The Danish Medtech cluster

 

Denmark has become one of Europe’s leading medical technology industry nations. This has been accomplished with a particular focus on research and development, design and innovation, market testing, high-tech production and user-producer linkages.

Considering the small size of the country – counting a mere 5.4 million inhabitants and thus amounting to roughly 1.4% of the total EU population – Danish medical technology companies hold a significant position in terms of medical technology producers in Europe with a critical mass of world leading industry players. In fact, Denmark is home to more than 1.000 companies operating in the area of medical technology and more than 220 dedicated medical technology companies (Medicoindustrien, 2009). Also, within medical technology, Denmark is no. 1 in the world measured on turnover per capita. A large number of the Danish companies export the greater part of their productions, with a total export rate amounting to over 90%. This makes Denmark one of the world’s highest exporters of medical technology products.

 

Holding a significant position in terms of medical technology producers in Europe, Denmark is home to major companies like: Coloplast, Invacare, Siemens Medical Solutions, Roche Diagnostics, Bayer, William Cook Europe, Otto Bock Health Care, Tempur, Abena, GN ReSound, Pressalitcare, V. Guldmann, B&O Medicom, Unomedical, Brüel & Kjaer, Novo Nordisk etc.

 

The presence of world-class universities working at the forefront of technological development contributes to Denmark’s strong position within medical technology. Not only is technology at the forefront, the Danish educational system aims at teaching students to work together, resulting in efficient teamwork and innovative research and products.

 

During the last few years, the importance of producing graduates with the right profile for the medical technology industry has led to the creation of a number of educations combining medicine with technology.

 

A contributing factor to Denmark’s stronghold is a strong and unique interplay between the educational institutions, university hospitals, and the industry, creating synergies between research and development of new products and companies and creating a conductive business environment. Furthermore, a high intensity of research and testing activities at the Danish University hospitals makes Denmark an even stronger location for medical technology companies.

 

Close cooperation with users of medical technology products is an area where the Danish industry excels. The focus is always on developing and manufacturing medical technology products characterised by ease of use, convenience, safety and increased quality of life for the user.

 

The CE-mark is necessary for manufacturing, distributing and selling medical technology products within the EU.