The future of EU industrial policy

In his keynote address, Antti Peltomäki, Deputy Director-General, DG GROW, pragmatically assessed the state of Europe’s industry, which has bounced back since the financial crisis but remains hindered by uneven growth and a significant skills and innovation gap. Progress can be made through collaboration with businesses and developing a common agenda.

During a panel discussion on the role of life sciences in the EU’s industrial policy, participants debated the many challenges facing the European healthcare industry. Innovation was promoted as both a goal and solution, achieved through investment in new technological advances such as robotics, a strategic approach to public procurement and the removal of national access barriers.

Speakers included:

Lieve Wierinck, MEP (ALDE, BE)

David Blanchard, Deputy Head of Unit, Innovative and e-procurement, DG GROW, European Commission

Serge Bernasconi, CEO, MedTech Europe

Simone Boselli, Public Affairs Director, EURORDIS - Rare Diseases Europe

Moderator: Alexander Roediger, Chair of AmCham EU Healthcare Committee; Policy Lead - Oncology, Europe, Middle East, Africa, Canada (EMEAC)