Towards a coherent Nordic vision for vaccine R&D, manufacturing, and pandemic preparedness

Strengthening vaccine research, development, and manufacturing capability and capacity is essential to Nordic and global pandemic preparedness. The Nordic region possesses exceptional scientific, regulatory, and clinical assets, and there is potential to elevate these strengths through a coordinated regional approach. Drawing on insights from the Conference on Strengthening the Nordic Vaccine R&D and Manufacturing Ecosystem held in December 2025, this commentary highlights the importance for establishing a formal Nordic vaccine collaboration to translate diverse national strengths into a regional system that leverages public and private strengths and engages industry as a strategic partner. It outlines the enabling conditions for such a collaboration, including institutionalized governance structures, mapping of capabilities to identify gaps, harmonized clinical and regulatory pathways, sustained peacetime preparedness, and aligned funding mechanisms. It further emphasizes the importance of reframing preparedness as a matter of biosecurity. A more unified and deliberate Nordic approach would enhance regional resilience and strengthen the Nordics’ contribution to European and global pandemic preparedness.