Infection Control – mapping of strongholds in West Sweden

Following the increased concerns surrounding healthcare-associated infections, Infection prevention and control has become an increasingly more important, and regulated, top priority. A priority that has become even more accentuated during the ongoing coronavirus outbreak.                 

Mapping the strongholds in West Sweden

Effective infection control calls for joint efforts and cross-sector collaboration. Awareness about actors, initiatives, infrastructure etc. with relevance for the area is therefore of high importance to facilitate development and implementation of new innovations to address this global health issue. On this topic, a report was recently published in collaboration with Business Region Göteborg mapping actors in the field of Infection control in West Sweden.

The full report can be accessed here.

“A true industrial stronghold within Infection control”

West Sweden represents a true industrial stronghold within Infection control with 60+ companies active within the field, including world leading companies such as Getinge, Mölnlycke, Essity and AstraZeneca. Together these companies cover the broad spectrum of Infection control with presence in 150+ countries. The presence of major global companies represents a unique regional strength, and combined with innovative, fast growing companies often originating from research in the region, creates an industrial stronghold within Infection control.

The region has a strong cluster for research, healthcare, and life science in general which are supported by incubators and science parks. The strong cluster creates excellent conditions for innovations which companies and startups can thrive in.

Prominent research and cross-sector collaborations

Science is the backbone of life science innovation. West Sweden has prominent academic research with leading researchers and a wide range of infrastructure for research and testing. The region has been selected among Nordic countries to host a Nordic Master’s Degree Education in microbiology, Infection control and hospital hygiene due to its close contact with hospitals and teachers’ high competency.

“Since 2018, 90+ projects have been started and 300+ MSEK granted”

The research activity is high with many cross-sector collaborations. Since 2018, 90+ projects have been started and 300+ MSEK granted, with 60+ clinical studies ongoing or recruiting. 50+ clinical trials have been approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority related to COVID-19 which showcase the ability to swiftly adapt and focus joint efforts.

A continued top-priority

With leading companies, innovative startups, and excellent academic and clinical research within Infection control, West Sweden excels in the area. Given this prominent position and related opportunities, Infection control has been identified as an area of excellence for West Sweden in the ambitious Health Innovation West initiative (more information here). The target is set to create a world class life science cluster.