November 2025: MedTech Dialogue | Quantum Technology and Much More

Spotlight

MedTech Dialogue Launched at the Federal Ministry of Health: Associations Call for Far-Reaching Reforms
With the launch of the MedTech Dialogue on November 26 at the Federal Ministry of Health, a key process for the strategic development of medical technology in Germany has begun. Under the leadership of Federal Health Minister Nina Warken, representatives from politics, business, and research collaborated for the first time in the new Working Group 6—Medical Technology and Medical Devices. The goal is to develop an interagency strategy paper to be presented to the Federal Cabinet within one year.

The four industry associations—BVMed, SPECTARIS, VDGH, and ZVEI—see this process as a major opportunity: There is a significant need for reform, as the industry’s innovative strength is increasingly being hampered by bureaucracy, slow procedures, and a digital backlog. At the same time, medical technology remains a strategically important sector for security of supply, exports, and technological progress—from AI and robotics to personalized medicine.

As part of the joint pharmaceutical and medical technology strategy, the associations are advocating in particular for reforms in the following areas: consistent reduction of red tape, faster integration of innovations into standard care, better use of health data, and measures to strengthen the resilience of the healthcare system.

The new dialogue process thus provides important opportunities for SPECTARIS to actively help shape a forward-looking policy framework for the industry.

You can find the full joint press release from the associations here.

Image: © BVMed
 

Quantum Technologies: SPECTARIS Calls for Framework Conditions to Accelerate Time to Market

During a parliamentary discussion on November 26, SPECTARIS, together with leading photonics and quantum companies, presented key recommendations for accelerating the commercialization of quantum technologies. The dialogue took place against the backdrop of the German federal government’s new high-tech agenda, in which photonics and quantum technologies are among the six key strategic technologies.

Germany has a world-leading photonics sector and a burgeoning quantum industry—but market-ready applications are still reaching the market too slowly. In Berlin, SPECTARIS representatives and members of the Bundestag therefore discussed how to overcome the lack of testing environments, fragmented funding structures, and an overly narrow focus on quantum computing. The general consensus: Many photonic

Quantum technologies, particularly in the fields of sensors and communications, are already market-ready—but they need better framework conditions to scale globally.

SPECTARIS presented four areas of industrial policy action that are crucial to the success of the high-tech agenda: prioritizing market-oriented applications, coordinated funding programs across the entire innovation cycle, the development of industrial infrastructure, and a broad-based talent initiative. In light of massive investments by the U.S. and Asian countries, the industry is calling for strategically coordinated national and European planning to secure technological sovereignty and value creation in Europe.

A detailed summary of the new SPECTARIS recommendations can be found here.

SPECTARIS Trend Forum 2025: Finding the Right Spin for the Eyewear Industry

On November 3, the optical industry gathered at the Classic Remise Berlin for the 24th SPECTARIS Trend Forum, held under the theme “Get the Right Spin!” Four hundred industry representatives discussed future trends, recruiting young talent, digitalization, and innovative tools for engaging customers.

Satirist Florian Schröder, in his talk titled “The World Is Falling Apart—But Yours Doesn’t Have to Be,” offered food for thought on how to achieve greater calm and focus in everyday life, while Volker Wissing emphasized the importance of social cohesion in his talk “On Backbone in Politics.” A particular highlight was Timo Boll, who, in a discussion about concentration, precision, and mental strength, demonstrated the importance of visual acuity and focus.

Mirjam Rösch, vice chair of SPECTARIS, offered a positive assessment: “Those who understand today’s spin will shape tomorrow’s market. The insights from the Trend Forum show that the industry is ready to turn change into a spirit of optimism.” You can find more information about this special event here.

Photo: Detlev Schilke

Medical Technology 2025: Steady Growth, Strong Exports, and New Impulses from Berlin

The German medical technology sector is on track for stable growth in 2025—albeit at a moderate pace. According to SPECTARIS, sales are expected to rise by about 3% to 42.6 billion euros, despite challenging market conditions. Growth is driven primarily by foreign markets: Exports rose sharply by 7.5% in the first half of the year, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.

The sector is thus once again confirming its role as the high-tech engine of the healthcare industry: high R&D ratios, strong export performance, and more than 210,000 employees make the medtech industry a central pillar of Germany as a business location.

An important political signal is now coming from Berlin: The federal government has expanded its existing pharmaceutical strategy to include medical technology and launched a joint “Pharmaceutical and Medical Technology Strategy.” At the launch event at the Federal Chancellery, SPECTARIS emphasized the urgency of practical regulations, clear PFAS guidelines, and reliable incentives for innovation, especially for SMEs. You can find the full press release here.

EU Commissioner Várhelyi at the SPECTARIS Round Table: Clear Signals for MDR/IVDR Reforms

At a CEO roundtable on November 18 at MEDICA, EU Health Commissioner Olivér Várhelyi sent an important message to the medical technology industry: The ongoing evaluation of the MDR and IVDR is intended to provide short-term relief and strengthen Europe’s position as the leading market for medical technology. At the same time, discussions with leading companies highlighted just how great the pressure is: bureaucracy, rising costs, and regulatory uncertainty continue to place a massive burden on manufacturers.

Várhelyi emphasized that Europe must remain an attractive location for the development, testing, and approval of medical devices. The industry welcomed the commitment to present concrete reform measures by the end of the year. Notified bodies also underscored the need for efficiency gains, for example through digital processes and early dialogue.

SPECTARIS made it clear: We are heading in the right direction, but without tangible and rapid improvements, there is a risk of delays in innovation and competitive disadvantages. The association will continue to closely monitor the evaluation of the MDR and IVDR in order to promote practical solutions.

SPECTARIS Medical Technology Yearbook 2026: AI and Robotics Are Shaping the Future of a Key Industry

Just in time for MEDICA 2025, the new edition of the SPECTARIS yearbook, “The German Medical Technology Industry,” has been published. Under the theme “Innovation Before Regulation,” the 18th edition showcases how AI and robotics are profoundly transforming the industry—from personalized medicine and telemonitoring to new applications in diagnostics, therapy, and care.

In addition to future-oriented technological topics, the yearbook also highlights the growing burdens posed by MDR, PFAS regulatory plans, and increasing bureaucratic requirements. These obstacles are affecting an industry that, despite its high level of innovation, is under significant pressure.

In addition, the yearbook analyzes export trends, new international markets, and business conditions in Germany—including the role of sustainability and ESG criteria in procurement processes.

This issue is rounded out by the latest market reports as well as insights into policy work and research projects. The yearbook is now available for free download here.

SPECTARIS at the 9th IUTA Analytics Day in Duisburg

On November 10, the 9th IUTA Analytics Day took place at the Mercatorhalle in Duisburg—an event that impressively demonstrated just how rapidly the laboratory world is evolving on its path toward a digital future. As in previous years, the focus was on laboratory digitization and automation within the context of FutureLab.NRW.

Joachim Richert (TU Darmstadt) kicked off the event with his keynote address on the digital transformation of the analytical laboratory, setting the stage for a day of technically in-depth and forward-looking conference sessions. In four presentation blocks, experts from industry, academia, research, and routine laboratory practice presented new approaches and practical solutions related to standardization, automation, and digital integration. Dr. Janina Bolling (SPECTARIS) delivered the closing presentation, “A LabHub as an Incubator for Digitalization,” outlining how central platforms can specifically accelerate digitalization in the laboratory. The event thus spanned the spectrum from current projects to strategic approaches that support the transition to smart lab structures.

SPECTARIS also had its own booth at the industry exhibition to raise awareness of the LADS OPC UA (Laboratory & Analytical Device Standard) communication standard for laboratory equipment and to foster direct dialogue between users and manufacturers.

During the panel discussions, it became clear that laboratory environments ranging from 1.5 to 5.0 currently coexist. However, the industry is moving decisively toward interoperable, data-driven laboratory environments that will take efficiency, innovation, and collaboration to a new level.

SPECATRIS at the BMWE's 2025 ZIM Network Annual Conference

On November 20, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) held its annual ZIM network conference at the Fraunhofer HHI Digital Technologies Forum in Berlin. Under the theme “Innovation and Standardization—Establishing Future Technologies in Markets with ZIM Innovation Networks,” it became clear that those who consider standards early on bring innovations to market faster and more successfully.

SPECTARIS, together with EurA AG, IUTA, and IMACS GmbH, presented the project “iLabMonSys – Intelligent Environmental, Energy, and Laboratory Monitoring System,” which emerged from the joint ZIM network PlaNet. During the panel discussion on the role of standardization in ZIM innovation networks, SPECTARIS emphasized that standards such as LADS OPC UA form the foundation for safely and efficiently integrating AI into laboratory processes. This transforms research findings into marketable solutions that benefit small and medium-sized enterprises in particular.

The Central Innovation Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (ZIM) supports research institutions and SMEs with flexible funding structures for innovative products, processes, and services. A strong network that shapes the future—through cooperation, standardization, and a shared vision of bringing innovations to market.

Photo: Peter-Paul Weiler

Customs and Foreign Trade Practice Working Group: Insights and Discussion on Current Developments

On November 6 and 7, approximately 70 participants from SPECTARIS member companies gathered in Berlin and virtually for the meeting of the Customs, Export Control, and Foreign Trade Practices Working Group at KARL STORZ. The high turnout clearly demonstrates how crucial foreign trade issues are for the SPECTARIS industries.

The first day was entirely devoted to export controls. A practical presentation by the law firm Graf von Westphalen on the topic of “Foreign Trade Audits” provided in-depth insights and valuable tips for confidently handling audits. On the second day, the focus was on customs and foreign trade practices. Ernst & Young examined the “AI Act and AI in Foreign Trade” and provided concrete ideas for the use of AI-supported processes. Another presentation by the Federal Foreign Office provided information on current developments in sanctions policy and offered valuable perspectives for strategic planning.

In addition to the technical presentations, breaks and a group dinner provided opportunities for in-depth discussions, networking, and the exchange of experiences among the companies. The Customs, Export Control, and Foreign Trade Practices Working Group demonstrates how SPECTARIS members benefit from targeted knowledge transfer, direct access to experts, and a strong network. External parties interested in also benefiting from these advantages are invited to learn more about the working group’s activities and explore the possibilities of membership.

New Packaging Law Implementation Act: More Responsibility, More Work—and High Expectations for the Circular Economy

The Federal Ministry for the Environment has presented the draft bill for the new Packaging Act Implementation Act (VerpackDG). It will replace the existing Packaging Act (VerpackG) and align national law with the EU Packaging Regulation 2025/40. The law is scheduled to take effect in August 2026—and will bring about significant changes for businesses.

In the future, more comprehensive registration and reporting requirements will apply to all manufacturers and organizations subject to extended producer responsibility. Another new requirement is that companies must make financial contributions to support the Central Packaging Register (ZSVR). This will result in new cost structures and a significantly higher administrative burden.

In addition, the draft introduces a flat fee of 5 euros per packaging bin provided. These funds are to be allocated to the promotion of reusable packaging, refilling, and other circular economy measures. At the same time, recycling targets will rise significantly above EU levels: 95% of metals are to be recycled, and starting in 2028, 75% of plastics—70% of which must be recycled into new products.

For companies, this means significantly more extensive documentation and reporting requirements. The annual compliance costs are estimated at around 90 million euros. Companies have until December 5, 2025, to comment on the draft—and thus influence its final form.

SPECTARIS Moves into New Location in Berlin-Mitte

On November 24, 2025, SPECTARIS relocated its office within Berlin-Mitte. The office is now even closer to key institutions in Berlin’s political landscape. The new location offers more modern working conditions, more space for collaboration, and shorter distances to political decision-makers and partners.

New address:
Mailing address: Robert-Koch-Platz 4, 10115 Berlin
Visiting address: Hannoversche Str. 19, 10115 Berlin

The usual phone and email contact information remains the same.