Research and Innovation

The medical technology sector is characterised by an important level of research and development and close cooperation with users. Europe is an established leader in innovation in the medical technology industry, delivering significant advances in areas including cardiac pacemakers, deep brain stimulation and intravascular ultrasound. By turning scientific ideas into solutions for patients, health professionals and health systems, the industry has contributed to better outcomes and greater efficiency in healthcare. In the process, the European medical technology industry has helped the region become a world leader in a highly competitive sector.  

In the past, the medical technology sector did not actively engage with EU support instruments for research and innovation like other industries. That is changing. Within the framework of Horizon Europe, numerous opportunities for the medical technology industry exist.  

An overview of active initiatives the medical technology companies can join is provided below. 

Horizon Europe: What opportunities for the MedTech sector?

Horizon Europe is the EU’s main funding programme for research and innovation, benefiting from a budget of € 95.5 billion for 2021-2027.​   

Horizon Europe is divided into 3 pillars and 1 transversal pillar:​   

• Pillar I aims to increase the EU’s global competitiveness by supporting frontier research, funding fellowships and exchanges for researchers, and investing in world-class research infrastructures.​   
• Pillar II supports research in areas of societal change through 6 thematic clusters, including health.​   
• Pillar III aims to make the EU a leader in market-creating innovation. 
• The transversal pillar aims to increase support to EU member states in upgrading their national research and innovation potential 

Horizon Europe 2028 – 2034

As Horizon Europe 2021–2027 comes to an end, the Commission proposes to double the budget of the research and innovation framework programme in the next long-term EU budget (2028–2034) to €175 billion. The new programme will be structured around four pillars:

• Pillar I – Excellent Science
• Pillar II – Competitiveness and Society
• Pillar III – Innovation
• Pillar IV – European Research Area

Learn more about Horizon Europe 2028 – 2034 here.

Considering applying to EU funding programmes? 

The above information provides a very limited overview of the most relevant EU funding initiatives dedicated to Research & Innovation (R&I). MedTech Europe can offer its members additional insights into several other EU funding programmes via detailed mappings, webinars, presentations, on-site or remote meetings with members, as well as valuable resources and educational materials highlighting relevant open calls and opportunities.

For support and guidance at any time, MedTech Europe members should contact the MedTech Europe Research & Innovation Team.