Editorial:

Øresund Region Sets an Example to the Entire EU

Øresund Science Region has just been awarded the RegioStars Award and receives recognition as the number one region in Europe when it comes to clustering, network and integration among the regional players.

A few weeks ago, the Danish-Swedish cross-border initiative Øresund Science Region was awarded the prestigious EU RegioStars Award in the category "Supporting clusters and business networks". With this award, the Øresund region is recognised as the number one region in Europe when it comes to clustering, network and integration among the regional players. According to the RegioStars jury, Øresund Science Region sets an example to the entire European Union with its unique triple helix approach, which means involvement of both government, academia and industry. MVA operates with the same approach with our member base founded in the hospital sector, industry and academia.

One of Europe's Most Innovative Regional Projects

RegioStars Awards is a celebration of Europe's most innovative regional projects that support sustainable regional development and a knowledge based regional economy. 71 project applications were submitted by 18 EU member states, out of which 26 were short-listed by an independent jury of experts. When choosing Øresund Science Region as the winner, the jury said:

- This project has had real impact and has overcome language, legislative and physical barriers by building inter-regional partnerships that have previously been non-existent. It is an excellent example of a bottom-up triple helix approach. The project has a good administrative foundation, good working partnerships and is a good example of successful networking.

MVA is proud to be part of this successful regional project.

The Interest in Medicon Valley is Rising Steadily

The triple helix approach is widely known around the world. When MVA hosts international delegations or receives international enquiries about research and business in Medicon Valley, there is always a great interest in the involvement of both public and private players in a bi-national triple helix setting. A remarkable strength for everyone in Medicon Valley is that the region's research and business community is now integrated as one entity with ties, relations and collaborations between Sweden and Denmark, as well as between public & private, big & small and core & peripheral positions in the life science value chain.

MVA's cluster development projects could not be carried out without the support from our members and we welcome anyone who wishes to get involved. This work pays off and we are pleased to see a steadily rising interest in the Medicon Valley cluster as whole, in the various therapeutic areas, in the new companies moving forward in their clinical trials and in the strong, regional scientific base. We attribute this rising interest not only to our own efforts within life science, but also to the general cross-border integration effort carried out by all players in the Øresund Science Region. The RegioStars Award proves the value of this effort, so let's keep up the good work.

Kind regards,

Stig Jørgensen, CEO

sj@mva.org

Further information about the RegioStars Award:

• Read the article about the RegioStars Award
• Read more about the RegioStars Award at the EU webportal