For the third year in a row the challenges facing the UK’s HealthTech industry have continued to grow, the latest sector-wide study has revealed. Following a year marked by regulatory uncertainties and persistent, increasing barriers, the industry, which employs over 150,000 people, finds itself at a critical juncture.
The data, captured by the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI) and CPI, highlight that regulatory concerns continue to cause half of the sector to delay bringing innovations to the UK. Additionally, 30% of companies are not bidding on NHS tenders due to unworkable requirements that are singularly focused on unit price - often below the cost of production - rather than the total value achieved across clinical pathways.
According to HealthTech leaders, these challenges are being compounded by the rollout of the NHS's carbon reduction requirements, which despite being well-intended and having the fundamental backing of the industry, still lack clear guidance and support measures. Costs in regulation, sustainability, freight services, and labour have all risen at pace, almost matching those increases seen in 2023 despite the subsequent fall in inflation. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) recently proposed fee increases are set to exacerbate the situation further, they warn.
Continuing the trend from recent years, the HealthTech sector is increasingly viewing the US as the most attractive market. The US polled most favourably across the majority of factors, some of which markedly so. Conversely, the UK polls behind both the EU and US in being a supportive place to grow a business, being able to adopt innovation at pace and scale, and having a translational research environment. The most concerning differential exists in creating a regulatory environment that encourages business investment and innovation, where the US has extended its lead.
There are, however, causes for optimism. The sector views the UK as the most attractive globally for its research friendly environment and ability to evaluate technologies for their clinical and cost effectiveness. These have historically been two areas of strength in the UK, with globally renowned institutions such as the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and the national Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
There is also optimism regarding the Government's commitment to the HealthTech sector as a driver of economic growth. Over 30% of companies surveyed intend to expand their R&D and manufacturing investments in the UK, indicating confidence in future opportunities. Industry stakeholders are particularly enthusiastic about programmes such as the MHRA’s proposed international recognition framework, which is anticipated to significantly enhance the UK's attractiveness, with four times as many companies favouring it over any other initiative. The survey data suggests that realising the full potential of HealthTech is possible, but urgent action is required to address the challenges that reduce patient access to lifesaving and life-enhancing technologies, and which stifle innovation.
Peter Ellingworth, Chief Executive of ABHI, said, "UK HealthTech is at a crossroads. Regulatory uncertainties and NHS challenges are repeated hurdles that are driving companies, and consequently their technologies, to more receptive markets abroad. There is immense potential if we navigate these challenges wisely, and it is in the interest of the NHS and the patients that our industry serves to correct these trends. Immediate and prompt action is needed. The Government's renewed focus is promising, and with strategic investments and clear policies, we can cement the UK's position as a global hub for HealthTech."
Rahul Kapoor, Director of HealthTech, CPI said: “The 2024 Business Survey highlights the challenging environment faced by the UK HealthTech sector, particularly due to regulatory uncertainty and rising costs. However, it also underscores the strength of our ecosystem, which includes a vibrant community of companies driving innovation and growth. To ensure the sector remains dynamic and exciting, we must provide further support and focus on key areas such as regulatory improvements, NHS procurement processes, and sustainability initiatives.
“Furthermore, better communication across the industry facilitated through leadership groups to drill down into specific challenges that can be solved through public-private partnerships would be highly beneficial. This is especially linked to the critical need for more funding to accelerate innovation, which will help grow the UK HealthTech ecosystem as a global hub. This report offers valuable insights into how we can enhance the industry's potential and continue to lead in HealthTech innovation.”
The survey captures data from HealthTech businesses operating in the UK. Further details, and the full survey report, can be accessed at: https://www.abhi.org.uk/resource-hub/file/19101
