Medical research and technology
Scotland’s multinational medical technology network is supported by globally recognised research, state-of-the-art industrial technology and clinical excellence. With significant levels of creative and innovative medical technology activity, Scotland is an attractive location for design, manufacture and commercialisation projects.
The fast-growing medical technology market offers earlier returns than other life science sectors, and Scotland is ideally positioned as a gateway to European and global markets.
Medical technology strengths in Scotland
Scotland is home to over 150 medical technology companies, ranging from smaller indigenous companies to major multinationals. Scotland’s medical technology companies directly employ 9500 people and have particular strengths in diagnostics, wound care, implants, disposables, instrumentation and imaging.
Scotland can also boast in excess of 150 support and supply companies with a wide range of capabilities relevant to the medical technology sector. Other strengths include:
- Substantial clinical research and clinical trials capabilities – including the NHS, the world’s biggest healthcare delivery organisation.
- Groundbreaking, world-renowned research, with hotspots in imaging, ophthalmics, orthopaedics, cardiovascular instrumentation and implants.
- A highly skilled, adaptable workforce growing by 15,000 new higher education graduates with qualifications suited to medical technology each year.
- World-class, tailored facilities ranging from dedicated life science parks to more general technology centres.
- A depth of experience in convergent technologies.
- Government funding and support for the commercialisation of research.
- A dynamic, industry-led support network of organisations keen to develop the medical technology sector in Scotland.
Individually, each of these strengths is significant. Together, they constitute a truly compelling proposition. Scotland’s proven medical history stretching back over 500 years, coupled with a forward-thinking modern industry makes it the ideal place for medical technology design, manufacture and commercialisation.
Medical technology opportunities in Scotland
There is an established presence of Med-Tech companies currently located in Scotland, creating substantial collaborative opportunities. Other opportunities that exist within the medical technology sector in Scotland include:
- The potential to provide manufacturing capability to support the existing clinical research organisation base.
- The fact that Scotland is ideally positioned for companies looking to access European and global markets.
- A diversity of research that includes radiography, bioengineering, biomaterials and biophotonics.
Medical technology is just one of the many thriving life science sectors in Scotland. Contact SDI to discuss how we can help your medical technology company to locate, partner or invest in Scotland and hear about the range of services we provide to the Scottish life sciences industry.