In July 2015, the pharmaceutical industry and the federal government signed the ?Pact of the Future, for the patient, with the pharmaceutical industry?. It comprised over 100 initiatives to accelerate access for patients to innovative medicines and to strengthen Belgium?s leadership in pharmaceutical R&D. A lot of these initiatives led to new rules and legislation. Still, faced with the challenges and opportunities of for instance ATMPs and big data, an additional effort is needed to also in the future maintain our position at the forefront of pharmaceutical innovation. We believe that authorities and industry together can set ambitious objectives to take the lead, and strengthen Belgium?s position as a magnet for life sciences Kristel De Gauquier, pharma.be