Cross-border collaboration in Life Sciences: How to make it work

In an era where health challenges transcend borders, cross-border collaboration in life sciences is no longer a nice to have –it's a necessity. 

The recent UAE–UK Life Sciences Collaboration Event in London brought together sovereign investors, biotech innovators, legal experts, government bodies and policymakers to explore how strategic partnerships between nations can unlock innovation, accelerate commercialisation, and improve global health outcomes.

Why cross-border collaboration makes sense

The life sciences sector is inherently global. The UK and UAE offer complementary strengths that make collaboration particularly compelling:

The UK boasts world-class research institutions, a robust regulatory environment, and a thriving biotech and HealthTech ecosystem. Home to over 2,700 life sciences companies, it benefits from a rich innovation pipeline supported by the NHS and leading universities.

The UAE is rapidly transforming its healthcare system from curative to preventative care. With strong sovereign investment vehicles, growing expertise in genomics and AI, and commitment to building a sustainable biomanufacturing base, the UAE is positioning itself as a regional hub for life sciences innovation.

Together, these complementary strengths create fertile ground for joint ventures, co-investment, and collaborative research initiatives that neither nation could achieve alone.

How to make collaboration happen

Cross-border collaboration requires more than goodwill – it demands robust legal and commercial frameworks. Several mechanisms can support sustainable partnerships:

Partnerships

Partnerships in all different forms – from contractual to corporate will be at the heart of scaling innovation. For examples, by aligning government priorities with private sector capabilities, or forming partnerships between countries and different players in the ecosystem.

This will enable shared risk and long-term investment. Legal structures must ensure clarity around governance, intellectual property ownership, revenue sharing, and exit strategies to attract the right combination of partners.

Regulatory harmonisation 

It's critical. Divergent regulatory regimes significantly slow collaboration. Harmonising standards – particularly around clinical trial protocols, data privacy requirements, and product approvals – can reduce friction and accelerate time-to-market. Bilateral agreements or regional frameworks could streamline cross-border operations.

Data-sharing agreements 

These are essential for joint research initiatives. Secure, interoperable frameworks must provide legal certainty around data ownership, patient consent, cross-border transfer protocols, and compliance with both GDPR and local data protection laws to build trust between partners.

Innovation hubs and co-investment 

Platforms such as the Kadans centre at Canary Wharf and Masdar City in Abu Dhabi both showcased during the UAE–UK event – can serve as neutral ground for collaboration. Sovereign investors and venture capital firms can co-create funding platforms that support startups with cross-border ambitions, providing capital, networks, expertise, and market entry support.

Current barriers to collaboration

Despite significant opportunities, barriers do persist. Regulatory fragmentation creates complexity and duplicate approvals; data sovereignty concerns hinder collaboration in genomics and digital health; talent mobility is limited by visa restrictions and licensing differences; IP uncertainty deters investment in some regions; and cultural differences in business practices create friction.

Addressing these barriers requires coordinated legal reform, sustained diplomatic engagement, and proactive industry leadership.

Recommendations for moving forward

To unlock the full potential of cross-border collaboration, stakeholders should:

1. Establish bilateral innovation agreements 

Formalise cooperation on research priorities, regulatory alignment, and investment frameworks through government-to-government agreements.

2. Create joint regulatory sandboxes 

Allow companies to test innovations in both jurisdictions under shared oversight, enabling accelerated learning and faster adoption of breakthrough technologies.

3. Develop cross-border talent pathways

Implement streamlined visa processes, mutual recognition of professional qualifications, and exchange programmes to enable the free flow of expertise.

4. Strengthen legal frameworks for IP and Data

Develop clear, enforceable agreements that protect innovation whilst enabling collaboration. Consider model contracts and standardised terms that reduce transaction costs.

5. Foster Long-Term Institutional Relationships

Move beyond one-off projects to establish enduring partnerships between universities, research institutions, and healthcare systems.

Conclusion

Cross-border collaboration in life sciences is not merely a strategic opportunity but can enable us to fast forward the move to preventative care. As global health challenges grow more complex, from antimicrobial resistance to pandemic preparedness, the ability to work seamlessly across borders will define the next generation of medical breakthroughs.

The UAE–UK Life Sciences Collaboration Event demonstrated that when complementary ecosystems align with clear intent and enabling structures, innovation accelerates dramatically.

By systematically addressing barriers and embracing enablers, we can utilise life sciences partnerships to deliver better health outcomes for all.