Germany's Medica 2017 Kicks Off Amid Changeable Outlook, As MDR Clouds Scud Into View
Executive Summary
Germany's medtech industry is yet to find out who will hold the political reins for health care and the other ministerial portfolios that influence the market access and innovation support mechanisms for medtech products. Meanwhile, in the run-up to Medica 2017, German manufacturers were reporting both moderate business growth and increasing concern about reimbursement issues and the EU MDR and IVDR, which are making life less predictable for medtech innovators.
You may also be interested in...
German Health-Care Policymaking Back On Track As Coalition Comes Together
Germany's center-left SPD party will be the junior partner in the new government after 66% of party members voted in favor of another coalition with the center-right Christian Union parties led by Angela Merkela. Jens Spahn, who is in Merkel's party but not in her inner circle, has already been given the health portfolio.
Business As Usual For German Medtechs Amid Political Uncertainty, But EU Reg Cost Fears Mount
Germany has joined the unfortunate group of global economies coupled with the tag "political uncertainty." That much was assured when the government coalition talks in Berlin collapsed last week. Below the surface, life and business goes on as usual – and medtech is no different – but the vacuum can only last for so long.
German Vote 2017: Business Must Wait As Limboland Merkel Faces Hard Coalition Choices
Germany's CDU leader Angela Merkel secured her fourth term as chancellor, but chastened by an election result that saw many of her 2013 voters turn to the liberals and far right, her hand is weakened. Indeed, the EU's rock of political stability has sprung many a surprise in delivering a 2017 election result that will give businesses a sense both of unease and promise, with the re-emergence of the liberal and business-focused FDP.