Key facts and figures for life sciences and health in Amsterdam

The Netherlands occupies 4th position in the 2024 World Index of Healthcare Innovation

The Netherlands demonstrated consistent strength across various dimensions in the World Index of Healthcare Innovation, never ranking below 10th (quality) and staying in the top 5 over the last few years. The Netherlands particularly excelled in Science and Technology. This achievement highlights the country’s strong dedication to healthcare research and technological innovation, which continue to propel its healthcare system forward.

Amsterdam is home to the European Medicines Agency

Following Brexit, Amsterdam was chosen as the new home of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), now located in the Zuidas district. Amsterdam was selected for its excellent infrastructure, connectivity, and quality of life, as well as its strong position in life sciences and healthcare, which aligned with the EMA's mission. The city is also a centre for advanced oncological research, anchored in the Zuidas Innovation District.

The Netherlands is home to over 3,000 collaborative companies

One of the most concentrated life sciences regions in the world, the Dutch Life Sciences & Health community includes 3,000+ R&D (research and development) life sciences companies, of which 400 are biopharmaceutical companies. It also ranks 4th globally in medical patent applications.

Amsterdam UMC is home to 8 research institutes

The Netherlands houses 26 campuses, 7 University Medical Centers, and 13 universities engaged in life sciences research. Of those, Amsterdam is home to a dynamic research community that includes two internationally renowned universities, the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, as well as the Amsterdam University Medical Centre (AUMC). 

The Netherlands has more than 300 life sciences and health public-private partnerships

The quadruple helix establishes the Netherlands as Europe’s hub for life sciences and health, creating and developing over 300 public-private partnerships that drive innovative solutions in biopharmaceuticals, oncology, cell therapy, digital health, and beyond. 

Netherlands: #2 Importer & Exporter of Medical Devices in Europe

The Netherlands is the EU's second-largest importer and exporter of goods, after Germany. Serving as a major distribution hub for goods entering the EU, it was Belgium and Germany's top trading partner in 2023, according to CBS. That year, the Netherlands imported goods worth €780 billion and on the export front, ranked second in the EU, with a total value of €866 billion.

Read all about the Healthcare and MedTech companies changing the business landscape in Amsterdam