Key Topics
The Berlin-Brandenburg region has a proud science tradition. The heart catheter was invented here, the first functioning computer was built here, and many famous scientists such as Einstein, Forßmann, Helmholtz, Humboldt, Koch, Leibniz, Planck, Siemens, and Virchow worked here.
The German capital region also has a higher density of research institutions than anywhere else in the country. In the life sciences, the collaborative relationships here are highly developed – a special advantage for innovative companies with an international orientation.
The megatrends in the future development of medical technology are digitization, miniaturization, molecularization, biologization, and individualization. These are of particular importance in five technology fields in which the region hosts a large number of excellent companies, research institutions, and clinics. The potential in the following cutting-edge technologies must be consistently expanded:
At the interface to other highly innovative technology sectors.
Thanks to geographical conditions and technical expertise, the region offers excellent conditions, especially for the development of eHealth technologies. Research and development activities have to increase in order for companies to achieve international competitiveness and to develop more technology transfer projects that will push the testing of new digital medical hardware and software even further. Medical devices enable greater independence and living at home even in old age. Medical technology is also a key factor in the areas of "Ambient Assisted Living" (self-determined life through innovative technology) and "healthy aging." Here, too, it is important to pool expertise in the region and in particular to intensify dialogue with the players in the digital sector.
Other highly innovative fields of technology, which are already represented in the capital region with very good approaches, but which can be significantly further developed especially with regard to medical technology, include nanotechnology and regenerative medicine. The topic "biologized medical technology" marks an important interface for this focus. Corresponding measures are to be linked with the field of action "biotechnology and pharmaceuticals," in which regenerative medicine, red biotechnology (for example organ replacement), as well as diagnostics (for example contrast agents, tracers) also play outstanding roles.
