Even as the pandemic continues to take its toll on the health system and the wider economy, France is looking to the future. Industry experts, economists and political leaders see a strong role f o r French medtech manufacturers as the world emerges from the worst of the COVID-19 crisis.

‘Our economy is facing an unprecedented crisis which doesn’t spare the health industry, but we have the capacity and the talent required to bounce back,’ said Agnès Pannier-Runacher, Deputy Minister for Economy and Finance, responsible for industry. ‘Because the healthcare industry was at the heart of the response to COVID-19, so it must be at the avant-garde of the economic recovery.’

Ms Pannier-Runacher, Ministerial Delegate for Economy, Finance and Recovery, in charge of Industry, was speaking at a virtual conference on 16 October, hosted by SNITEM, the French medtech association. ‘The future of medical devices: what is at stake for France?’ explored how companies and policymakers can drive economic recovery and deliver innovation in healthcare in the years ahead.

The event also heard from leading figures in industry, academia and policymaking, along with experts in healthcare and economics. At the heart of the meeting, three roundtables addressed the challenges facing France and European manufacturers; the role of digital health solutions; and lessons learned from economic regulation in health. While recognising the challenges posed by the pandemic, there was a strong focus on the future.

The Minister praised the sector’s contribution to fighting the pandemic and pledged the government’s support in the recovery phase. ‘I want to commend the response of the healthcare industry to COVID-19. You answered the call throughout the entire crises to aid our citizens by manufacturing the equipment, medical devices and medication that we needed,’ she said. ‘The French government is with you now to help you rebound and is providing EUR35 billion for the industry.’