The production, marketing, and distribution of medical technologies is potentially a source of high value, high skill and high wage employment for the West Midlands’ economy.

The market for medical devices is set to increase due to people living longer, an increased range of medical products that individuals can administer themselves, and growing affluence that allows people the opportunity to access the latest technologies.

But, worldwide, it is a competitive industry with many areas seeking to serve the global market with high value medical devices.

In order to capture a share of the growing market for medical technologies, especially the high value, high margins ones, the University of Warwick Institute for Employment Research (IER) in conjunction with Warwick Manufacturing Group have undertaken a number of research studies that have sought to understand the skill needs of the region if it is to successfully diversify into medical technologies.

This research has been funded by the Learning and Skills Council for Coventry and Warwickshire and the West Midlands’ Regional Development Agency: Advantage West Midlands.

On this mini-site you are able to access a variety of research reports, databases, details of upcoming events, and useful links:

Skills for Diversification. A summary of an ESF/LSC study looking at the skill needs of the region if it is to diversify into medical technologies.

International Comparisons. The Developing Excellence Study. A comparison of skills deployment in the West Midlands compared to the leading centres of medical technology production across Europe and North America.

Training suppliers. Skills supply in the West Midlands. A database of institutions providing training relevant to medical technology producers.

Key statistics on medical technologies in the West Midlands.

Useful links.

Further information can be found by contacting the Warwick Institute for Employment Research.