Scottish Government Sets Out Life Sciences Export Plan

The Scottish government has published a plan that it hopes will bolster life sciences sales overseas, including a strong focus on the US market.

Already accounting for 80 per cent of turnover in the sector, exports in areas such as heath tech and new medical devices could see much more growth, according to trade minister Ivan McKee.

Hailing the fact that the sector in Scotland is “already an export success story, with the majority of its products destined for the overseas market,” he stated: “There is huge growth potential, and we want to do everything possible to support the industry as it looks to expand and target new markets.”

Mr McKee added: “The US has been identified as a priority market for pharma services, medical technology and digital health – based on the scale of the market, ease of doing business and openness to innovation.” However, the minister noted that the focus would not be limited to trying to increase exports to America, with the rest of the world also seen as offering potential growth.

As well as seeking to maximise export opportunities, other priorities include promoting “innovation and expertise” to help firms enter and grow in major export markets and the holding of networking events to help companies share stories of success and best practice.

The plan has been drawn up between officials at Holyrood, Scottish Development International and the Industry Leadership Group for Life Sciences. It is part of a wider plan to raise exports to 25 per cent of Scotland’s gross domestic product by 2029.

This strategy, known as ‘A Trading Nation’, was originally launched in 2019. It is not directly linked to or contingent on the Scottish government’s economic case for independence, a matter on which the Supreme Court has just ruled Holyrood does not have the unilateral power to call a referendum.