#BIOSPAIN2023 Interview | "Research continues to be underfunded and lacks sufficient resources"

Talent and biotechnology are two concepts that go hand in hand. The pandemic caused by Covid-19 has reminded us of the vital importance of investing in research for the future of our societies and economies. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that the ability not only to attract but also to retain talent is a clear signal of a country's prosperity. This has significantly intensified the international competition for scientific and innovative talent.

In recent years, Spain has made significant progress in improving its ability to attract innovative talent, although many barriers still persist, and there is still much work to be done, as emphasized by the "Plan for the Attraction and Retention of Scientific and Innovative Talent in Spain," promoted by the Ministry of Science and Innovation and approved in June 2022.

The current situation in Spain reflects a moment of change in the fields of science and innovation through the impetus of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan. The competitiveness of excellent scientific environments and innovative ecosystems is defined by two fundamental characteristics: they are multidisciplinary and international.

In this context, our country is immersed in a process of generational transition both in universities and public research institutions. The Talent Attraction and Retention Plan foresees that 15% of their staff will retire by 2030 (more than 20,000 professionals). This scenario is compounded by a long-standing problem that Spain has been trying to solve without much success: the brain drain.

There is no doubt that the quality and excellence of our scientific and innovative system will depend on our country's ability to attract and retain talent. This is a challenge that LIM Global, a professional search and human resources consulting company exclusively dedicated to the biomedical sector and Silver Sponsor of BIOSPAIN 2023, knows firsthand. Ignacio Odriozola, partner at LIM Global, discusses the situation of scientific talent in Spain, one of the topics that will be addressed at BIOSPAIN 2023.

AseBio. What is the current photograph we observe of scientific talent in our country?

Ignacio Odriozola. It is a photograph of a present with greater stability and a future with real opportunities for professional development. The implementation of the "Plan for attracting and retaining scientific and innovative talent to Spain" is an important piece, but not the only one for the creation of that future of job opportunities. Those opportunities depend on investment in R&D, both public and private.

AseBio. What are the main barriers that scientific talent encounters in our country?

Ignacio Odriozola. Historically in Spain, investment in R&D has not been a priority. Research continues to be underfunded and lacking sufficient resources, being 40% below the European average. Investment in talent and innovation from the national industry remains a challenge. However, since LIM started attracting talent, the situation is changing thanks to a series of actors, many of them new.

AseBio. What are these actors, and how is the situation changing?

Ignacio Odriozola. Let me mention some of them, starting with the members of BIOSPAIN. It's also worth mentioning medical supply companies, our hospitals, software companies, and investors. Even companies that don't develop products as such in Spain come here to conduct clinical trials and need well-trained people to market them. All of them are the actors creating new jobs in or for the industry.

Specifically, BIOSPAIN represents the growth of an economic sector based on talent. Startups and innovative projects are increasingly being created, growing and succeeding, or learning from their experiences, accompanied by top-level investors, both national and international. Hospitals are doing an excellent job, and our science is recognized. The success of this dynamic makes researchers more entrepreneurial, investors look at Spain as a place with very good projects, and even large multinational companies decide to establish research centers in our country.

AseBio. What else can be done by the authorities to promote the Biotech sector?

Ignacio Odriozola. First and foremost, it is crucial to recognize that we are competing globally for disruptive science, experienced talent, and investments. Spain needs to be as attractive as possible to encourage the establishment of startups and technology companies in our country. Providing fiscal incentives for entrepreneurs, especially in the case of a successful exit, is important. Additionally, providing fiscal support to Spanish and foreign professionals coming here to work would help us compete with countries with higher living standards. In summary, creating an attractive environment to foster talent and innovation is essential.

AseBio. Much is said about the need to attract and retain talent, but often we overlook the specific needs of different companies, such as multinational corporations, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), or startups. What unique talent do they require and seek?

Ignacio Odriozola. The talent requirements and preferences vary greatly among these companies due to their different stages of development and objectives. Even well-funded startups differ from those that have not yet secured significant funding. Well-funded startups can seek and actively attract the best scientific and medical talent globally, regardless of their origin or cost. Their investors aim for rapid and successful progress. On the other hand, startups that are not well-funded strive to develop a solid proof of concept to attract funding. They typically have well-trained personnel but may lack extensive experience, being closer to the academic world.

On the opposite end, multinational corporations have a strong presence in clinical research in Spain, with teams focused on medical, sales, and marketing aspects. They primarily seek talent in these two areas: research and market penetration with an evidence-based medicine perspective. However, they always look for exceptionally well-trained professionals with skills that enable them to understand market needs. It is inspiring to see fellow countrymen holding global positions in our industry.
 

AseBio. The combination of talent and science in Spain has been associated for years with the phenomenon of professionals leaving the country. Why does this phenomenon occur?

Ignacio Odriozola. We need to distinguish between two aspects: scientists who go abroad to gain training, such as pursuing a Ph.D. or a postdoctoral position at a prestigious institution, and those who leave to work abroad because they can't find what they are looking for here, whether it's in basic research or the industry.

The fact that scientific talent develops elsewhere, in academic or industrial environments where they can learn from the best, is excellent and should not be a cause for concern. What is important is that we are able to provide them with interesting professional opportunities here so that they can return and have the necessary professional and economic development and recognition.

AseBio. Are we witnessing a return of that talent thanks to the development of the industrial and scientific fabric experienced in recent years?

Ignacio Odriozola. Without a doubt. The majority of people prefer to live close to their loved ones and their culture. Since I started working at a startup many years ago until now, the industrial and scientific fabric has grown significantly in terms of quantity and quality. We can now offer these individuals very interesting positions. The journey ahead is still long, but our ecosystem already presents many attractive projects at an international level.

AseBio. What does LIM Global expect from BIOSPAIN 2023?

Ignacio Odriozola. To meet with the individuals from our ecosystem and their companies and institutions. To be able to discuss their needs in order to continue assisting them in attracting the talent they require, as we have done for the past 23 years.