In this episode of the Vital Health Podcast, host Duane Schulthess sits down with Jenni Nordborg, Director of International Affairs at The Swedish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry (LIF), to explore how national and European policies intersect to shape life sciences innovation. They discuss Sweden’s holistic governance model, the strategic framing of healthcare spending as an investment, and the challenges of aligning regional autonomy with EU‑wide regulatory frameworks.

Key Topics:
- National Strategy Spotlight: Sweden’s comprehensive life sciences strategy underscores government priorities and creates cross‑ministerial governance for innovation.  
- Regional Autonomy Dynamics: Balancing national directives with regional healthcare mandates enables tailored implementation and closer patient engagement.  
- Funding as Investment: Reframing healthcare budgets as long‑term investments is illustrated by Sweden’s hepatitis C program and emerging prevention initiatives.  
- Governance and Collaboration: The Office for Life Sciences and public‑private partnerships align industry, academia, and policymakers for cohesive action.  
- EU Policy Intersection: Navigating Europe’s complex regulatory landscape - from data protection periods to strategic autonomy - reveals opportunities to accelerate R&D and access.

This episode uncovers the strategic mechanisms behind Sweden’s success in life sciences and offers a roadmap for harmonizing national and EU policies to boost innovation and patient access. It’s essential listening for policymakers, industry leaders, and healthcare stakeholders seeking practical guidance on aligning governance, funding, and regulation for sustainable pharmaceutical advancements.