The Dutch healthcare sector is increasingly in demand for AI-driven, robotics-assisted and data-driven solutions that increase productivity, reduce waiting times and improve the quality of care. The Dutch MedTech sector can strengthen its leading position in the world, but at the same time risks falling behind. The MedTech sector warns of this in a report.
The Dutch MedTech market is expected to grow to a value of around €550 billion, with the market growing by five to six per cent every year. Among other things, an ageing population, the increase in chronic conditions and the shift towards personalised care are driving growth.
At the same time, healthcare systems worldwide are under pressure from staff shortages, rising costs, stricter regulations and the explosive growth of medical data. The sector also needs to become more resilient to global threats, such as conflicts and health crises. This reinforces the demand for AI-driven, robotics-assisted and data-driven solutions. Thus, healthcare aims to increase productivity, reduce waiting times and improve quality of care.
Strong position at stake
The Netherlands has a strong position in the global MedTech sector. This is partly due to high-level scientific medical research, a strong business cluster and an extensive network of SMEs, universities and knowledge institutions. Companies such as Philips, Elekta, VDL and Prodrive contribute to research, development and production together with their suppliers. Cooperation with University Medical Centres and top clinical hospitals also strengthens the position of the Dutch MedTech sector.
However, our country is in danger of losing ground. Rising production costs, complex regulations, fragmented data access, a shortage of healthcare workers during innovation processes and lack of funding for start-ups in both early and late phases inhibit growth. International MedTech hubs such as Boston, Zurich/Basel and Munich are increasingly attracting talent and investment, while without targeted action, the Netherlands risks losing its competitiveness.
'Make the Netherlands a European leader'
A new MedTech investment plan sets two central goals for 2035:
The Netherlands is among the top three global MedTech ecosystems and a leader in Europe.
The Dutch healthcare system is efficient, resilient and prepared for an ageing society, both for patients and employees.
The focus here is on three themes in which the Netherlands can distinguish itself, according to the MedTech sector:
- Digitally integrated, patient-centred care pathways
- Minimally invasive, image-guided interventions and therapies
- Advanced diagnostics, patient monitoring and sensor technologies
Flagship projects
To realise these ambitions, the sector proposes three flagship projects:
- Regional digital care and command centres
- AI and robot-assisted image-guided therapies
- Autonomous MRI systems
These initiatives should lead to:
- About 11,000 new jobs
- Annual export value of around €5 billion
- Growth of some 75 start-ups and significant healthcare improvements
The application of digitalisation and AI in healthcare could also lead to 22 billion euros in cost savings. The projects contribute to a resilient and efficient healthcare system, more resistant to future crisis situations.
Preconditions
For success, six preconditions are essential, according to the MedTech sector:
- Robust AI and data infrastructure with clear governance
- Faster scale-up of innovations through an 'ecosystem handshake'
- Improved EU legislation and more innovation-friendly rules
- Advanced production and supply chains
- Strengthening the talent base
- Stable and attractive government policy
Realising the plan will require billions in investment. For instance, €5-5.5 billion in public-private capital is needed over a 10-year period. According to the MedTech sector, this money should come from national funds, EU programmes, Invest-NL and private investors, such as companies, venture capital and institutional investors.
'Future-proof healthcare system and resilient, innovative economy'
"Investing in medical technology touches two strategic interests of the Netherlands simultaneously, firstly a future-proof healthcare system and secondly a resilient, innovative economy. By making the right choices, creating the right conditions and implementing a stable policy, we can become one of the strongest MedTech ecosystems in Europe and the world. If we miss this, we will lose a unique opportunity to enable better care for more people in the Netherlands and the rest of the world and further develop our economy. The MedTech growth plan shows the joint ambition of the MedTech sector and has come about with contributions from the entire sector from academic and top clinical hospitals to universities and knowledge institutes, government and industry," explained Roy Jakobs, CEO Royal Philips and figurehead of the MedTech sector under the Wennink report.
Marjoleine van der Zwan, Managing Director TNO Health & Work: "In his report, Peter Wennink emphasises the essential preconditions for future prosperity. Innovation in healthcare is an unmistakable part of this - it's the only way to maintain our world-class healthcare. The Netherlands has the brains and the makers: from smart technology to implementation power. Make the healthcare sector a launching customer, and come up with a joint innovation agenda - Ministries of Health and Sport and Economic Affairs. See innovation in healthcare not as a cost item, but as an investment that improves healthcare, capitalises on knowledge and strengthens our economy."
The MedTech sector's growth plan can be found here (pdf).
