhancing European competitiveness. This event, titled “Healthcare Innovation as a Catalyst for EU Competitiveness,” was particularly timely as Cyprus prepares to assume the presidency of the EU Council.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Collaboration Among Key Organisations
The forum was co-organised by the Cyprus Swiss Business Circle, Novartis Cyprus, and the UCy School of Economics and Management, with the backing of the Swiss Embassy in Cyprus. This collaborative effort aimed to highlight the importance of healthcare innovation in the broader context of European economic growth.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Insights from Notable Speakers
Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry Michalis Damianos and former EU Health Commissioner Stella Kyriakidou both addressed the attendees, emphasising the strategic significance of health and biotechnology for driving European growth. Their remarks underscored the necessity for innovative healthcare solutions in maintaining the EU’s global competitiveness.
Among the speakers were Swiss Ambassador Christoph Burgener, President of the Cyprus Swiss Business Circle Kyriacos Metaxas, and Novartis Cyprus and Malta President Fabio Sperandei. Each contributed their perspectives on the intersection of healthcare innovation and economic development.
Keynote Address on European Biotech
The keynote address was delivered by Wojciech Nowak, Executive Director for Global Public Affairs at Novartis International. His talk, titled “The Competitiveness of the European Biotech Sector – Navigating Polarities,” provided a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities facing the biotech sector in Europe.
Nowak discussed critical aspects such as research funding, clinical development, regulatory frameworks, and patient access to innovation. He pointed out that biotechnology significantly contributes to the economy, job creation, and research and development investment, making it a cornerstone of future growth.
Roundtable Discussion on Sustainable Development
Aroundtable discussion followed the keynote address, featuring Prof. Sofronis Clerides, Dean of the UCy School of Economics and Management, and Dr Marianna Prokopi Demetriades, a biotech entrepreneur. Together with Nowak, they explored how healthcare innovation can bolster sustainable development, promote social cohesion, and enhance EU competitiveness.
The dialogue highlighted the need for collaborative efforts across sectors to create a supportive environment for healthcare innovations that are both economically viable and socially beneficial. Participants engaged in a lively exchange of views, reflecting the diverse perspectives on the future of healthcare innovation in Europe.
A Call for Continued Engagement
The forum concluded with a call for continued engagement among stakeholders in the healthcare sector. The discussions underscored the importance of fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration to address the pressing health challenges facing European societies today.
As Cyprus prepares for its presidency of the EU Council, the insights gained from this forum may serve as a foundation for future policies aimed at strengthening the role of healthcare innovation in the European landscape.
