ENGLISH 23 3.2 Economic and structural burdens The sector is burdened by price pressure and is facing rising costs for HR, energy, materials, and logistics. As a production location, the cost factors in Germany are frequently unfavorable. Smaller businesses in particular struggle with these burdens. At the same time and in addition to functionality, clinics and customers demand sustainability, durability, and optimized supply chains, which all drain additional resources. 3.3 Specialists & innovation The shortage of skilled workers – in precision mechanics, mechanical engineering, CNC machining, quality assurance, and regulatory affairs – is palpable. Although training and further education are available, they must keep pace with the growing demands. Highly qualified specialists are needed for innovations in technology, materials, and production processes. The digitalization of production and processes is now a necessity and no longer a choice. Yet, many smaller companies face obstacles in converting their older machinery or investing in automation. 4. Trends and future developments 4.1 Medical/technological innovations • Minimally invasive and microsurgical instruments: · Even smaller incisions, more precise procedures, requirements for smaller, finer instruments, and for new materials and coatings. • Integration of sensors and digital components: · Automated processes for feedback in the OR, track & trace, digital assistance systems, potentially AI support, inspection, and quality assurance. • Robotics and automated systems: · OR robotics, robotic instruments, development of instrument systems that can be integrated into robotic platforms. • Materials and manufacturing technology: · High-performance steels, titanium alloys, coatings, but also novel composite materials or high-performance polymers, provided they are sterilizable and biocompatible. · Manufacturing technologies: 5-axis CNC, additive processes in special cases, micro-milling, galvanic coatings etc. 4.2 Market and structural changes • Export-orientation & globalization remain key factors, although interest in supply chain resilience is growing as well: · Shorter routes, local suppliers, strategic supply security. • Sustainability & lifecycle mindset: · In both manufacturing and use (durability, recycling, resource efficiency, environmental impact).
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