Scenarios as collaborative tool empowering the policymaking process. The case of MedTech sector in Europe

Abstract

In the paper, we analyse trends that impact the transition of the MedTech clusters in Europe to formulate growth scenarios and propose associated policy measures addressing the MedTech ecosystems while on their way to supporting Sustainable Development Goals. The study directly builds on the lessons learned within the S3martMed alliance, grouping the renowned European cluster organisations in MedTech. The research-oriented objectives of the paper are (i) to present the scenario method as a collaborative, knowledge-enabling tool for clusters and cluster policies and (ii) to identify contemporary scenarios for the MedTech sector willing to add value to transition paths of Regional Innovation Systems. Thus, the presented method and the paper itself are not retrospective but future-oriented to envisage new opportunities for SMEs, business support organisations, RTOs, and the users of MedTech products and services. The paper posits that sustainable ecosystems can be fostered by collaborative achievements of MedTech stakeholders on the condition that they keep on foreseeing the external driving forces to help policymakers to converge them into evidence-based policies.