BIA submission to DBT’s call for evidence on smarter regulation

The BIA has responded to the Department for Business and Trade’s call for evidence on smarter regulation and the regulatory landscape. 

In our submission, we said:

• The innovative life sciences and biotech sector, with applications in health and beyond, including food and the environment, has extensive interactions with many regulators.
• There have been successes within the UK regulatory landscape, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic and positive developments within UK regulators in the life science sector, such as the MHRA and NICE, who demonstrate a willingness to collaborate and engage with the industry.
• However, divergence from international regulatory regimes, constantly changing regulatory requirements and resourcing within regulators have negatively impacted industry and the UK as an investment destination.
• Regulation can have significant impact on innovation and innovative businesses. Government and regulators have on occasion shown a lack of appreciation for the interlink of regulation and innovation, resulting in unintended negative consequences.