As the management platform for the Medical Technology cluster, Forum MedTech Pharma e.V. has developed a portfolio of additional initiatives and activities, with a view to incorporating further companies, institutes and clinics.
The portfolio contains activities such as cluster meetings, which allow for even more intensive networking between the worlds of science and business and thus further consolidate Bavaria's status as a location for medical technology.
The aim of this strengthened individual support is, on the one hand, to increase the forum's presence at companies and institutions and, on the other, to develop new areas, such as education and further education.
A further aspect in the portfolio is the bundling of regional activities, for which the commitment of all those involved is a precondition.

These additional activities serve to enhance the image of Bavaria as an outstanding location for medical technology and, in addition, allow for the better exploitation of synergies and location-related factors.

Medical technology cluster meetings

Cluster meetings are information events held at a host medical technology firm, university or clinic. Limiting the numbers of participants at such meetings allows for intensive, personal exchange with the host firm. Interaction between speakers and the auditorium is highly encouraged.

The aim of the cluster meetings is to present the product, service and/or research spectrum of the host, hold discussions on any new cooperation projects that might be entered into and to gather ideas for potential future cooperation forums, symposia or joint exhibition appearances.

Examples of successful cluster meetings that have been held so far:

German Aerospace Center, Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics The Institute is regarded as one of the worldwide leading institutions in the field of robotics, initially for use in space. The construction of the DLR lightweight robot and the longer-fingered hands facilitates cooperation with humans. The robot technology supports in medical, especially surgical procedures. SRI Radio Systems GmbH SRI is a German specialist for Lean Manufacturing and Sourcing processes and handles demanding requirements with speed, reliability and innovation. The corporation specializes in electronic products and provides supperior support to a diverse customer structure in Manufacturing & Sourcing, Engineering & Services and Consulting & Training.

TomTec GmbH The company is a world leader in medical imaging software. Applications of technologies for visualization, analysis, dissemination and archiving of multimodal imaging data are cardiology, obstetrics, gynecology, radiology and vascular imaging. Heraeus Medical GmbH The company is a leader in the field of local drug delivery, especially of antibiotic-containing cements and bone substitute materials. Anti-infective coatings for medical implants improving infection prevention.

Educational/further educational initiatives in medical technology

Currently the source of employment for over 100,000 people, the medical technology industry is characterised by a high degree of complexity and the interdisciplinary collaboration associated with this between different occupational groups. If the medical technology industry is to continue to develop cutting-edge products and consolidate Germany's leadership role, firms need to have available to them a qualified workforce with high technical expertise and, in addition, further education programmes that are relevant to their business.

Increasing the educational and further educational options on offer ranks among the key tasks of the Medical Technology cluster. As a first step, the current educational status of employees at bio- and medical technology firms was determined, by way of a representative survey.

The results were presented during a symposium on 24 July 2007. Among the study's findings were that potential for improvement is seen in particular in the provision of education on the subjects of "Knowing the legal requirements", "Management knowledge" and "Technical know-how", and that there was a demand for stronger involvement of associations and institutions in the provision of courses of further education.

Within the Medical Technology cluster, Forum MedTech Pharma e.V. works to ensure that the further education options on offer are continually developed and is preparing to have the issue of further education provision included in the event programme.

Consultancy

Personal meetings represent a further important form of support offered to those involved in the clusters. Should members have a question, management of the cluster can share its extensive knowledge and provide a wealth of ideas in addition to giving advice, for example, on cooperation arrangements and decisions.

Problem areas can be analysed jointly and proposals to resolve the issues developed. The far-reaching experience of our employees is available to you in a wide range of areas: from the assessment of business plans, advice on market strategy, the drawing up of market analyses to the procurement of cooperation partners.