Medical Device Link.

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A success story

It is clear that Ireland provides the skills, infrastructure and corporate supports that are required by medical device and diagnostics companies and entrepreneurs. Eight of the world’s top 10 companies have chosen Ireland as the base for one or more of their operations. The sector employs more than 24,000 people, which makes the country, per capita, the biggest medical technology employer in the European Union. Exports of medical devices and diagnostics developed and manufactured in Ireland were valued at $8.5 billion (approximately e 6.2 billion) in 2005.

To ensure that the country continues to compete globally, the Irish Government reviews and adapts the supports that are in place to ensure that they are effective and appropriate within a changing global environment. The Government’s approach is consultative, taking into account the views of industry and other stakeholders. The 2007 budget and the recent national development plan introduced a new Science Technology and Innovation Strategy, expanded the Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credits scheme, launched significant new R&D programmes, doubled health research funding and extended the highly positive business expansion scheme. These schemes have already added enormous value, evidenced by the results of the Forfás Innovation Survey in September 2006, which showed that 80% of companies in the medical technology sector are “innovation active.”¹

Industry programmes

The Irish Medical Devices Association (IMDA) has made recommendations to ensure continued sector development under three thematic objectives: innovation, support for business, and skills development. These were presented in a document to the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment in February 2007 and the Chief Executive Officers of the State Development agencies during April and May 2007. In parallel, IMDA works through its Board, working groups (WGS) and partnership progammes to assist companies in the sector.

Initiatives include the establishment of the Medical Technology Council (MTC) to increase linkages between industry, academia and the clinical community, and to oversee implementation of a Vision to 2020.¹ This was developed by representatives of the three groups together with Government Agencies because they believe that true innovation in medical technology requires that they work together effectively. The MTC plays an important role in supporting programmes and developing ideas. The Cross Sector clinical Trials taskforce (led by IMDA and supported by other members of the MTC) launched a report, “Enhanced Clinical Trials Infrastructure Required to Benefit Public Health,” in November 2006.1 It is encouraging to note that a number of the recommendations identified in the document have already been implemented and others are actively being considered.

Supporting business and skills

A number of other activities have been initiated to support the Association’s three thematic objectives. IMDA recently joined with Sustainable Energy Ireland to devise an Energy Efficiency Programme aimed at medium to large energy users who want to pursue best practice in energy management. The three-day programme covers topics such as proven energy management techniques, energy saving opportunities and technologies specific to the sector.

In response to needs to enhance the skills of those currently in employment and attract those in full time education to the sector, IMDA has introduced a modular training programme “Medical Technologies Future Leaders Programme” for middle managers, and a magazine with accompanying web site for schools that promotes the jobs in the sector.

An annual awards programme has been introduced aimed at promoting and rewarding excellence in innovation, manufacturing and skills among member companies. The winners, who will receive a e 10,000 education bursary, will be announced in November 2007.

The Irish Government is committed to the sector’s continued development and IMDA is working to support the industry via its representation and development initiatives. The sector in Ireland is buoyant and the infrastructure constantly adapting to accommodate its future needs.

Information supplied by IMDA, Confederation House, 84–86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2, Ireland, tel. +353 1 605 1529, e-mail: imda@ibec.ie, www.imda.ie.