The best way to transfer knowledge is to work together in order to translate it into practical applications. The Dutch never shy away from any opportunity to collaborate. Cooperation is in our DNA and we believe that partnerships reinforce the organizational strength of the sector, resulting in an optimal sharing of resources and knowledge. Owing to the cordial business environment being provided by the Netherlands, several Asian firms have come here and formed collaborations with the Dutch. The Netherlands, she adds is focused on international markets. More than 60 percent of the country's health and life science companies work with foreign businesses and knowledge centers abroad. Asian companies are also moving to the Netherlands to tap on their expertise through joint ventures and collaborations.

It comes as no surprise that the Netherlands is actively a part of one of Europe's largest efforts in the global fight against cancer.

In January 2011, leading oncology organizations across the region including the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Erasmus Medical Center and European Cancer Patient Coalition joined forces in an EU-led initiative titled EurocanPlatform. The project is a network of Europe's 28 most research-intensive institutions in the field of cancer research. The European Union has pledged a generous funding of €12 million. In addition, resources will be put towards finding more effective ways to ensure the prevention, early discovery and treatment of different forms of cancer. EurocanPlatform aims to streamline cross border research. Researchers from the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, and Britain are involved in various parts of the project.

A world leader in scientific research and education, the Netherlands with its R&D capabilities, combined with excellent logistics, infrastructure and the ability to meet the commercial and technological demands of today's economy are just some factors that have shaped the country to become one-of-the-most productive life sciences breeding grounds worldwide.

Thanks to continued support from the Dutch government, industry-players and academia, the Netherlands remains at the forefront of life science innovations. A wealth of public-private partnerships acts as an encouraging platform for collaborators from anywhere in the world.