TransBIB presents: Euroregion Basel

From vision to reality: the strategic development of the Basel region

The trinational metropolitan region of Basel (Switzerland-France-Germany) has developed into a leading European centre for biotechnology and sustainable business in recent years. Building on a strong life sciences, pharmaceutical and chemical industry, Basel is pursuing a consistent strategy that combines research, innovation and industrial implementation in the bioeconomy.
With numerous international companies, research institutions and innovation networks, the region has a powerful ecosystem that is driving new developments in the fields of biobased chemicals, sustainable bioproduction, synthetic biology, food tech and agrotech.

The bioeconomy landscape of the Basel Area is characterised by a close interlinking of science and industry. The regional vision aims to further develop the location into an international bioeconomy hub and strengthen bio-based value chains.

The initial spark: setting the political course and first steps

The development of the bioeconomy in the Basel region is closely linked to its tradition in the chemical, pharmaceutical and life sciences industries. With companies such as Roche, Novartis, Bayer, Sandoz, BASF Switzerland, Weleda, Johnson & Johnson or Syngenta, Basel has an exceptionally dense industrial base.
Biotechnological research and transfer structures have been continuously expanded in the region since the 2000s. Important impetus comes from institutions such as the Biozentrum and the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Basel, the Friedrich Miescher Institute (FMI), the FHNW School of Life Sciences and Agroscope, which together create the scientific basis for bio-based innovations.

The role of research, networks and companies

The Basel Area has a unique density of research and network structures:

• FMI, Biozentrum Basel and the University of Basel are among the leading biomedical and biopharmaceutical research institutions in Europe.

• The FHNW School of Life Sciences specialises in applied research in biotechnology, process engineering and sustainable production methods.

• Agroscope develops innovative processes for food technology and sustainable agriculture.

• Networks such as BioValley Basel, Scienceindustries, the Life Sciences Cluster Basel and the Swiss Biotech Association promote dialogue between companies, research, administration and the public.

• Start-up and investment programmes such as BaseLaunch accelerate the market entry of bio-based innovations.

This dense structure of research, industry and politics enables the translation of scientific findings into industrial applications - from biopharmaceutical products to bio-based materials and green chemistry.

Implementation and economic significance

With around 1.3 million inhabitants in the tri-national metropolitan region and around 20,000 employees in bioeconomic activities, the region generates an annual turnover of around CHF 7.3 billion (as of 2023). Basel is regarded as Switzerland's No. 1 biotech hotspot and is one of the most important life sciences regions in Europe.

In addition to large corporations, start-ups and SMEs are increasingly shaping the region's innovation profile - for example in the areas of bio-based materials, sustainable packaging, alternative proteins and fermentation technologies. Companies such as KUORI and Mycrobez are examples of the shift towards sustainable business models.

Political support is provided through programmes of the cantons of Basel-Stadt, Basel-Landschaft and Jura as well as through national funding from Innosuisse and scienceindustries. The Basel Area Business & Innovation initiative plays a central role here as an interface for business promotion, investment and knowledge transfer.

International visibility and future prospects

The Basel region has a high level of international visibility within the European bioeconomy. As part of the tri-national Upper Rhine region, it is closely integrated into international research and innovation structures via networks such as BioValley Basel and scienceindustries. Regular events such as the Innovation Days or start-up showcases in the Switzerland Innovation Park Basel Area strengthen the cross-border exchange between science, industry and investors.
In the future, the region aims to further expand its role as a leading centre for sustainable biomanufacturing processes, deepen international cooperation in the bioeconomy and strengthen bio-based value chains across national borders.

Timeline of the most important milestones