Mr Kimelfeld and Ms Labat run us through the exceptional history of Lyon and the region in the life sciences field, how Lyon is considered to be the birthplace of bio industries in France, and why life sciences will remain an economic driving force of the local economy. Could you please start by giving our audience a brief overview of the historical factors that have led Lyon to become such a competitive place for innovation and business in the healthcare and life sciences fields? David Kimelfeld (DK): The development of our impressive life sciences sector in Lyon is due to the history of the industry in the region. The success of the healthcare and life sciences sector began with the silk industry in the 1600s. Chemicals were required to color silk which therefore led to the establishment of a chemical industry in Lyon. This chemical activity developed in Lyon was then split into two parts that consisted of the chemical industries per se and the healthcare industry. Traditional chemical activity in the health sector has now mainly turned towards biotechnology with greater interaction of veterinary sciences. This long historical maturation has turned Lyon into one of the most important places for life sciences.

This long historical maturation has turned Lyon into one of the most important places for life sciences.