MedTech sector launches national growth plan

Technology must support Dutch healthcare and provide lasting economic growth

Today, the Dutch MedTech sector presented an ambitious growth plan that aims to propel the Netherlands to a leading position in Europe by 2035. The plan, presented to State Secretaries (junior ministers) Judith Tielen (Health, Welfare and Sport) and Tjerk Opmeer (Economic Affairs), shows how technology can provide lasting growth to both healthcare and the economy. With its 'MedTech Growth Plan – Accelerating the Netherlands into a leading position of the medical technology sector', the sector has contributed to the Wennink report, which was presented last week, with a view to creating a future-proof and innovative Netherlands.

If the preconditions of the MedTech Growth Plan are met, the sector can have a major social and economic impact over the next ten years by:

• Around 11,000 new jobs in high-quality engineering, R&D and production[1]
• Approximately €5 billion in additional export value per year¹
• Around 75 new start-ups and scale-ups¹
• Most importantly, a healthcare system that can meet future healthcare demand

According to Remke Burie, Managing Director of the Technical Medical Centre of the UT, the Netherlands, and specifically our MedTech Twente cluster, has a strong international position in the field of R&D in Medical Technology and the production of key components for medical devices sold worldwide.

The MedTech Growth Plan emphasises the importance of such strong regional ecosystems. According to Burie, there is a healthy dynamic of established companies such as Demcon, Micronit, Baat, Unitron and Teledyne in Twente, combined with a growing influx of new MedTech startups and scale-ups emerging from the TechMed Centre of the University of Twente and Saxion University of Applied Sciences. To make the best possible use of the economic growth potential for the Netherlands, and at the same time to find answers to the major social challenges in healthcare, it is very important to invest in research, talent development, test and validation infrastructures and the implementation and upscaling of new medical technology in the coming years, according to the Managing Director.

Burie: "I am convinced that we can make an important contribution to this from the Twente region and with partnerships such as HealthTech Nexus, and together with the other partners, we can realise an internationally leading Dutch MedTech innovation ecosystem."

Miriam Vollenbroek, member of the Board of Directors of MST: "In Twente, we are working with the University of Twente, Twenteboard and FME on the hospital of the future. In this hospital, specialist medical care, technological innovation and data infrastructure come together in close collaboration. It is a living lab, incubator and implementation platform, where technologies are tested, validated and put into practice immediately. Professionals and patients are optimally supported in their care by technology. Care remains accessible and is received at home, in the neighbourhood or, where necessary, at a physical location."

 "Strong medical technology means better care for people and strengthening the Dutch earning capacity. This Investment Plan shows which preconditions are needed to scale up innovations. This is only possible if we involve the entire ecosystem, from SMEs and start-ups to healthcare institutions and government, and speed up the implementation now," says Theo Henrar, chairman of FME.

The impact of ‘double ageing’ on patient numbers and care complexity

The sector emphasises that healthcare cannot do without technological innovation if it is to continue to provide accessible and affordable care to patients. The increase in the number and complexity of patients due to double ageing (of both patients and healthcare providers) requires rapid, accurate diagnosis and treatment, as well as the appropriate allocation of healthcare professionals.

MedTech offers solutions that both relieve the burden on healthcare professionals and improve patient health. Research shows that up to €22 billion in healthcare cost reductions could be achieved through the use of AI, digitisation and labour-saving technology[2]. Technology is therefore an essential component in a resilient, future-proof healthcare system and also serves as a strategic driver for the economy.

Strategic significance for the economy and healthcare system

The Dutch MedTech sector is internationally competitive, and the industry is one of the drivers of innovation within the European economy, with approximately 15,700 patents annually. Every year, the sector creates high-quality employment, export value and technological breakthroughs that directly contribute to the quality of the healthcare system.

The sector has a strong foundation, but acceleration is necessary. The Netherlands has a strong starting position with leading academic hospitals, universities, high-tech companies and a mature innovation chain. However, without improvements in data access, AI and interoperability infrastructure, capacity for clinical trials and greater EU regulatory clarity, the Netherlands will miss out on strategic opportunities.

In addition, further development of the innovation ecosystem is needed, from talent development to venture financing and from harmonised data governance to increasing production capacity. These preconditions will determine whether the Netherlands can grow or lose ground to fast-growing MedTech hubs in Europe, the United States and Asia.

[1] Analyse participating parties MedTech sector [2] Analyse by McKinsey