The Irish Medtech Association, the Ibec group that represents the medtech sector, is bringing together international leaders for the Global Access 2022 conference in the Galmont, Galway.
This conference provides insights into the global regulatory landscape with 200 people attending including senior business leaders, policymakers, and regulators.
Irish Medtech Association senior executive Dr Emer Sherry said: “Ireland is a global medtech hub with 450 companies including nine of the world’s top 10 medtech businesses and the greatest employer of medtech professionals, per capita, at 42,000 in Europe. Not only are we one of the most sought-after location to start and grow a medtech business, Ireland is the second largest exporter of medtech in Europe with over €12.6 billion of products going to over 100 countries annually. That is why we are holding Global Access to ensure we remain competitive by offering industry insights into the latest trends such as, digital health and cybersecurity, talent management in a hybrid world, as well best practice sharing from markets such as the UK, Switzerland, and the US.”
Ibec head of sectors, and director of medtech and engineering Dr Sinead Keogh advised that: “Internationally, the medtech industry is defined by its history of driving constant innovation. In Europe, the sector is arguably the most innovative sector with more than 14,200 patent application filled with the European Patent Office in 2020. To get into the health system, manufacturers must demonstrate that medical technologies meet EU-wide safety and performance requirements. The EU is currently witnessing the greatest regulatory change in over two decades. During this time of change, the medtech industry has invested significantly to ensure a successful implementation of the new medical device regulation, and we stand ready to work with all stakeholders to ensure that we have a fit-for-purpose regulatory system that supports innovation and maintains patient access to medtech.”
Minister of state for public health, wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy Frank Feighan TD said: “Ireland is recognised around the world as a centre of excellence in the medical technologies sector. Our cohesive and integrated life sciences cluster comprises our highly innovative indigenous companies alongside well-established FDI multinationals, our world-class research base, and our strong industry-focused clinical community. This reflects our commitment to joined-up thinking and wrap-around support for this sector, and the importance of strong partnerships and relationships developed across all aspects of the sector. Government is committed to nurturing and developing these linkages and emulating this success in other sectors. Importantly, ensuring the safety of all medical devices placed on the Irish market is imperative and the EU is currently in the midst of implementing the new medical devices regulatory framework. Ireland remains fully committed to the full and effective implementation and operation of this new system so that the EU can fully realise the objectives of these new regulations which are to establish a robust, transparent, predictable, and sustainable regulatory framework for medical devices which ensures a high level of safety and health, whilst supporting innovation.”