working for the benefit of the region . By working together , the region has everything it needs to tackle the big challenges it is facing , be best prepared for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow and has something to offer other regions and countries overseas . Working in a pan-sector and cross-organisational way to tackle health inequalities at place level is just one such example of the opportunity : a challenge which simply couldn ’ t be addressed by organisations working in isolation . However , despite the unique breadth and depth of assets within the region , we mustn ’ t be complacent , we need to continue building for the future and growing the health innovation ecosystem and its role in creating and driving an inclusive economy .
Over the past 12 months , we have worked hard to bring together regional partners at place level to better understand how to utilise the region ’ s assets to tackle some of the big opportunities and challenges , as well as focussing on the work we ’ re doing to continue growing and raising the profile of Yorkshire and
Humber ’ s health and life sciences innovation ecosystem .
Driving inclusive economic growth
The North ’ s life sciences economy is estimated to be £ 13.6bn in size and home to 21 % of the UK ’ s total life sciences workforce . However , the economic output of the region ’ s sector could be much greater . The region ’ s broader economy is also failing to meet its true potential : the region ’ s GVA per head of £ 21,426 lags behind the UK average of £ 27,555 . Amongst other factors , the region is being held back by the skills and health of the workforce and a lack of investment in the region , driven by long-standing regional inequalities .
A rich literature exists on the long-term economic returns and societal benefits of investing more in people ’ s health : a healthy population is a productive and prosperous one and vice versa . The wider determinants of health – the social , economic , commercial and environmental conditions that
Life Sciences in the North
£ 13.6bn life sciences economy in the North of England
21 %
of UK ’ s life sciences workforce
based in the north
67 Transforming Lives Through Innovation