Ireland is a global powerhouse for the medical technology sector and proof of this can be seen in the export performance of the sector, which grew exports 10pc in the first half of 2012 to €3.9bn.
The figures were captured on the Eurostat International Trade Database.
There are 200 medical technology companies in Ireland that employ 25,000 people – the highest number of people working in the industry in any country in Europe, per head of population.
Exports of medical devices and diagnostics products now represent 8pc of Ireland’s total merchandise exports; and growth prospects for the industry globally remain good.
Many of the world’s top medical technology companies have invested significantly in Ireland and a number of exciting, research-based, indigenous companies are emerging and competing internationally.
More than 90 of the companies in the sector are indigenous.
The export figures were revealed as the shortlist of the Medical Technology Excellence Awards 2012 were announced by the IBEC-based Irish Medical Device Association.
“The medical technologies industry is of key importance to the Irish economy and has continued to grow year on year,” Dr Brian O’Neill, manager, Life Sciences at Enterprise Ireland, said.
“Some 25,000 people are directly employed in the sector in Ireland. Ireland is home to nine out of the world’s top 10 leading multinationals, including Boston Scientific, Medtronic, Cordis, DePuy, Stryker, Covidien, Baxter, Abbott, and Cook Medical, as well as a very strong base of innovative indigenous companies.”
Shortlist for the Medical Technology Excellence Awards 2012
The Medical Technology Excellence Awards 2012 will take place on Thursday, 13 December, in Galway.
Shortlist for the Company of the Year Award:
- DePuy Ireland
- Lake Region Medical Limited
- Stryker Ireland
- Hollister
Shortlist for the Emerging Company of the Year:
- neoSurgical Ltd. & Inc
- i360medical Limited
- TECHNOPATH MANUFACTURER
- APICA Cardiovascular Ltd
Siliconrepublic.com is hosting Med Tech Focus, an initiative which over coming months will cover news, reports, interviews and videos, documenting Ireland’sleading role in one of the hottest sectors in technology.
