Strengthening ATMP competence in west Sweden
Sahlgrenska Science Park is leading a pre-study project, part of West Sweden's smart transition initiative, addressing the need for unique skills in advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs). ATMPs, including gene, cell and tissue-based therapies, are transforming modern healthcare. At the same time, they require highly specialised skills across research, manufacturing, regulation and clinical implementation. Across Europe, and particularly in Sweden, stakeholders report growing workforce shortages that risk slowing innovation and adoption.
The Skills Supply for Future Medicines pre-study addresses this challenge by mobilising the life science ecosystem in West Sweden to identify critical competence needs within the ATMP field. By bringing together universities, healthcare providers, industry and public actors, the initiative aims to develop a coordinated and well-anchored work plan for long-term skills development between 2024–2027.
From skills mapping to structured implementation
The pre-study focuses on two core questions:
What specific competence needs are emerging within advanced therapy medicinal products?
What coordinated actions are required to meet these needs sustainably?
The objective is not only to map current gaps, but to establish a shared platform and governance structure that enables long-term collaboration, education development and workforce readiness in advanced therapies.
Foto: Getty Images
The challenge
The global race in ATMP development has led to a shortage of specialised skills, with Swedish SMEs and public actors facing growing recruitment challenges.
The opportunity
Advanced therapies based on cells, tissues and genes offer the potential to transform healthcare and cure previously incurable diseases.
The solution
Through coordinated collaboration between universities, industry and healthcare, West Sweden is strengthening ATMP workforce capacity and long-term skills supply.
