Ep. 02 - From Potential to Power: Upskilling Europe's Pharma & Biomanufacturing Workforces

How Europe's pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries are tackling future challenges through strategic workforce development

Podcast

August 22, 2025

The BRIGHTskills project is leading the charge to future-proof the European health industry by identifying and addressing the skills needed for a rapidly evolving sector. As part of this mission, we have launched two online consultations aimed at collecting input from stakeholders across the EU. Whether you are involved in training or workforce planning, or you are employed in a healthcare company, your input will help shape the skills strategy and tools that will guide the sector forward.

Best Practices Questionnaire

Open until 30 September 2025

This questionnaire seeks to map and analyse the most successful programmes, policies, and initiatives already supporting workforce development in healthcare companies and its related sectors, including:
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- Pharmaceuticals & Biomanufacturing
- Medical Technology
- Digital Health
- Medical Supplies

We are especially interested in identifying models that have delivered real impact whether through innovative training approaches, or successful reskilling strategies. The goal is to highlight best practices that can be scaled, adapted, or replicated across Europe.

‍Who Should Participate?
- HR professionals
- Employers and industry associations involved in training delivery
- Education and training providers (VETs, universities, micro-credential platforms)
- Public authorities and policymakers working on skills and upskilling strategies
- Experts from adjacent sectors(e.g., digital manufacturing, regulatory bodies) with transferable models

‍Access the questionnaire here

Health Industry Skills Mapping

Open until 31 December 2025

The second survey focuses on collecting comprehensive data on urgent and future workforce skillsn eeds, gaps and trends in European based healthcare companies. Its goal is to gather and uncover first-hand knowledge and insights into the skillgaps of healthcare employers and employees.

‍Sectors covered include:
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-Pharmaceuticals & Biomanufacturing
- Medical Technology
- Digital Health
- Medical Supplies

‍Please note: this survey does not cover frontline healthcare workers or healthcare service providers (e.g.,hospitals, healthcare clinics).

‍Who Should Participate?
- Employers in health-related industries
- Managers/Directors
- Workers within the above sectors

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‍Access the survey here

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Episode 2 of the BRIGHTskills Project

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Europe's pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing industries are experiencing unprecedented transformation. With over 3,000 pharmaceutical sites and more than 2,400 biotech SMEs directly employing at least 1 million EU workers, these sectors are fundamental pillars of Europe's economy and global innovation leaders.

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In this episode, you'll discover:

Key differences between pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing sectors
How current policies (Critical Medicines Act, EU Biotech Act) impact healthcare companies
Challenges and opportunities for employers and workers
Real-world examples of successful upskilling initiatives
Practical advice for job seekers and current industry professionals

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Our expert guests:

Prof. Dr. András Dinnyés, Co-Founder and General Director at BioTalentum
Ines Windisch, Head of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability at Zentiva

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From climate pressures to geopolitical changes, from health emergencies to new digital competencies: a comprehensive analysis of how these strategic sectors are reinventing themselves to remain competitive, innovative, and sustainable.

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Part of the Large-Scale Partnership (#LSP) for Europe's Health Industry Ecosystem

Join us for insights into the evolving landscape of Europe's health industries and discover how companies and workers are adapting to secure resilient career paths in pharmaceutical and biomanufacturing sectors.

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