Tuttlingen/Stuttgart - So that the companies in the state "get the visibility they deserve and face the future they want": With this objective MedicalMountains GmbH initiated the vision process for the Baden-Württemberg medical technology industry. Support comes from the highest level: Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann takes over the patronage for the closing event of the vision process.
Within the EU, German medical technology companies account for by far the largest share - and within Germany, Baden-Württemberg ranks at the top: around 850 companies with 52,000 employees achieved taxable sales of 13.8 billion euros in 2018. “We see one of the central economic pillars of the future in the healthcare sector and in particular in medical technology. The enormous potential for innovation, for example in the field of personalized medicine, can become a real engine of growth in the country. That is why we have set up an important network with the strategy dialogue 'Forum Healthcare Location', which is intended to drive these developments forward. At the same time, it is about the right framework conditions so that our companies can play at the forefront on the international markets,” says Prime Minister Kretschmann. "But almost more importantly: Safe and high-quality medical products from Baden-Württemberg help to improve the quality of life and save lives. That is the actual message behind the numbers.” However, these aspects are not always present in public. He therefore thanks MedicalMountains GmbH for initiating a joint vision process. It lays the foundation for strengthening the social perception of the industry and its cohesion in Baden-Württemberg. Against this background, it was easy for him to take over the patronage, according to Prime Minister Kretschmann, "Baden-Württemberg can be proud of this industry and that should be visible to the outside world."
For the MedicalMountains managing directors Yvonne Glienke and Julia Steckeler, the support of the Prime Minister is confirmation and incentive at the same time. “Of course we are very pleased that the Prime Minister is personally committed to the issue. His patronage raises the vision process to a new level.” It is a nice first success to give companies more attention and respect for what they have achieved. "We still have a long way to go," reminds Yvonne Glienke, building a bridge to a common future with common goals on the basis that has now been created. "This sign of appreciation gives momentum," the managing directors are certain.
Tailwind affecting the next working group meeting on June 24th. "The vision process is still open to all interested medical technology companies," emphasize Glienke and Steckeler - and the signal from the Prime Minister could give one or the other the decisive impetus to get involved. "The more diverse the basis, the broader the discussion, the better the result," says Yvonne Glienke.
Various information is available at https://medicalmountains.de/visionprozess/ , including information on the working groups and the registration option for June 24th. Before the official start, there will be an update meeting at 3:00 p.m. The general procedure and the results of the March workshop are presented here again. "Ideal for newcomers, but also for all participants who were already at the first meeting and want to refresh the information," says Yvonne Glienke, describing the procedure. "We are curious how things will continue and where the path will lead" - under the ideal umbrella of the father of the country.
