With the close of Q1 later this week, it is apparent that the medical device industry is facing new challenges and opportunities this year. From building back supply chain resiliency to accelerating advances with AI and machine learning, there are several trends that are expected to shape the industry in 2023:

Building back supply chain resiliency

With global supply chain challenges continuing to impact the industry, medical device manufacturers are more focused than ever on the resiliency of their supply chain. Some of the strategies for building supply chain resiliency include multi-sourcing at the component level, reshoring and nearshoring, and design for supply chain. The FDA has also created the Resilient Supply Chain Program to help mitigate disruptions and shortages in the medical device supply chain.

Taking PCR diagnostic testing to the next level

The COVID-19 pandemic put pressure on manufacturers of point-of-care testing devices to increase production and accelerate product development. This has led to innovations in PCR diagnostic testing that aim to make more tests available, in more user-friendly forms, delivered to the end user faster. Life science companies are also focused on developing advanced diagnostic capabilities directly for consumers, and increasing demand for personalization in patient care is driving innovation in genomics and molecular diagnostics.

Increasing focus on ESG

Investors, customers, and the general public are holding corporations to higher ethical, social, and environmental standards, and the medical device industry is no exception. Medical device manufacturers are considering sustainability throughout the product lifecycle, starting from the earliest design phases. This includes employing design for sustainability, selecting more sustainable materials, and establishing production processes that reduce waste and lower emissions.

Accelerating advances with AI and machine learning

AI and machine learning have the power to improve medical decision-making, aid in planning of procedures, and unlock entirely new levels of personalized treatment. Forward-thinking life science companies can continue to lead the way toward better care, greater access, and more personalized treatment by embracing recent advances in instrument development, including digital transformation, machine learning, and automation.

The medical device industry is poised for significant changes in 2023, and the trends outlined above will be crucial to watch. By staying ahead of these trends, manufacturers and innovators can continue to lead the way toward better healthcare and patient outcomes.

Source: https://www.plexus.com/en-us/current/articles/medical-device-industry-trends