The European MedTech Forum is the largest health and medical technology industry conference in Europe. MedTech Europe, the alliance of European medical technology industry associations EDMA and Eucomed, organizes the 9th edition of the Forum on 30 November – 2 December 2016 at Flagey (Brussels, Belgium).

The 2015 edition brought together around 500 key leaders active in the EU healthcare scene. To revisit last year’s Forum, visit our conference material page including a report, presentations and pictures.

This year's edition will revolve around the theme The 4th Industrial Revolution – the medtech era?

Theme: The 4th Industrial Revolution – the medtech era?

We are on the verge of a “Fourth Industrial Revolution”, a new era that builds and extends the impact of digitalisation in novel and unanticipated ways. For healthcare - and for medtech in particular - the opportunities on offer in an interconnected world are immense. However, to seize these opportunities we need to prepare for the future today.

The first Industrial Revolution was characterized by steam and water. The second was heralded by the introduction of electricity which opened the door to mass production. The third is characterized by the internet, communication technologies, and the digitalisation of everything. The fourth Industrial Revolution will see the blurring of the boundaries between the physical, digital and biological worlds.

The infusion of technology into every part of our lives is becoming the norm. Every industry is affected by the new waves of technologies, digitalisation and connectivity, and the medtech sector is no exception.

The impact of future medtech breakthroughs is predicted to be massive and is yet to be fully felt. According to a survey conducted by The Economist in January 2016, healthcare business leaders expect our sector to benefit the most from the 4th industrial revolution (45%) – a much more positive outlook than other major sectors.

The opportunities are immense: robots are working side-by-side with surgeons; limbs and organs are being 3D printed; big data is helping healthcare professionals in their diagnosis, disease forecasting and tailor-made healthcare. The Internet of Things (IoT) promises to connect our consumer devices, hospital equipment, and to accelerate efficiencies in manufacturing. The scope for customisation that these changes present may mean better value for all players.

Technical, regulatory, commercial and ethical questions remain: What are the societal and ethical implications of the changes that lie ahead? How will physicians work together with Artificial Intelligence? Is our regulatory system fit for the future? How exactly will we use big data and how will the reimbursement system respond? These questions are the tip of the iceberg and will be the focus of this year’s MedTech Forum.

How can we best unleash the potential of the medtech within the 4th industrial revolution? And is the environment around us ready?