Monday, October 19, 2009
The Netherlands must now make plans to benefit optimally during the coming decades from research and innovation in the life sciences. The book 'Partners in the Polder' is an important step in that direction. Under supervision of the Netherlands Genomics Initiative (NGI), the principal players in the field of life sciences – including NWO - put their heads together. The result: a design for intensive cooperation in the life sciences: Partners in the Polder.
Together with the other members of the Task Force Life Sciences (NWO-CW, NWO-ALW, ZonMw and STW), NGI initiated a critical review of the life science field. "Partners in the Polder" not only paints a picture of the future of life sciences, its authors also challenge themselves to secure the possible benefits that lie ahead.
"Partners in the Polder" champions the Netherlands as a strong bioregion that can compete on equal terms with powerhouses like the Bay Area in San Francisco. Scientists, industry and national government must combine their forces through a limited number of partnerships.
Life Sciences will play an increasingly important economic and social role in Netherlands Plc. "Partners in the Polder" shows how vital it is to make sustained investment in Life Sciences. Policy should be geared to the long-term, building forth on existing strengths.
"Partners in the Polder" will be represented on 20 October during the Life Sciences Momentum 2009. During this day, extensive attention will also be given to the contents of this book. Starting 20 October, the book can be downloaded via www.lifesciences2020.nl.