Globalization and new technologies, with digitalization at the forefront, are transforming industry, the economy and society in general at a breathtaking pace. The Future Council of the Bavarian Economy was initiated by the Bavarian Industry Association (vbw) to provide SMEs, in particular, with guidance regarding probable new developments during the next few years.
The vbw and Alfred Gaffal, Future Council Chairman, invited interested persons and institutions to the MOC Veranstaltungscenter in Munich on July 16, 2018 under the motto “Health and Medicine – Opportunities for Bavaria”. One special highlight of the event was the unveiling of the vbw study “Health and Medicine – Challenges and Opportunities”.

Panel discussion on innovative approaches
Professor Dieter Spath (former Chairman of the Board and CEO of WITTENSTEIN SE, President of acatech, the German National Academy of Science and Engineering) and Roman Stauch, Managing Director of WITTENSTEIN intens GmbH, were among those taking part in the subsequent panel discussion.
Among other things, Professor Spath mentioned the opportunities opened up for companies by so-called “cross innovations”. Taking WITTENSTEIN intens as an example, he illustrated how the fusion of ultra-fine precision mechanics and expertise in medical technology can act as a lever for innovative medical products like FITBONE^®.

The emphasis of the discussion was on “New benefits for patients / medical technology”. Stauch introduced the FITBONE^® intramedullary lengthening nail and its unique functionalities, which represents milestone for patients and physicians alike when it comes to leg lengthening. This smart implant, specifically designed to compensate discrepancies of the femur and tibia as part of extremity correction treatment, allows each patient to control the distraction process themselves using an external control set. “Thanks to the minimally invasive procedure and the fact that the system is fully implantable, we achieve excellent cosmetic results while the risk of infection is reduced to a minimum” said Stauch.

Great interest in action recommendations
At the parallel industry fair, more than 50 exhibitors showed their products and innovations in the areas of diagnostics, therapy, assistance, care and prevention. Around 400 visitors took the opportunity to learn more about the study findings and the new action recommendations which the Future Council has derived from them for politics, business and science.

Photos:
01_WITTENSTEIN_intens_FITBONE (Picture: WITTENSTEIN SE)
The FITBONE^® intramedullary lengthening nail from WITTENSTEIN intens is only implanted by specially trained surgeons.

02_WITTENSTEIN_intens_Podiumsdiskussion (Picture: Stefan Obermeier/vbw) 
Prof. Dieter Spath (l.) and Roman Stauch (r.) at the panel discussion.