Medtech calls for national strategy as 500 leaders gather in Galway following election

Irish Medtech, the Ibec group that represents the medtech sector, Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland today are co-hosting the must-attend event for medtech leaders, ‘Medtech Rising: The Business Leaders’ Conference and Awards’, in The Galmont, Galway. This year’s event will explore: shifting global trends, how Ireland is positioned to compete, disruptive innovation, as well as sustainability in medtech, and fostering diverse workforces.

Irish Medtech Director Eoghan Ó Faoláin said, “Medtech Rising comes at an interesting time as we gather in the wake of the general election. One of the key session topics our 500 attendees are eager to explore is how Ireland is positioned to compete in the face of global trends. The next Irish Government now has an opportunity to plot a new course for future success. Ireland is one of the top five global medtech hubs, 450 companies, including 9 of the world’s top 10 medtech companies, with exports of €16 billion, and more than 48,000 people employed. However, we cannot take our international standing for granted which is why Irish Medtech met with the lead parties to advocate for a national health technology strategy to be implemented over recent weeks, and as the programme for government is drafted we’ll continue to raise the industry’s concerns as the voice of medtech.”

“A national strategy with a more focused approach to industrial policy would allow Ireland to stand out from competitor economies that are vying for investments and jobs. Not only would this help safeguard hard won competitiveness, but also supports steps already taken by businesses to help the sector here move-up the value chain to develop and commercialise the next generation life-changing products. To do this, the new Government should develop a strategy that’s led by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment, supported by appropriate resourcing, and learn from international best practice such as the UK and France.”

Medtech Rising speakers include:

• Padhraic McGinn, Irish Medtech Chair, CEO, Mergon
• Jacqueline Henderson, President EMEA, Johnson & Johnson Medtech
• Fionn Lahart, Co-Founder and CEO, LUMA Vision
• Bronwyn Brophy, CEO, Vitrolife
• Bent Dalager, Partner, NewTech and Head of Innovation, KPMG