![[Translate to English:] Medizintechnik Produktion](/fileadmin/Bestminds/News/Medizintechnik_Produktion.jpg "[Translate to English:] Medizintechnik Produktion")
Medical technology is at the heart of a growing global healthcare market. Sales of medical devices alone are expected to rise from around US$572 billion in 2025 to almost US$887 billion by 2032. This corresponds to an average annual growth rate of more than six percent. At the same time, geopolitical risks and regulatory changes are increasing the pressure on production sites. Companies such as Johnson & Johnson are therefore investing tens of billions in additional manufacturing capacity to secure their supply chains and integrate state-of-the-art technologies. For executives, this means setting a strategic course for resilient value creation. New career opportunities are emerging for skilled workers, provided they have the right skills.
North America remains the largest market worldwide with a market share of over 38 percent, but the Asia-Pacific region is experiencing the strongest growth. Europe is maintaining its industrial base: the sector now employs over 880,000 people within the EU, with Germany accounting for the largest number of employees. Ireland and Switzerland have the highest number of employees per capita. The European medical technology sector is thus one of the most employment-intensive industries in the high-tech sector.
Furthermore, R&D accounts for an average of 8 percent of sales in the European medical technology sector. This figure illustrates how heavily the industry invests in research, although precise comparative figures for the share of total private R&D expenditure in the EU are not readily available.
In Germany, around 1,470 companies with more than twenty employees recently generated sales of over €38 billion. They continue to supply over sixty percent of their production abroad. However, according to the BVMed autumn survey 2024, German domestic growth was only 1.2 percent, while international business grew by 3.5 percent.
Implications for managers
According to current industry analyses, automated robotics and image processing systems are the most productive lever for increasing efficiency and traceability. Additive processes are another factor. High-resolution 3D printing enables patient-specific implants to be manufactured individually while reducing throughput times.
In addition, it becomes possible to control entire production lines in low-code or no-code ERP environments, allowing processes to be adjusted in near real time. Production managers who implement such systems can reduce setup times, minimize waste, and meet stricter documentation requirements without additional effort.
The Medical Device Regulation (MDR) in Europe and trade policy measures in the US are forcing manufacturers to make their production networks more flexible. Under Donald Trump's administration in particular, tariffs on medical components and intermediate products are subject to considerable fluctuations. Changes can occur on a monthly basis and affect both import and export conditions.
Medtronic and other large companies are therefore regularly reviewing the geographical realignment of their manufacturing capacities in order to be able to respond to short-term customs adjustments. Production relocations, alternative supplier networks, and regional dual strategies (China plus one, USA plus Mexico) are becoming increasingly important.
At the same time, regulatory authorities require complete traceability of every component. Digital batch records and automated end-of-line testing have therefore become indispensable for efficiently meeting these requirements.
This increases the need for applicants to have expertise in standards such as ISO 13485 and validation methods. Companies that invest specifically in training can shorten their time to market and reduce the risk of costly recalls.
By 2033, nearly two million manufacturing jobs worldwide could remain unfilled if the talent gap is not addressed. The situation is further exacerbated in the medical technology sector, where complex product lifecycle requirements call for interdisciplinary teams of bioengineers, software developers, and regulatory specialists. At the same time, MassDevice has observed more than 22,000 layoffs since mid-2022, suggesting that companies are deliberately consolidating profiles.
Skill mapping for future technologies: Identify skills in robotics programming, 3D printing design, or data analysis at an early stage and develop them with the help of continuing education programs.
Targeted employer branding initiatives: Skilled workers value meaningful work and modern working environments. Storytelling about patient benefits and sustainability increases attractiveness.
Agile recruitment models: Freelancer pools and collaborations with research institutions can be used to tap into peaks in expertise without permanently increasing fixed costs.
Invest in modular manufacturing layouts: This will enable you to integrate new technology nodes without interruption and balance volume changes between locations.
Use data analysis for predictive maintenance: The combined use of sensors and AI can significantly reduce unplanned downtime and extend the service life of equipment.
Strengthen supplier diversity: Dual sourcing of critical components increases delivery capability, especially for electronic components and specialty polymers.
Promote cross-functional teams: Close cooperation between the research and development, quality assurance, and production departments shortens the validation phases and ensures regulatory compliance.
The production of medical technology is evolving into a highly networked technological ecosystem. Growth drivers include demographic change, digital therapy concepts, and political programs to strengthen regional manufacturing. Companies that invest now in automation, talent development, and resilient supply chains will secure competitive advantages for the coming decade.
Sustainability is becoming increasingly important as companies adopt energy-efficient processes and environmentally friendly materials. In addition, investors and customers are paying closer attention to ESG criteria, which has a direct impact on production decisions.
AI systems enable predictive maintenance, real-time quality monitoring, and adaptive production planning. This minimizes downtime and allows resources to be used more efficiently.
SMEs benefit from digitalization by occupying specialized niches and implementing flexible manufacturing concepts. Cooperation with research institutions and start-ups also promotes technology transfer and innovation leadership.
If you are looking for qualified specialists and managers for your medical technology production areas, we can support you with our specialized network. The personnel consultants at BESTMINDS specialize in filling positions in the fields of medical technology, healthcare, life sciences / pharma, and IT / media. They have a deep understanding of the industry and are personally committed to their work, with over 15 years of successful experience in filling such positions.
We find the right candidates for you in a fair, loyal, and discreet manner, ensuring that they are not only professionally suited to your company but also culturally compatible. Contact us for a non-binding initial consultation so that you can fill your vacancies in medical technology production promptly and sustainably.
