Driving comprehensive digitalization forward and safeguarding component availability
Promoting key technologies and achieving data ownership
Strengthening SMEs as the drivers of innovation in the medical technology sector
Healthcare is impossible without medical technology (MT) and biomedical engineering (BME). Germany and Europe are still international leaders in MT and BME, because they are the origin of several central innovations and technologies. However, in the last few years, it has become clear that this leading position is under threat as a result of insufficient digitalization, the hesitant use of AI, over-regulation and in some cases a lack of basic technology. During the same period, other players have shifted up several gears.
Addressing issues and not falling by the wayside
Dr. Birgit Habenstein, Managing Director of the German Society for Biomedical Engineering in VDE, states that, “Whether concerning the uncertain availability of chips for manufacturers or the lack of sustainable digitalization and interoperability in the healthcare system, we need to address the issues and pick up speed if we are to hold on to a pioneering role.” The new VDE position paper “Technological sovereignty in biomedical engineering - The focus on the human being” explains actual challenges and presents key recommendations that are to accompany the development of Medical Technology and Biomedical Engineering in Germany and Europe.
Promoting key technologies and achieving data ownership
When attempting to identify suitable measures for the future, it is worth considering the entire BME value chain. According to Dr. Habenstein, “We have to modernize education and training, make up for the lack of technical experts and medical care personnel by means of smart concepts, and adapt regulation so that it promotes innovative research and development.” The relevance of artificial intelligence will increase significantly at all levels, from the robot in the operating theater to home monitoring in the care sector.
VDE DGBMT considers microstructure technology, smart nano- and biomaterials and substances, as well as communication technology, digitalization and AI as key technologies to succeed in the sector in future. Furthermore, to fully exploit the opportunities and to establish a secure basis for R&D and applications, Germany and Europe need to independently collect, store, analyze and use data. “When sensitive data is collected in Europe and then migrated to a different continent, we lose technological sovereignty – the EU should avoid this urgently,” states Dr. Habenstein.
Supporting SMEs and maintaining security
Furthermore, promoting SMEs is a central factor, especially when considering the implementation of the MDR (Medical Device Regulation), and concerning simplifying and speeding up market access and the opportunities for public-private partnerships. State support is a key factor to fully unlock the potential of SMEs as the drivers of innovation in the sector of MT and BME. “A final important asset to this sector in Europe is the high security and safety standards – we enjoy a great level of trust; people aren’t afraid of a surgical intervention. This advantage needs to persist in future,” explains Dr. Habenstein.
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