Political Takeaways In the morning political session of the conference, participants discussed me

Political Takeaways

In the morning political session of the conference, participants discussed medical device innovation in the context of an aging European population and the economic challenges facing a handful of EU member states. Session contributors agreed upon high-level issues such as additional patient-centered innovations; greater integration of innovation with IT and new materials development; greater focus on cost-effectiveness; and the need for a more holistic approach to innovation.

Participants also listed several goals going forward:

• Demand-driven innovation that allows healthcare providers and patients to become more directly involved in medical technology research and development.

• Sharing national best practices and research throughout Europe.

• Improving collaboration and dialogue among medical technology constituents.

• Improving information and training for healthcare providers and patients on innovative products.

• Promoting innovation through public procurement policies.

Participants agreed that the roughly 18,000 small- and medium-sized enterprises that make up the bulk of the EU’s device industry need better support, whether it be through more efficient patenting processes or innovative funding schemes such as public-private partnerships.

To facilitate these efforts, adjustments to the EU regulatory framework also will be required, participants noted. Interoperability issues will require particular attention as use of electronic and mobile health systems increases. Regulators also should develop capabilities to expand traceability of medical devices to boost patient safety and better manage adverse event reporting and product recalls.