On 16 October 2025, Science|Business is holding a hybrid event on “Healthy competition: Can Europe regain its global edge in life sciences?”. The conference brings together policymakers, research leaders, and industry experts to examine the challenges and opportunities for Europe in building a globally competitive life sciences ecosystem. SmartCHANGE will take part in this discussion, leading the Stay Healthy Cluster to showcase how AI and innovation can strengthen Europe’s life sciences sector.
Europe aims to boost its competitiveness in strategic industries and technologies, with life sciences, particularly human health and bio-based innovation, as a key test of its global leadership. While the continent has world-class research institutions and infrastructures, turning these strengths into globally competitive products and services remains a challenge, due to fragmented R&I ecosystems, complex regulatory frameworks, and investment hurdles.
This conference will explore how Europe can translate these strategic objectives into action. The programme includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, and sessions on innovation, clinical trials, and the role of AI in health and life sciences, showcasing how research, policy, and emerging technologies can work together to restore Europe’s global edge.
SmartCHANGE at the event
SmartCHANGE will lead the Stay Healthy Cluster during the 11:45 session “Unlocking Europe’s potential: Does AI hold the key for boosting competitiveness?”.
The session will showcase how AI, integrated with Europe’s world-class research infrastructures, can drive innovation in health and life sciences. Martijn Vastenburg (ConnectedCare) and Robin Lemmens (KU Leuven) will share insights from SmartCHANGE and TRUSTroke, demonstrating how AI can:
- Support health professionals and citizens in reducing long-term NCD risks in children and adolescents.
- Assist clinicians, patients, and caregivers in managing acute and chronic phases of ischemic stroke.
The session will also feature contributions from Anca Scortariu (Deputy Head of Unit, AI in Health and Life Sciences, DG CNECT, European Commission), Plamena Markova (Chief of International Relations, European Molecular Biology Laboratory), and Carl Moons (Full Professor, UMC Utrecht), providing a diverse perspective from policy, research, and clinical practice.
The discussion will highlight trustworthy, privacy-preserving AI solutions, personalised prevention and care strategies, inter-hospital benchmarking, and the benefits of collaboration between the two projects in advancing digital health, risk prediction, and ethical AI development.
Registration
Don’t miss the opportunity to join this discussion on Europe’s life sciences competitiveness. You can attend in Brussels or follow the event online from anywhere. Reserve your place today.