SHERIDAN, WYOMING – November 25, 2024 - The GHA – German Health Alliance hosted a high-profile industry expert talk at MEDICA 2024, bringing together key players in the German medical technology sector to discuss the industry's current state, challenges, and opportunities. The event fostered insightful discussions on a wide range of topics, including digitalization, regulatory hurdles, global competition, and sustainability.
Navigating a Complex Landscape
The German medical technology industry, a vital economic contributor with approximately 265,000 jobs and €40 billion in sales, faces a dynamic and demanding environment. "The challenges we face today as a medical technology company are great, but our expertise and innovative strength are even greater," said Armin Smajilovic, Co-Chairman of the German Health Alliance. "Together, we can continue to develop medical technology 'Made in Germany' that improves people's lives and the global healthcare system. We should move forward boldly and see every hurdle as an opportunity to realise our vision of better healthcare and thus strengthen the industry.”
Key Takeaways from the Expert Talk
- Exports and Global Markets: The discussion highlighted the importance of exports and international market development for German MedTech companies. Stefan Leitz, Active Key and head of GHA's North America working group, emphasized the opportunities and challenges in the US market, while Stefanie Zenk of Germany Trade & Invest (GTAI) presented the agency's support for companies seeking to expand globally.
- Digitalization and AI: Experts explored the transformative potential of digitalization and AI in healthcare. Tim Thurn of Oehm & Rehbein, Rafal Steciuk of Nubisoft, and Stefan Leitz discussed the benefits of cloud-based health data, AI-powered diagnostics, and mobile medical technology in optimizing patient care and reducing the burden on medical staff.
- Regulatory Challenges: The Medical Device Regulation (MDR) and its impact on certification processes were key topics of discussion. Experts called for a rapid improvement of the MDR to foster innovation and maintain the industry's competitiveness.
- Competition from Asia: Alexander Glänzel, an expert on the Asian market, presented both the opportunities and challenges posed by Asian suppliers, particularly in China. He advised German companies to explore alternative Asian markets to compensate for potential export declines in China.
- Sustainability: Hubert Berndt of Wolf-Klimatechnik highlighted the importance of sustainable practices in healthcare facilities, focusing on energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. The concept of "Green Hospital" was discussed, emphasizing environmentally friendly energy use, water consumption, and waste management.
- Cost and Cost-Effectiveness: Rising costs and maintaining profitability were identified as major challenges for medical technology companies. Bernd Hofacker of HAEBERLE stressed the need for process optimization, particularly in sales, and a focus on economic efficiency.
Collaboration and Innovation for a Stronger Future
The expert talk underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the complexities of the global healthcare market. The GHA emphasized the need for "cooperation instead of competition" to drive effective digitalization and address regulatory challenges.
About the GHA – German Health Alliance
The GHA – German Health Alliance is an initiative of the Federation of German Industries (BDI) that promotes the interests of the German healthcare industry, fostering collaboration and innovation to strengthen the sector's global competitiveness.
The industry expert talk at MEDICA 2024 provided a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and discussion, reinforcing the commitment of the German medical technology industry to innovation, sustainability, and patient-centric solutions.