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Digital platform for experts in the medical technology sector
Medtec Online is a community portal created on behalf of the BMBF that aims to promote dialogue between stakeholders from innovation, medical technology and healthcare in micro-communities. Dr Oliver Bujok from MTO Medtec Online & Innovance and Dr Jörg Traub from Forum Medtech Pharma, both consortium partners in the project, present the platform.
23/02/2023
Dr Traub, what significance do innovations have for the medical technology sector?
Dr Jörg Traub: Innovations are essential for the industry, as they ensure its competitiveness and future viability. The industry generated a significant proportion of its global turnover of over 36 billion euros in 2021 with innovative products. This innovative strength is the basis for the high export rate of over 66 per cent in 2021. In view of the transformation of the healthcare system and the extensive regulatory changes, in particular the MDR, the industry is facing major challenges and its innovative strength is being put to the test.
A new platform is now to provide support here. Dr Bujok, what is the National Community Portal Medtec Online and why was it initiated?
Dr Oliver Bujok: In view of these challenges, Medtec Online was launched by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) in order to offer all those involved in the innovation system a digital platform for targeted information and, above all, for direct exchange. To this end, Medtec Online provides users from the specialist community with a personalised online environment at medteconline.de.
Who is behind Medtec Online? Traub: The BMBF has commissioned a consortium to develop, set up and operate the portal, with all participants contributing their respective expertise: Innovance GmbH as the specialised service provider, Forum Medtech Pharma e.V. as the largest independent industry network, Curry Solutions GmbH as the technology developer and MTO Medtec Online GmbH as the platform operator. What are the main tasks of Medtec Online? Bujok: The main task is to create micro-communities that promote exchange between those involved in innovation, medical technology and healthcare. Specifically, it is about informing, networking and moderating relevant topics in online rooms. In addition to this operational dialogue, the BMBF also uses the online portal for strategic dialogues on issues relevant to innovation policy. What can interested parties find on the platform? Traub: Medtec Online offers users the opportunity for information, communication and cooperation. In terms of information, Medtec Online offers a specialist magazine in which over 100 experts have already published practical articles. An online forum allows users to ask specific questions, which are then forwarded to competent users in the online community. This creates an online network of experts that can respond quickly to new questions and topics. In addition to the option to chat, the platform also offers online rooms with integrated video conferencing for working groups, study groups or other micro-communities. With just a few clicks, users can set up such online working groups themselves and invite others. Traub: The range of topics is beginning to broaden. We started with a focus on development, certification, reimbursement and the market with current topics such as MDR, clinical trials, Digas and internalisation. Topics such as sustainability and recruiting talent in SMEs are also very popular. Another focus is on technological topics such as digitalisation, telemedicine, robotics, minimally invasive therapies, AI, digital diagnostics and additive processes. The dynamics in regulation and market access will also continue to be the focus. But in general, users can actively shape the course with their own contributions and self-initiated micro-communities.
How many members does Medtec Online have as of January 2023? Bujok: There are currently over 1000 registered users from over 600 institutions, and the trend is solidly upwards. In short, we are satisfied with the development of the portal. The quality of the contributions, the interaction in the working groups and the response to the strategic dialogues are good. Of course, we would like to have even more users and are expanding the offering for a much larger community. Who actually uses Medtec Online? Bujok: On Medtec Online, around a third of users come from the manufacturing or supplier industry and a third from science and healthcare. A further third are employed by service providers or the public sector. In other words, a very diverse mix of interests and competences. This is the desired breeding ground on which interdisciplinary communities form, exchange ideas, meet in web meetings or inform each other about current trends.
How can medical device manufacturers in particular benefit from the online platform?
Traub: Employees of manufacturers can use Medtec Online in different ways. Some need valid practical knowledge or want to stay informed about current trends. Others are looking for individual dialogue with suppliers, researchers or experts. Some want to establish a micro-community to tackle challenges together with others who are also affected. Traub: The sustainability working group is a very good example. The topic is very multifaceted and is becoming increasingly important. Interested parties come from science, medical technology and the healthcare sector. Bujok: Medtec Online is constantly being developed, both technically and in terms of content. In terms of technology, we will be offering a news aggregator this year that accesses a broad spectrum of sources and displays news according to individual interests. In terms of content, we will accelerate the expansion of the range of topics and handle more strategic BMBF dialogues via medteconline.de.
The above texts, or parts thereof, were automatically translated from the original language text using a translation system (DeepL API).
Despite careful machine processing, translation errors cannot be ruled out.