Bioproduction 2030: Innovate, train, collaborate to build the future of biopharmaceuticals

On the occasion of France’s National Day of Bioproduction of Biopharmaceuticals, held on June 5th at the CIRC in Lyon, Julie MARION — Director of Operations, Strategy, and Executive Director Life Sciences at Efor — moderated a roundtable titled: “Industrial Bioproduction: A Strategic, Technological and Human Challenge.”
This engaging and insightful discussion reflected a shared ambition to profoundly transform a sector at the heart of both healthcare and industrial transitions.

She was joined by high-level speakers including Stéphanie COLLOUD, Site Head and General Manager of France Operations (OXFORD BIOMEDICA), Carole SCHWINTER, CTO (MaaT Pharma), Sébastien POULLEAU, Technical Director (Sanofi), and Dominique AUDOUX, Technical Director (SEQENS). Together, they outlined the future of bioproduction — at the intersection of technological innovation, flexible infrastructures, and new human challenges.

“Industrial bioproduction is not just a technical activity. It is a strategic priority — a collective ambition combining innovation, competitiveness, sustainability, and attractiveness.”
— Julie MARION

Three levers to transform the industry

Technology, infrastructure, talent: this triad will form the foundation for the bioproduction sector’s competitiveness by 2030 — a key milestone to establish a sustainable, resilient, and high-performing ecosystem.

1. Technological innovation as a catalyst for deep transformation

Automation, artificial intelligence, digital twins… These technologies are reshaping industrial processes end-to-end — from R&D to distribution. They are revolutionizing the way we work and collaborate, accelerating production while improving operational efficiency.

Digital twins, in particular, are emerging as essential tools. By virtually modelling equipment and facilities, they optimize maintenance, reduce downtime, and improve performance.

Another turning point: the evolution of the regulatory framework. Modern approaches like GAMP 5, enhanced with blockchain or machine learning, pave the way for more agile compliance — without limiting innovation. On one condition: having qualified and trained professionals able to harness these tools effectively.

2. Flexible, sustainable infrastructures

The revolution is also physical. Bioproduction sites are being reinvented for greater flexibility and to embed sustainable practices. Modular facilities and multiproduct environments — where robustness and adaptability coexist — play a key role in this shift.

A concrete example: Sanofi’s Modulus site, inaugurated in September in Neuville-sur-Saône, can produce up to four vaccines or biopharmaceuticals simultaneously and be reconfigured in a matter of days or weeks (compared to months or years in traditional facilities).

This modular model is becoming a strategic advantage. It allows integration of diverse technologies (viral vaccines, mRNA, monoclonal antibodies), while reducing environmental impact and meeting regulatory demands. The result: more agile, more sustainable, and more competitive manufacturing sites.

Environmental concerns are also a growing priority. New production sites are designed to be carbon-neutral, powered by renewable energy and featuring optimized water usage — a sign that the industry is taking responsibility for its ecological footprint.

3. Human capital: the cornerstone of transformation

Behind the machines are people. The future of bioproduction hinges on massive investment in human capital. While new skills (digital, data, automation) will be essential by 2030, traditional roles remain critical: maintenance technicians, inspection operators, on-the-ground professionals — all vital but under pressure.

To meet these challenges, the sector must rethink the attractiveness of its careers by educating younger generations on emerging technologies and revalorizing traditional technical professions. Organizational models must also evolve toward more agile structures, inspired by start-ups, where autonomy, collaboration, and innovation are central. These environments encourage creativity and boost team motivation.

Adapting organizations for long-term resilience

Faced with the complexity of adapting to emerging infrastructures, two strategic imperatives emerge:

Targeted outsourcing of rare or highly specialized skills not available in-house,

Ongoing training to maintain and reinforce a strong internal base of competencies.

These are not just reactive measures, but strategic levers to ensure the long-term viability and competitiveness of the bioproduction sector.

Another key success factor: strengthening partnerships between manufacturers, service providers, academic institutions, and investors. These synergies are essential to boost innovation and prepare the next generation of talent. Because only through this pursuit of excellence can the alliance between technology, infrastructure, and human capital deliver its full potential.

A shared vision for 2030

“Making France a leading player in biopharmaceuticals in Europe depends on a strong and shared will to move forward together.”
— Julie MARION

This roundtable clearly demonstrated that the future of bioproduction will be built through collective decisions and coordinated actions. Aligning technological innovation, robust infrastructures, and human resource mobilization will allow France to play a key role on the European biopharmaceutical stage. The energy and shared vision expressed during the event reflect a strong commitment to meet future challenges and make this ambition a reality.

Momentum to build upon

We would like to sincerely thank Stéphanie Colloud, Carole Schwinter, Sébastien Poulleau, and Dominique Audouxfor their valuable contributions.

Thanks also to France BioLead, Lyonbiopôle, and Afpiral for organizing the event, and to all participants whose curiosity and engagement made this event a stimulating and unifying exchange.

At Efor, we firmly believe that the transformation of bioproduction will require collective action, and we’re proud to contribute to it.
This event is one milestone — others will follow, because the future of healthcare is already being written, and it is being built together.