The Idea Behind

Geographically, well-known life sciences hubs are concentrated around major, knowledge-based clusters. Companies and research institutions located within a particular cluster often have a very good understanding of their own cluster and are well connected with each other. However, without a permanent means to communicate and connect the various geographical hubs, companies and organisations elsewhere in the world are not made aware of the advancements made by other clusters and what opportunities might be available.

The lack of information on other clusters' stakeholders and achievements increases the total amount of transaction costs within life sciences significantly. Access to international research data and global partnerships are vital drivers for the future success of research-based organisations. Universities and life science companies benefit from identifying possible international collaborations with the purpose of sharing and saving costs. Participating clusters and their companies and institutions all benefit from the engagement in international initiatives to exchanging skills and competences, and contributing to cross-exploitation of accumulated knowledge.

Further, innovative knowledge-based companies are dependent on access to venture capital. The future success of high-technology clusters will strongly depend on the ability of the cluster's companies to engage in appropriate partnerships to find international financial backing.

The lack of information is caused by the informal and sometimes random knowledge flow between the clusters. In order to maximize on the potential opportunities from global partnerships, it is imperative to establish a programme designed to facilitate communication and collaboration between the geographical hubs of the life science clusters.

The Life Science Ambassador Programme will bridge the communication gap between the clusters and create an overview of potential partners and technologies on a global basis and help organisations find the right knowledge and information in a timely and cost-efficient manner.

To remain competitive, companies and organisations need to be alive to the potential opportunities and synergies that international partnerships may be able to create. When the Life Science Ambassador Programme is fully implemented with twelve of the world's most innovative and prosperous life science clusters, it will be the gateway for life science companies and organisations to connect with each other globally.