"We are researching sensor technologies to manufacture the next generation of medical devices, which are essential for the digitalisation of healthcare"
The Basque Country, a good place for the medical device industry
Personalised health is one of the cornerstones of the smart specialisation strategy; "we have been investing in this sector for more than a decade, and now we are beginning to reap the rewards with the growth of the business sector", confirmed Manuel Montejo, Scientific Director of Health at TECNALIA, during the "Science and technology km 0 to advance strategic autonomy in the Basque Country" conference organised by BRTA.
The event debated the way in which science and technology, which is developed in the Basque Country in the fields of industry, energy, health and food, contributes to the strategic autonomy of the Basque Country within the framework of the triple transition: technological-digital, energy-environmental and demographic-social.
Medical technology for the medical device and diagnostics industry in the Basque Country was the key message of Montejo's speech. Our colleague highlighted the role of the medical device as a lever for generating wealth. "It is an industry that manufactures a product with high added value which is exported to the rest of the world and which also has a significant impact on its region with the generation of qualified employment”.
Strategic autonomy of the Basque Country
In this forum, Manuel Montejo highlighted the long industrial tradition in the Basque Country. "We have the necessary ingredients: a manufacturing industry, science and technology, an innovative health system, as well as institutional support". "We can say that we are in a good position for the strategic autonomy of the Basque Country".
During his speech, the expert explained the need for healthcare technology as a lever for innovation. This is an evolution from outcome-based medicine (where efficiency in treatment volume was paramount) to value-based medicine (maximum value for patients at the lowest possible cost).
Sensor technologies will manufacture the next generation of medical devices
"Therefore, not all technologies will have a place in the market. There will only be room for those products that fit in with this approach", explains Montejo. He also presented some of the research work that TECNALIA is currently developing in collaboration with several BRTA agents, such as the ONBODY project, financed by the Basque Government’s Elkartek programme.
"We are researching sensor technologies to manufacture the next generation of medical devices, which are a fundamental part ofthe digitalisation of healthcare. Within this context, the individual measurement of certain parameters is key to providing a response to personalised medicine.
TECNALIA is developing major innovation and research work in the areas of diagnostics, sensors and digitalisation. It focuses on the development of technology as a tool for our companies to develop competitive products that strengthen our business sector and have an impact on improving the quality of life of society.
