medicine

The European Union’s regulation of medical devices in Europe only began in the 1990s. Previously, member states acted independently, but the differing national requirements were replaced by EU directives including the 1993 Medical Devices Directive (MDD) and the 1998 In Vitro Diagnostics Directive (IVDD).

For an innovative investment to pay off, the pieces of the research and development puzzle need to fall into place perfectly—especially in life sciences and MedTech.

In Flanders, the northern region of Belgium, you’ll find all the required ingredients: companies that adapt quickly and work together, academic institutions and research centres that support the ambitions of entrepreneurs, government agencies that think with and support the world of business in a hands-on way. It’s all available in a compact and dense knowledge network.

In the family council meeting in a city in India, the patriarch of the fast-moving consumer goods family business proudly proclaimed: “I have blocked a bed, nurse, doctor, oxygen cylinder and injection, which will be available for anyone of us if we fall prey to Covid-19. I’m not taking any chances.”

A hand went up: “Uncle, what if more than one of us needed it at the same time?” He smiled and said not to worry.