Vienna is home to quite a number of companies and world renowned research institutions focusing on bio technology, pharmaceuticals and medical technology. In fact, more than 60 percent of these firms located in Austria operate in the capital city. It is no surprise then that more Viennese are employed in the life sciences sector.
A new report released by life science cluster organization LISAvienna showed the significance of this particular sector in the city. The Vienna Life Science Report revealed a growing number of jobs in the Austrian capital. In fact, more than 35,000 people are currently working in this field.
In 2012 alone, it was noted that more than 21,000 people were employed by 378 companies in the life sciences sector. These companies operate in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical and medical technology fields.
In addition to this figure are the almost 14,300 people working in the 25 research institutions which have attracted numerous international workers from abroad. These staff were instrumental in publishing over 5,700 publications and supervising more than 38,000 students.
Areas of focus of these institutions include infectious diseases, oncology and respiratory disorders. Interestingly, some 22 drugs were developed in Vienna in 2012.
International biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies have set up their headquarters in Vienna with some of them having signed cooperation agreements.
Also giving this sector a boost is the upcoming major event called BIO-Europe to be held in the city in November. This is considered the largest conference on international biotechnology partnering which is expected to gather some 3,000 participants from more than 50 countries worldwide.
