Catalyst for Change: Trade Shows as Accelerators of Progress
Catalyst for Change: Trade Shows as Accelerators of Progress
Research, investments, business strategies, legislation – innovations require many drivers. Trade shows are marketplaces where the agents of change come together and inspire each other with their ideas. We’re experiencing rapid advances right now, particularly in medical technology and healthcare. In his editorial, Wolfram N. Diener, President & CEO of Messe Düsseldorf, explains how society as a whole benefits from this development.
by Wolfram N. Diener
Robots work as assistants in the intensive care room, for hours at a time with complete concentration and zero fatigue. Artificial intelligence is used to analyze images taken by X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, and computer and magnetic resonance tomographs. It can detect abnormalities faster and more accurately than humans, helping medical professionals to diagnose their patients’ illnesses at an early stage. Wearables and telemedicine make the provision of healthcare easier, even remotely. Such e-health applications are particularly beneficial for people who, because of where they live or due to limited mobility, may have difficulty accessing medical professionals. New biomaterials, manufacturing processes using 3D printing and other innovations are improving medical implant technology. Artificial joints, prostheses and other aids are becoming smaller, better tolerated and better tailored to patients. I could list many more examples because innovation is currently taking place in almost all areas of healthcare, including prevention, diagnostics, therapy and rehabilitation.
“We’re currently experiencing groundbreaking advances in medical technology and healthcare.”
Marketplaces for Innovations The key medical technologies of today and tomorrow can be experienced at Messe Düsseldorf’s platforms MEDICA, COMPAMED and REHACARE, which feature new medical techniques and procedures that will benefit society as a whole in the future. Trade shows are innovation marketplaces where stakeholders from business, science, politics and the public engage in a dialogue, where they present new ideas, discuss solutions, network and initiate partnerships. Trade shows are engines of progress. They accelerate the implementation of useful innovations and create acceptance for change. This truth applies to all of Messe Düsseldorf’s platforms.
Among the hot topics at this year’s MEDICA are current artificial intelligence and medical robotics use cases. Another focus is on digital networking in healthcare. With more than 5,100 exhibitors from more than 70 nations and over 80,000 attendees, MEDICA is the largest medical B2B trade show in the world. It will take place from November 11 to 14, 2024, together with COMPAMED, the leading international trade show for medical technology industry suppliers. At COMPAMED, the focus is on components, parts, manufacturing processes and materials for medical innovations – such as advanced implant technology, for example. In September 2024, REHACARE in Düsseldorf showcased and explored the trends and developments in assistive technologies for rehabilitation, prevention, integration, and care. Complementing these three leading global trade shows in Düsseldorf are nine other healthcare shows worldwide – in India, Singapore, Thailand, China, Brazil, and Colombia. Taken together, Messe Düsseldorf’s platforms cover the current and future state of a broad range of medical and health-related topics. Veritable catalysts of change, our trade shows serve to accelerate progress in healthcare.
We’re Living Longer and Longer – and Healthier and Healthier The market for medical technology and its suppliers is characterized by a spirit of innovation, an optimistic sense of new beginnings and growth. Experiencing this dynamic is fascinating. Germany has established itself as a leading market for medical technology thanks to its state-of-the-art research, innovative technologies, and a strong regulatory framework. According to Statista, total revenue in 2024 is expected to reach approximately 35.41 billion euros. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.95%, the market could generate a volume of 45.08 billion euros in 2029. Globally, the medical technology market is expected to grow from 553.60 billion euros in 2024 to 723.90 billion euros in 2029.
Demographic change is one of the key drivers of this market growth: In many parts of the world, the share of older people in the population is growing. This group requires medical care more often and is more likely to suffer from chronic conditions, which leads to higher demand for medical devices and technologies used for diagnostics as well as for treatment and rehabilitation. Moreover, thanks to the expansion of healthcare systems and increasing prosperity in many countries, more and more people are able to benefit from improved healthcare services.
“Medical progress increases our life expectancy and improves our quality of life.”
Innovations in medical technology are helping to improve healthcare while simultaneously reducing healthcare costs in many ways, for example because using robots relieves the burden on medical professionals, telemedicine enables remote patient monitoring, artificial intelligence makes diagnoses more precise, and minimally invasive procedures lead to shorter hospital stays and faster recoveries.
All in all, this is a very positive development: On average, we humans live longer and longer lives – not least because medical progress is increasing our life expectancy, improving our quality of life and supporting our health in old age. With its marketplaces, Messe Düsseldorf is helping to accelerate the dynamics of innovation in healthcare. Countless people will ultimately benefit. And that’s amazing motivation for our work.