Open data: A driving force for innovation in the life sciences

Abstract

Scientific discoveries never appear on green fields in isolation; knowledge generated by others underpin them. But how can we foster collaborative environments, and what are the key components of success, particularly after years of digital transformation in the life science sector? This report demonstrates that access to open, free resources, such as data and software, is the underlying basis for breakthrough discoveries, scientific excellence and entrepreneurial endeavours. Studying three different European innovation ecosystems – Cambridge, Berlin and Barcelona –, the report explores the factors and actors that contribute to the success of these ecosystems. For example, it examines entrepreneurs that bridge academia and industry, companies that use open resources, and public infrastructure providers that engage in public-private partnerships. The report also features case studies of two innovation-driven European SMEs, Scailyte and SciBite , each with a different business model and use of open data.