Nefarma: Proglobalists unite (in the Netherlands)!

Globalisation in the area of life sciences applications in pharmaceuticals and healthcare is a serious business. We have to prepare for losing some activities and to exert ourselves in attracting others. In this struggle, knowing your strong points is essential. The Dutch are good at managing international scientific consortia, and play leading roles in international patients’ organisations. We are not easily blinded by national pride, are pragmatic and direct. The Dutch also have a good grasp of clinical studies, and have pioneered new forms of public-private partnerships. All this is to be exploited to the utmost. Areas that are still weak include discontinuities in the government support along product development timelines. In addition, governmental oversight agencies still see themselves primarily in a policing role. But mutual support between entrepreneurial and regulatory/inspection authorities should increase if the Netherlands is to move up in the EU innovation ranking.

Speaker: Dr Michel Dutrée, director Nefarma

Michel Dutrée (1958) is General Manager of NEFARMA, the Dutch innovative medicines association. He studied medicine and healthcare economics at Erasmus University Rotterdam, and did a PhD on introduction of advanced medical technology. He also took a grade at INSEAD University. Starting as a secretary to the board of University Hospital Leiden, he continued as managing director of Berenschot Healthcare Consultancy. He also spent 5 years as CEO of healthcare research, consultancy and IT firm Prismant. Presently he is also a board member of VNO/NCW (Dutch employers organisation) and council member of IFPMA (international pharmaceutical industry association).

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