Pharmaceuticals is the second largest of the Scottish chemicals industry’s sub-sectors, contributing 32 per cent of the sector’s gross added value. (Source: Optimat Analysis) This sub-sector includes 13 companies manufacturing:
- Basic pharmaceuticals;
- Pharmaceutical preparations; and
- Neutraceuticals.
The pharmaceuticals industry has strong links with Scottish universities and courses such as the Drug Design course at Napier University ensure that talented graduates enter the industry.
University spinouts tend to target the Scottish pharmaceuticals industry. Levels of R&D and interactions with universities vary considerably depending on the nature of the company (production site or complete business).
There are also many SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) in this field, mainly local-origin companies focused on early stage developments and new therapies.
Pharmaceuticals is also very important to the future of the Scottish chemicals industry and has strong ties to Scotland’s world-class life sciences sector.
Research
Find out about cutting-edge research in Scottish chemical sciences
Highly-skilled workforce
The chemicals sector employs around 14,000 talented individuals, with excellent colleges and universities producing highly-skilled graduates every year.
Download our report on data about chemicals/chemistry graduates in Scotland (PDF, 135kb) 
Government support and funding
The Scottish Government is highly supportive of new investment in the chemicals sector, encouraging business and research.
Find out more about government support and funding