The Basel region is one of the world's most important locations for the life sciences industry. In addition to the headquarters of leading companies such as Roche, Novartis and Syngenta, over 750 other players are based in the region. They form a cluster that acts as a driver of growth for the region and ensures its prosperity.

However, there is no overview of exactly which companies make up the cluster and how they are connected. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the cluster by sectoral, corporate and spatial structure and the networks within the cluster. In addition, location-related factors are analyzed from the perspective of the life science companies. For this purpose, a total of 766 cluster players were identified and questioned by post (response rate 20.2 %). The results of the survey were evaluated statistically, with GIS and a network analysis.

The study showed a strong cluster formation, especially within the Swiss cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft. All sectors of the life sciences, with a focus on pharmaceuticals, as well as companies from all stages of the value chain are located in the region. Overall, the companies rated the Basel region positively as a business location. More than half of the companies surveyed stated that they perceive various effects from their location in this life sciences cluster. The network analysis showed a relatively strong network of research collaborations with the University of Basel as a central player.