Medical Devices Industry

Our Industry in Numbers

• # 1 market in Europe and # 3 in world; 36% European market share (2006)
• 7% annual increase in turnover over last 10 years
• EUR 15.9 billion in 2006 production volume (+8.1%)
• EUR 21 billion in total expenditures (2006)
• EUR 10.2 billion in 2006 export sales (+ 11.1%); # 2 global exporter (14.6% global market share); 64% export ratio (2006)
• average corporate investment in R&D: 9% of annual sales
• 15,752 registered patents in medical technology (2006)
• 165,000 core sector employees (2007) working for over 11,000 companies
• players like B. Braun Melsungen, Dräger Medical, Fresenius, Otto Bock, and Siemens Medical Solutions are situated in Germany

Our Advantages

MARKET - Germany ranks as the largest market for medical devices in Europe and the third-largest in the world. Medical progress, increasing health awareness, and the country’s ageing population are major drivers of growth in the healthcare industry.

INDUSTRIAL INFRASTRUCTURE - Germany’s largest domestic medical device companies number among the world’s leaders, and many companies choose to locate their global or European headquarters here. In addition to 50 multinational groups, the German medical device industry is home to many small and mid-sized companies, and 86 percent of all companies have fewer than 100 employees.

PERSONNEL - Our well-trained engineers make Germany a prime location for investment. Nearly 40 universities offer studies in the field of medical engineering. Each year, there are 73,500 graduates in biology, chemistry, medicine, and engineering, in addition to the 2,300 graduates in the field of medical engineering. They’re ready to work for you.

RESEARCH - The Federal Ministry for Education and Research provides over EUR 30 million in funding to several centers for medical technology research. Our 343 universities and over 330 research institutes, such as the Fraunhofer Society and the Max Planck Institute, are ready to partner with companies in order to discover new products and bring them to market.

INCENTIVES - From 2006 to 2009, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research plans to spend EUR 1.2 billion on life science research. With total funds of EUR 100 million, its “Medical Devices Action Plan” will provide targeted support to programs emphasizing intelligent implants, innovative rehabilitation methods, imaging, and regenerative medicines.

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE – We offer an extensive and comprehensive logistics infrastructure that integrates state-of-the-art transportation networks with the most modern telematics, IT, and telecommunications systems.

STABLE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT – Social, economic, and political stability provide a solid base for your corporate projects. Our judiciary and civil services are highly professional. Contractual agreements are secure, and intellectual property is strictly protected in Germany.