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Introduction
Italy is one of the world leaders in Life Sciences market, being the third largest industry in Europe after Germany and France (Source: IMS 2011), both in terms of turnover and number of employees. Italy’s companies cover the whole market spectrum including Pharmaceuticals, Biotechnology, Biomedical applications, Bioinformatics, Biomechanics and Nanobiotechnology, integrated with traditionally strong Italian sectors such as Agro-Food, Chemicals and Textiles.
On a world scale, the Italian pharmaceuticals market ranks fifth for total sales (pharmacies + hospitals), thus providing a relevant driver for biotech development in the Country. Furthermore, in line with other western European countries, healthcare provision in Italy proves advanced and ensures universal access. The population size ensures that the Italian pharmaceuticals market remains quite relevant and attractive. More specifically, whilst the overall population is declining, the over-65 ratio has already attained 20.4% and is set to further rise with a corresponding increase in chronic and long-term medical conditions, which will inevitably raise demand for pharmaceuticals. (Source: Espicom 2010)
