Europe can become a bioengineering powerhouse with these three changes

Key Points:

• Europe is falling behind in bioengineering, a critical sector in biomedicine, with fewer than ten autonomous bioengineering departments in the EU27 compared to over 100 in the US and China, and no EU universities in the top 30 global rankings for biomedical engineering.
• Investment in European biotechnology is significantly lower than in the US and China, with EU biotech companies attracting $11.5 billion in 2023 versus $57 billion and $21 billion respectively.
• Experts call for a coordinated European bioengineering agenda focusing on building academic excellence by establishing dedicated bioengineering departments, recruiting specialized staff, and developing curricula that combine technical skills with medical ethics and regulation knowledge.
• To foster innovation and retain talent, the EU should create dedicated funding schemes and review panels for bioengineering research, encourage public-private partnerships, offer tax incentives, and streamline regulatory approval processes for biomedical technologies.
• Recognizing and promoting bioengineering achievements through societies and awards can enhance the field’s visibility and attractiveness, helping Europe build a competitive ecosystem for medical technology and biotechnology companies.