This certainly has been an interesting year—and, as usual, it went by in the blink of an eye. American columnist and author Bill Vaughan wrote: “An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.”

As we enter a season of giving thanks, the events of the latter half of the year are put into rather murky perspective. It may seem like beating a dead horse, but the state of the economy, the credit crisis and its impact on Wall Street seem to be all we read in the papers, hear on the news, blog about online and chat about during drinks with friends. At times, it feels all consuming—but with good reason. This isn’t an isolated event that impacts a few. We’re all, ultimately, affected in some way. The sinking feeling was brought to even more of a head by presidential candidates beating the “I’ll fix the economy” drum and pointing fingers during this year’s election.

Whether you’re an optimist or a pessimist, I’m sure there are many people who will be ready to show the old year to the door, locking up firmly behind it (and then cautiously looking through the peephole to see what 2009 has in store).

It seems, however, based on a recent study by global medical device consulting firm Emergo Group Inc. (based in Austin, TX), that the medical device industry is populated with optimistic folks ready to see the new year out not because they’re fed up, but because they’re prepared and eager for opportunities that await.

Emergo surveyed more than 1,000 medical device manufacturers, distributors and industry service providers about the current state of their respective companies and prospects for 2009. Despite a continuing trend of gloomy economic data that seems to show the world economy slipping into recession, most medical device companies reported positive domestic and international sales growth and continued optimism about prospects for the industry in the year to come.

A majority of respondents, 61%, said they expect overall sales—both domestic and international revenue—for their company to increase in 2009, and 84% expect the company they work for to employ the same number or more people one year from now. Only 9% of survey takers expect sales to decrease. When asked about their personal outlook for the medical device industry, 56% said they were “somewhat positive” or “very positive” about the prospects for 2009. Only 17% noted that they were “somewhat negative” or “very negative” about next year.

More than 61% indicated that domestic sales/orders have been about the same or higher in the last three months and 66% said international sales/orders have been the same or higher during the same period. A total of 74% said expansion in international markets was part of next year’s plan.
 
The survey was conducted October 13-20 and emailed to more than 11,000 people in the medical device and in-vitro diagnostic industry. Approximately 10% of recipients participated in the survey. Among the respondents, 60% work for small medical device companies with fewer than 100 employees, and 40% are employed by midsize or large companies. Approximately 67% are from North America, 18% from Europe and 10% from Asia. Nearly half—48%—work in medical device regulatory compliance or quality assurance for their company (an area that certainly will see more growth in years to come, which may be a possible reason the data trend upward); 21% in general management and 14% in sales/marketing. More information on the survey can be found at
www.emergogroup.com.

As for MPO, we hope this issue helps you to greet 2009 with open arms. Our “Ask the Experts” feature (page 54) examines trends that impacted 2008, but also outlines industry insider predictions on what various sectors can expect as we begin anew in January. Also, the option of outsourcing regulatory challenges may be something device companies increasingly turn to as their time and other resources are tested (see page 60). And not to be missed is the second installment of our two-part series on outsourcing strategies. Associate Editor Michael Barbella talked to contract manufacturers and OEMs to find out how they’re maximizing their outsourcing relationships and how firms are preparing for future demands (page 44).
 
With all the promise that medical technology holds, there’s a lot to be optimistic about—and we share that optimism. Here’s hoping that as we approach 2009, your glass remains half full.