Nuclear medicine uses radiopharmaceuticals for diagnosing and treating patients. The field has seen many developments in recent years, leading to new challenges, opportunities, and changes in the innovation ecosystem. FAST contributes by bringing together stakeholders, mapping the field, and further strengthening it.

In close collaboration with the medical isotope coordinator (Wim Oyen), appointed by the Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, FAST commissioned an analysis of the current landscape. A SWOT analysis of the national nuclear medicine ecosystem was conducted, providing an overview of the strengths and weaknesses of the field.

The report concludes that the Dutch innovation ecosystem for nuclear medicine is promising and internationally recognized. The strengths of the nuclear medicine innovation ecosystem include the completeness in terms of actors, the high-quality – and in some respects unique – facilities, international connectivity and reputation, and the quality of the research conducted. Greater collaboration and coordination are needed to fully exploit the potential of this ecosystem. You can view the full report here (written in Dutch).

There is a need for more collaboration and coordination to fully harness the potential of this ecosystem. Coordination should ensure a shared direction and prioritization of actions to enhance the nuclear medicine innovation ecosystem. Collaboration—within nuclear medicine, with other medical disciplines, and between research institutions, hospitals, industry, and government—should improve the development process of nuclear medicine. These are areas where FAST aims to contribute.

FAST supports by mapping the field, connecting stakeholders, and strengthening the ecosystem. In line with the report’s recommendations and the initial findings of the coordinator, FAST is exploring the possibility of establishing a hub to consolidate expertise in this field. We see opportunities to structure the ecosystem in this relatively young field so that affordability and innovation go hand in hand.