Key figures for the German biotechnology sector remain at a high level

While turnover is around 3 per cent lower than in 2021 at €25 billion, investment in research and development (R&D) remains stable at €3.8 billion. BioNTech SE is making a significant contribution to these high figures with its vaccine products and increasing R&D investments. However, the number of companies headquartered in Germany has stagnated at 750, although significantly more skilled workers have been hired. At around 47,400, the number of employees in 2022 is ten per cent higher than in the previous year. This is the result of a survey of the 727 private biotech companies published today by the biotechnology industry association BIO Deutschland, as well as data from the 23 German listed companies.

Oliver Schacht, CEO of BIO Deutschland, says: „The current key figures for our industry continue to show the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Turnover and R&D investments are still very high compared to before the pandemic. The considerable increase in personnel is probably also partly an effect of the high demand for biotechnological expertise during the pandemic. But not only that. BioNTech is now stepping up its research into the use of mRNA technology in the treatment of cancer, for example. Other companies are also expanding. Alongside this positive news, however, we are concerned that the number of companies is not increasing. We would like to see better dynamics here, as this would also further improve technology transfer. To achieve this, we need a stronger „Third Mission“ at universities, but also sensible funding programmes and incentives for investment in innovative start-ups.“

Viola Bronsema, Managing Director of BIO Deutschland, adds: „The increase in the number of employees is a good sign and shows that the industry is growing. Unfortunately, however, there is also a shortage of qualified specialists. We should take countermeasures here. It must become easier to recruit attractive skilled workers from abroad. Technical training occupations also urgently need to be upgraded again, as do STEM subjects in schools. With biotechnology as a cross-sectional and key technology, our industry offers highly qualified, future-proof jobs for Germany. It is worth securing them.“

Article from "Bio Deutschland" from 01/06/2023