Health Technology is an internationally recognised term that covers any method used to promote health, prevent and treat disease and improve rehabilitation or long-term care. The health technologies sector is composed of those businesses from the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and medical device industries which address human or animal health needs. It does not specifically include those parts of the biotechnology and diagnostics industries concerned with agriculture, food or the environment, except where there is obvious overlap.
The UK has one of the most successful health technology industries in the world and the south-east is arguably the most important region within it. It has the highest concentration of health technologies companies in the UK with a quarter of the company base (approximately 600 companies) and a third of the employment. It is home to world renowned universities, medical schools and institutes undertaking pioneering health research. 30% of the UK’s life sciences research and development activity is carried out in the south-east and 9 out of 10 of the world’s leading life sciences companies and the top 12 global pharmaceutical companies have operations in the South East.
The SEEDA region has an abundance of the sort of innovative, high value added businesses that the DTI’s Innovation Report identified as critical to the UK’s future competitiveness. Health technologies companies are not just important economically. Their innovation is a vital ingredient in the government’s plans for a world class healthcare system in the UK.
The health services you receive are supported by key players that make up the healthcare supply chain. Each of these elements is provided by a company specialised in a particular technological area. These companies form the bulk of the research and development (R&D) activity in the South East, and are reinforced by the extensive academic presence which fuels the sector. Built around these companies is a comprehensive support structure comprised in part of suppliers, investors, and government-led business support such as SEHTA. There are over 5000 companies in the healthcare supply chain, employing over 320,000 people.
Health Care Supply Chain (click to enlarge)
We have developed a short guide to the health sector in South East England called Finding Your Way Around. To view this document please click here