Following the kick-off event for the pharmaceutical and medical technology strategy on November 12 at the Chancellery, work in Working Group 6 - Medical Technology and Medical Devices - began on November 26 with a round table at the BMG. Participants in the overarching format include the Ministries of Health, Economics and Research and Technology as well as affected stakeholders from the industrial healthcare sector (iGW). The results of the dialog are to be incorporated into a strategy paper within a year, which is to be adopted by the Federal Cabinet. The Federal Chancellery is initiating, coordinating and supporting the overall process.
"The German medical technology sector is a key industry. It is a global leader in research, quality and exports. Modern medical technologies care for millions of people every day, helping to heal and save lives. Whether prevention, diagnostics, digitalization, AI, robotics or personalized medicine - modern medical technology is everywhere. It is also the key to successful outpatient treatment," emphasize the four industry associations.
However, the innovative strength and international competitiveness of the medtech industry are increasingly at risk due to excessive bureaucracy, slow processes and sluggish digitalization.
As part of the pharmaceutical and medical technology strategy, BVMed, SPECTARIS, VDGH and ZVEI are campaigning for concrete improvements and legislative initiatives in the following areas in particular:
- Bureaucracy reduction and deregulation
- Rapid application of innovations in standard care and creation of incentives for quality of results
- Expansion of digital and AI-based care services, use of healthcare data
- Resilience of medical care in cases of threats to security and defense
"We are confident that the work on the pharmaceutical and medical technology strategy will take important steps to expand Germany's position as a leading medical technology location and at the same time ensure high-quality healthcare for the population. Germany faces tough competition for investment and top talent. In order to develop innovations here, we need internationally competitive framework conditions. The cross-departmental strategy process is the right, holistic approach for this," say the industry associations.
Facts and figures on the MedTech sector
Alongside pharma, biotech and e-health, the medtech sector is a central pillar of the industrial healthcare industry (iGW). It generates significant economic impetus and plays a key role in efficient and modern healthcare. The medtech sector employs over 210,000 people. In 2024, medical technology generated a production value of 46 billion euros, which underlines its central importance for the German healthcare industry. It has a gross value added of 19.7 billion euros - including the spillover effects on other sectors, the gross value added is as much as 41.3 billion euros. The MedTech sector is characterized by medium-sized companies. 93 percent of the 1,480 companies with more than 20 employees are SMEs.
