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New Leadership for SPECTARIS's Core Competency in Regulatory AffairsSince the beginning of the year, Corinna Mutter has been filling in for Nadine Benad, who is on parental leave, as head of SPECTARIS’s core competency area of Regulatory Affairs. Mutter is a licensed attorney and has previously worked for associations in the banking, energy, and aviation industries, where she dealt with specific regulatory issues. SPECTARIS members can contact her in the future regarding any regulatory questions (mutter@~@spectaris.de; Tel.: 030 – 41 40 21 67) or her colleague Madeleine Wendt (wendt@~@spectaris.de; Tel.: 030 – 41 40 21 68) regarding all regulatory matters. In total, the Regulatory Affairs department at SPECTARIS is represented by four colleagues. This means that this important core competency is stronger than ever before. |
Digital Community Campaign Launched: Contact Lenses as the Ideal Complement to GlassesA joint digital and marketing campaign by our SPECTARIS contact lens group has been launched in recent weeks. It aims to raise awareness of contact lenses, attract new contact lens wearers, and drive traffic to brick-and-mortar specialty stores. A central figure in this campaign will be the “SehFee,” THE digital contact lens expert who engages with people online, offers them assistance, is always available, and can show anyone interested where the nearest contact lens specialist is located. The campaign will be based on two pillars: Pillar 1 is aimed at those interested in contact lenses and current wearers. Through the “SehFee,” they will receive information, advice, and assistance in forums (including gutefrage.net or the contact lens forum) or via multimedia channels. Pillar 2, on the other hand, targets potential contact lens wearers (especially teens, athletes, and those with presbyopia). The website serves as the foundation, summarizing all important information about contact lenses. We will provide separate updates regarding the upcoming launch. The campaign is supported by our members Abbott (AMO), Alcon, Bausch+Lomb, CooperVision, Hecht, Johnson & Johnson, Menicon, and MPG & E. |
German Photonics Industry Sets New Record for Export ShareAt the start of the most important trade show for the photonics industry, “Photonics West” in San Francisco, the industry association SPECTARIS reported positive economic results for the sector: In 2017, the approximately 1,000 German photonics companies generated revenue of 34.8 billion euros. According to preliminary estimates, growth of six to eight percent was achieved in 2018. Manufacturers are also generally optimistic about the current year. Various market research institutes predict annual growth for the global photonics market in the range of seven percent for the coming years. With over 160 companies, Germany had the largest number of exhibitors at the trade show after the host country, the United States. However, with an average export ratio of around 72 percent, German photonics companies are also heavily reliant on the international market. Incidentally, the 24th “Laser World of Photonics”—the world’s leading trade fair for photonic components, systems, and applications—will take place in Munich from June 24–27, 2019. SPECTARIS will, of course, be there. More |
Photonics Research: Innovative Bonding Technologies Are Redefining the Applications of Optical SystemsIntegrated optical systems are used in a wide variety of fields—from laser technology to medicine and mobility, all the way to aerospace. It is precisely in these fields that micro- and nanostructures are used for high-precision measurements under extreme environmental conditions. The requirements for joining optical surfaces—a process known as bonding—are correspondingly high. Existing bonding methods have been insufficient to meet these requirements. Scientists at Friedrich Schiller University and the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF) in Jena have now broken new ground as part of the “Opti-Bond” project of the Industrial Joint Research (IGF) initiative: The researchers have succeeded in developing innovative bonding technologies that overcome and redefine the known limits of optical system applicability. Three completely novel processes were developed. First, direct bonding, in which the sample surfaces are activated by plasma; second, a process using a silicate bonding solution; and finally, ultrashort laser pulses that fuse transparent glass samples together without any intermediate layer. These new technologies are significantly superior to existing joining methods. The project was carried out by the AiF member and SPECTARIS cooperation partner Research Association for Precision Mechanics, Optics, and Medical Technology (F. O. M.). More |
Exports are also the driving force behind the laboratory technology industryOn the occasion of the SPECTARIS Industry Day for Analytical, Biotech, and Laboratory Technology, the industry is reporting positive results: According to preliminary estimates by the industry association, the 330 German manufacturers of analytical, biotech, and laboratory technology achieved a 6.8 percent increase in sales in 2018 compared to the previous year. Positive momentum came from both the domestic market (+4.3%), but above all from international business (+8.7%). The number of employees rose by 6.3 percent to approximately 47,000. For the current year, the industry anticipates a similar increase in revenue, although uncertainties regarding an economic slowdown remain. Given an export ratio of 53 percent, foreign demand is a key driver of industry growth. A good 40 percent of German exports of analytical, biotech, and laboratory equipment went to European Union countries in 2018. Trade with the U.S. and China accounted for approximately 13 percent and 11 percent of exports, respectively. A key prerequisite for this successful development is the continuation and expansion of the free international movement of goods. “Politicians must take decisive action to counter the current protectionist tendencies in some countries,” explained Mathis Kuchejda (photo), Chairman of the SPECTARIS Trade Association for Analytical, Bio-, and Laboratory Technology, at the industry conference held at Agilent. More |
Lab.Vision: The “Laboratory Industry Trend Radar” on May 7–8, 2019, at BASF in LudwigshafenLab.Vision, SPECTARIS’s unique trend event for the laboratory industry, will be held at BASF in Ludwigshafen on May 8, 2019. The “Trend Radar” brings together manufacturers and users of analytical, biotech, and laboratory technology and invites them to exchange ideas on the topics “Chemistry 2025: Innovative Digitalization Solutions for Sustainable Processes,” “Success Through Radical User Focus: Customer-Oriented Solutions for the Laboratory of the Future Using Design Thinking,” and “Sales 4.0: Faster, Simpler, More Automated.” With high-profile keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, and interactive formats, Lab.Vision brings together key stakeholders in laboratory technology to translate future requirements into technology and business models. On May 7, SPECTARIS invites attendees to tour the BASF Analytics Competence Lab and to an evening industry get-together featuring a dinner speech and the presentation of the SPECTARIS Lab Bear award to a winner of the “Jugend forscht” science competition. Information and registration here. |
A New Face at the Professional Association for Analytical, Biological, and Laboratory TechnologyAs of February 1, Krasimira Maryanska has been the Junior Project Manager at the Professional Association for Analysis, Biotechnology, and Laboratory Technology, succeeding Juliane Tröger. In this role, Maryanska supports the association’s leadership in managing the SPECTARIS membership service portfolio. With a degree in communications and multimedia management, she is responsible for the association’s online channels, publishing industry-relevant events, topics, and trends via newsletters and the website. She also coordinates the association’s events and working groups. In her previous position, Maryanska worked in the digital department of a German industrial company with an international presence. There, she played a key role in driving the digital transformation process and was actively involved in the rollout of agile project management tools. |
Patients should have faster access to digital healthcare servicesSPECTARIS and seven other associations in the industrial healthcare sector have presented proposals in a joint discussion paper for faster integration of digital healthcare services into standard care. The associations expect this to result in greater patient benefits and improved treatment processes. In addition to telemedicine applications, digitalization offers patients numerous opportunities for self-management, particularly for chronic and rare diseases. Currently, however, digital healthcare services in Germany are inadequately reflected in reimbursement systems, even though they can make treatment processes more efficient and thus improve patient care. More |
Register now for free for the Foreign Trade Day at the Federal Foreign Office: Challenges in Free Trade and DigitalizationGerman companies in the medical technology, pharmaceutical, and laboratory technology sectors have a global presence. A key pillar of their success is building networks in foreign markets. In the Federal Foreign Office, SECTARIS has an excellent partner for gathering market intelligence and securing political support for important projects. At the Foreign Trade Day on March 20, 2019, export-oriented companies can establish important contacts, raise issues regarding specific target markets, and obtain exclusive market information from a strong network of partners. The framework for these discussions is provided by the 2019 theme, which brings together two key concerns of the SECTARIS industries: the defense of free trade and appropriate framework conditions for digital products and processes. Participation in the Foreign Trade Day is free of charge for manufacturing companies from the target sectors, members of the participating associations, and public officials (from the Bundestag, ministries, embassies, etc.). Registration here (Photo: Fotolia.) By the way, the event’s hashtag is #AWT19. |
Preparing for Brexit: Commission Steps Up “No Deal” Information CampaignIf no withdrawal agreement is reached that would establish a transition period lasting until the end of 2020 (with the possibility of an extension as provided for in the withdrawal agreement), the United Kingdom will be treated as a third country for customs purposes as of March 30, 2019. Companies in the EU must now urgently begin preparing for the United Kingdom’s withdrawal, if they have not already done so. To assist companies in this process, the European Commission has published a “Brexit checklist” and launched a dedicated website with a list of practical tips and recommendations. A customs guide can be found here. |
Successful Exporting to Neighboring FranceFrance—with 100 billion euros in exports, the largest export market for German companies—is becoming increasingly important. Exporting to countries such as the U.S., Russia, the U.K., or Brazil comes with growing challenges. Many would like to expand into the nearby French market, which is often described as “very interesting, but difficult.” So where should you start? How do you set up your sales operations? What legal hurdles do you need to navigate? What tax considerations are there? The CCFA—the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Germany—and its subsidiary Strategy & Action International, together with their France expert Gilles Untereiner, provide the answers. They’re offering a 30-minute webinar packed with tips and tricks drawn from 45 years of practical experience in the industrial sector: How to make sound strategic decisions, recruit and manage sales staff, acquire customers and market share, establish companies, and much more. Above all, how to navigate the tricky intercultural aspects—for example, in negotiations, employee management, and meeting management within the German-French context. For more information on the CCFA’s webinars, click here. |
First FAM Academic ColloquiumShortly after the AiF Medical Technology Research Alliance (FAM) was established in January 2019 (we reported), the FAM’s first specialized colloquium will take place on April 9, 2019, in Frankfurt am Main. The founding research associations—including the Research Association for Precision Mechanics, Optics, and Medical Technology (F.O.M.), which collaborates with SPECTARIS—will present their research priorities and provide insight into the range of industrial collaborative research projects carried out by the FAM. The results of socially relevant medical technology research will be presented, such as in the fields of early tumor detection, cardiac diagnostics, and scoliosis therapy devices suitable for children. The Association of Industrial Research Associations (AiF) aims to ensure an efficient transfer of knowledge from research to industry in order to provide the best possible support to industry. Under its auspices, industrial feasibility studies are conducted and innovative ideas are developed into prototypes. To this end, IGF innovation development is being continued with funding from the BMWi program “Central Innovation Program for SMEs” (ZIM). In the concluding session, further ZIM-funded medical technology collaboration projects will therefore be presented. More |
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Place your ad on our websiteEstablish your presence in our growth sectors and benefit from reaching your target audience with an ad on our website. Our website serves as a showcase for the German high-tech industry and is therefore the first port of call for information about innovation-driven small and medium-sized enterprises in the fields of consumer optics, medical technology, photonics, and the laboratory industry. You can find advertising listings and prices here. |
May 13, 2019 | Hanover | WissenraumStartup! Quantum Technologies We would like to draw your attention to an event organized by SPECTARIS GmbH. The SPECTARIS Knowledge Space Seminar will examine current developments in the research and application of quantum technologies in more detail, focusing on three key topics: funding opportunities for quantum technologies in Germany; startup pitches; and quantum technology funding and networks in the United Kingdom. The event will take place at the Hi-Tec Institute in Hanover. More |
Privacy at SPECTARIS: We Keep You InformedThe protection of your personal data is important to us. You can find out how we handle your personal data in accordance with the GDPR of May 25, 2018,here: . |
What Our Members SaySPECTARIS is driving collaboration in our industry “The very informative discussions at SPECTARIS in Berlin and here at our office convinced me of Spectaris’s commitment and the quality of its work. In particular, the opportunity to combine topics from analytical, biotechnology, and laboratory technology with the field of medical technology is very interesting for Sigma,” I wrote upon joining in 2011. This has been confirmed, and today we are actively involved in several working groups. Dr. Michael Sander, Managing Director of Sigma Laborzentrifugen GmbH |
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