UK life sciences industry overview
The UK life sciences industry is an example of a high-tech and innovative industry where excellence in science is translated into commercial success, requiring highly-skilled workers and strong collaboration between the industry, academia and the public sector. The industry contributes to UK economic growth, as well as bringing broader social and environmental benefits, through its contribution to the deliver of high-quality healthcare, modern manufacturing and industrial processes, and the transition to a low carbon economy.
Healthcare
The UK healthcare industry (pharma, medical biotechnology and medical technology sectors) employs over 100,000 people, largely in highly skilled jobs, in companies ranging from large multi-nationals to SMEs. The industry invested over £4.4 billion in R&D in the UK in 2009, over 28 per cent of all business R&D. It also generated over £10 billion in value added in 2009, representing over 7 per cent of total manufacturing. It is also a major exporter, with 2009 exports of pharmaceuticals and medical technologies accounting for over £24 billion.
Biotechnology
Biotechnology is a platform technology that has several applications in health, industry and primary production. The share of economic output derived from the use of biotechnology in these areas is known as the bio-economy. Biotechnology is increasingly being used in industrial applications. In the UK chemical sector alone, the application of biotechnology is estimated to be worth up to £12bn by 2025.
The UK has 64 companies whose primary business activity is to develop biotechnologies that can be applied to industrial uses. These companies together generate sales of £230m per year based on the latest financial data and employ 1,600 people
