Only by accurately quantifying the footprint of the European medical technology industry, we can demonstrate its contribution to sustainable healthcare systems, economic growth and European competitiveness on a global scale.
- Europe refers to the EU27, Norway, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, unless specified otherwise.
- The Innovation chapter defines medical technology using the methodology of the World Intellectual Property Organization (based on the WIPO IPC-Technology concordance as revised in August 2014). Patents are attributed by the country of residence of the applicant. EPO countries refer to the 38 member states of the European Patent Organisation.
- The Employment & Companies chapter is based on data from the yearly surveys MedTech Europe carries out among our member National Associations. An enterprise is a SME if it employs fewer than 250 persons and has an annual turnover not exceeding €50 million (small and micro-sized companies employ fewer than 50 persons and have a turnover of less than €10 million).
- The Expenditure chapter is based on MedTech Europe calculations using healthcare statistics from the following sources: EFPIA, Eurostat, Fitch Solutions, and the WHO.
- The Market chapter is based on manufacturers’ sales (revenue) not including margins, such as value added in the wholesaling and retailing, transportation costs, some taxes included in the final price, etc.
- The Trade chapter data refers to the medical technology products in the following categories: orthopaedics & prosthetics, patient aids, dental products, diagnostic imaging, consumables, other medical devices (including wheelchairs, ophthalmic instruments, hospital furniture, medical & surgical sterilisers, ultra-violet or infra-red ray apparatus, blood pressure monitors, endoscopy apparatus, dialysis apparatus, transfusion apparatus, anaesthetic apparatus & instruments). The data does not include in vitro diagnostics.