Government engagement with the life sciences industry
The Ministerial Industry Strategy Group (MISG) and the Ministerial Medical Technology Strategy Group (MMTSG) are high-level fora for discussion of issues of significant importance to the UK life sciences industry. BIS Ministers are members of MISG and MMTSG and the OLS is represented on the working groups.
The Senior Industry Group (SIG) provides a forum for cross-sector discussion with Government, through membership from the pharmaceutical, medical biotechnology, medical technology and diagnostic sectors. It is co-chaired by David Willetts and Lord Howe, and its aim is to consider the key barriers to investment in the UK and what action could be taken by Government to address them. This includes monitoring, and where necessary, providing evidence-based challenge to the implementation of policy measures across the life sciences value chain.
BIS is also a Member of the NHS Life Sciences Innovation Delivery Board, alongside representatives from the NHS, industry and the Department of Health. The Board meets approximately 5 times a year and is chaired by Mike Farrar, Chief Executive of the North West Strategic Health Authority.
The Board's objectives are:
- To ensure the systematic adoption and uptake of cost effective medicines and medical/diagnostic technologies
- To increase the attractiveness of the NHS as a site for research and development
- To increase the spread of best practice and uptake in support of improving NHS quality, productivity, and efficiency
- To improve the strategic relationship between the NHS and the life sciences industry
