The 2024-2029 EU mandate has prioritised the creation of a New Plan for Europe’s sustainable prosperity and
competitiveness. The medical technology sector contributes to achieving the EU political agenda in various ways:
- There are more than 2.000.000 medical technologies, categorised into more than 7,000 generic devices groups, available in hospitals, community care settings and at home. Those solutions contribute to meeting the evolving needs of people while building resilient and future-ready Europe.
- The European medical technology industry employs directly more than 930,000 people.
- There are 38,000 medical technology companies in Europe, and 90% are SMEs.
- Medical technology is characterised by a constant flow of innovations, which are the results of a high level of research and development within the industry, and of close co-operation with users.
- In 2024, more than 15,700 patent applications were filed with the European Patent Office in the field of medical technology.
- The digital health sector is increasingly being recognised for the prominent technological innovations that could address many of the underlying challenges in healthcare.
- These products comprise more than 15 categories ranging from therapeutic purposes to remote medical monitoring, and cover a large spectrum of fields from mental health and respiratory system to oncology and diabetes.
- The European medical technology market is estimated at roughly €170 billion in 2024.
- Europe has a positive medical devices trade balance of €5 billion in 2024.
The medical technology sector contributes in advancing the EU agenda by driving innovation, improving public health, and fostering economic growth. Our industry enhances healthcare sustainability by enabling disease prevention, early diagnosis, care, and reducing healthcare system implications.
By leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, we support the EU’s goals for digital transformation and resilience in healthcare while creating high-value jobs and contributing to a competitive, knowledge-based economy. Innovation in medical technology also contributes to getting healthcare on a more sustainable path.
The industry is increasingly focused on decarbonising operations and logistics, investing in clean energy and sustainable materials, introducing eco-design principles in product development and implementing circular practices where possible and viable for patients. Advances, such as in telemedicine, further optimise healthcare delivery, lower costs and enhance long-term accessibility, sustainability and resilience in global health systems.