Programme Implementation

The implementation of the Life Science Ambassador Programme is being accomplished in three phases.

Phase I

The first phase of the programme was initiated in the beginning of 2008 with the exchange of Ambassadors with the Kobe-Kansai cluster in Japan. The first phase of the programme was considered a proof-of-concept phase and justified the further implementation of the programme.

Phase II

The second phase of the programme includes three additional exchanges, where agreements with British Columbia, Canada and Seoul, South Korea were signed and implemented during 2009. Boston, USA will be the third exchange with the signing of an agreement in May 2010 and expected posting of an ambassador in the end of 2010. The second phase of the programme has demonstrated the expected synergies intended by the Programme, which encouraged discussions and negotiations with the remaining regions.

Phase III

The third phase of the project will commence in 2011, and at this point discussions are underway with Israel and North Carolina, USA.