Health · Medical Research · 5 hrs ago
Europe's share of new clinical studies fell as China's grew
Europe's share of new clinical studies fell from 18% to 9% between 2013 and 2023, while China's rose from 8% to 29%.
The headline gives a different European decline, from 22% to 12%, so the figures are not consistent.
The figures were discussed at a meeting in Bergamo, where Lombardy set out plans to boost clinical research through partnerships, digital change and greater competitiveness.
Researchers and officials pointed to limited funding, complex procedures and difficulties with animal testing as barriers in Italy.
They also called for faster ethics reviews, clearer data rules, stronger patient involvement and better recognition for research staff.
Hospitals could use everyday care data to study treatment outcomes, participants said.
A clinical trial center model is seen as a way to turn scientific strengths into opportunities for patients, but no specific next steps were given.
Europe’s share of newly launched clinical studies worldwide fell from 18% in 2013 to 9% in 2023, according to ANSA.
China’s share rose from 8% to 29% over the same period.
The figures concern sponsored clinical studies.
At a meeting in Bergamo, Lombardy life-sciences representatives discussed partnerships, digital transformation and competitiveness.
Participants pointed to funding shortages, bureaucracy and other structural challenges facing clinical research in Italy.
- Who
- Europe and China are the regions compared; Lombardy life-sciences representatives discussed how to strengthen research.
- What
- Europe’s share of new sponsored clinical studies fell while China’s rose between 2013 and 2023.
- When
- The comparison covers 2013 to 2023. The Bergamo meeting took place in 2026; its exact date is not stated.
- Where
- The meeting was held in Bergamo, Italy.
- Why
- Participants discussed ways for Lombardy to remain competitive and cited structural challenges in Italian clinical research.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Europe accounted for 18% of newly launched clinical studies worldwide, while China accounted for 8%.
Europe’s share fell to 9%, while China’s rose to 29%.
Bion’s new Academy on Clinical Research was launched.
A Bion-organised meeting in Bergamo addressed ways to strengthen Lombardy’s clinical research.
- Europe’s share
- Fell from 18% in 2013 to 9% in 2023
- China’s share
- Rose from 8% in 2013 to 29% in 2023
- Studies covered
- Newly launched sponsored clinical studies worldwide
- Meeting location
- Bergamo, Italy
- Research academy
- Bion’s new Academy on Clinical Research began in 2026
What people are saying
Clinical research in Italy today has to deal with some structural issues.
a simplification of bureaucracy that makes the analysis and approval phases by ethics committees faster and more reliable
we are convinced that developing a Clinical Trial Center model is a strategic lever to transform scientific excellence into concrete opportunities for patients