Digital Transformation Initiatives to Inject Fresh Impetus into Medtech Industry
September 24, 2019 | Frost & SullivanEstimated reading time: 2 minutes

The traditional medtech industry’s growth rate is expected to drop gradually beyond 2020, from 5.8% to as low as 5.3% in 2024. The digital transformation of the industry, aimed at twin objectives of providing complete solutions along the patient’s care continuum, as well as improving efficiency of medtech organisations’ internal operations, is expected to improve operating margins and boost overall revenues. Frost & Sullivan estimates the potential of digital transformation initiatives to add up to $241 billion, aiding the medtech industry to grow at CAGR of 6.3% between 2018 and 2024.
“The availability of digital solutions such as analytics, AI, and augmented or virtual reality is having a huge impact on several aspects of internal operations in the medtech industry, including manufacturing, and on external areas of care delivery,” said Siddharth Shah, Program Manager, Transformational Health at Frost & Sullivan. “Newer opportunities such as gamification, patient engagement, device data analytics, and medical device cybersecurity are expected to emerge as a result.”
Frost & Sullivan’s latest research, Digital Transformation of the Medtech Industry, explores the various factors driving the digital transformation of the medtech industry, key areas of transformation, growth opportunities, analyses of key players in the sector, and revenue forecasts through 2024.
In terms of technological sophistication, regulatory support, and willingness to invest, the North American and European markets are relatively more mature for the adoption of digital transformation solutions. The Asia-Pacific and Latin American markets are somewhat similar in terms of readiness, albeit trailing behind North America and Europe, but ahead of the rest of the world. North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific jointly account for 89% of the total opportunity potential from medtech digital transformation solutions.
“While widespread adoption of the digital solutions still remains a challenge, it is expected to improve significantly, driven by demand from users of the tech-savvy generation and a rising pressure within the industry to improve margins and efficiency,” noted Shah. “Some pioneering health systems are already seeing returns on investment from the implementation of their digital solutions, making their future receptivity to medtech solutions positive. Support from regulatory bodies will only help further this goal.”
To make the most out of the digital transformation, companies in this space should focus on:
- Forging partnerships that can help derive novel patient care insights and opportunities for growth of the industry.
- Investing in new solution elements to provide cost-effective solutions that enable patient-centric care models.
- Transforming revenue models from one-time device sales to a more predictable subscription-based revenue stream and turning lump-sum capital expenses for hospitals into smaller, more affordable operational costs.
- Devising innovative digital transformation solutions that will serve as a differentiating factor, while significantly improving brand loyalty.
Digital Transformation of the Medtech Industry is part of Frost & Sullivan’s Transformational Health research and analyses available through the Frost & Sullivan Leadership Council, which helps organisations identify a continuous flow of growth opportunities to succeed in an unpredictable future.
About Frost & Sullivan
For over five decades, Frost & Sullivan has become world-renowned for its role in helping investors, corporate leaders and governments navigate economic changes and identify disruptive technologies, Mega Trends, new business models and companies to action, resulting in a continuous flow of growth opportunities to drive future success.
Suggested Items
I-Connect007 Editor’s Choice: Five Must-Reads for the Week
06/27/2025 | Nolan Johnson, I-Connect007While news outside our industry keeps our attention occupied, the big news inside the industry is the rechristening of IPC as the Global Electronics Association. My must-reads begins with Marcy LaRont’s exclusive and informative interview with Dr. John Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. For designers, have we finally reached the point in time where autorouters will fulfill their potential?
Reflections and Priorities: An Update to I-Connect007 Readers
06/24/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007The electronics and manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly—with new technologies, deeper global connections, and a growing drive toward sustainability. To reflect these changes and our place in this dynamic space, we’re refreshing our brand.
The Knowledge Base: Building the Workforce of Tomorrow With EMAC
06/24/2025 | Mike Konrad -- Column: The Knowledge BaseAs the electronics manufacturing industry races to meet rising global demand and technological complexity, the need for a highly skilled, future-ready workforce has never been greater. At the forefront of addressing this challenge is The Electronics Manufacturing & Assembly Collaborative (EMAC)—a national initiative dedicated to strengthening the talent pipeline through strategic collaboration with SMTA, education, and government stakeholders.
IPC Rebrands as Global Electronics Association: Interview With Dr. John W. Mitchell
06/22/2025 | Marcy LaRont, I-Connect007Today, following a major announcement, IPC is embracing the rapid advancement of technology with a bold decision to change its name to the Global Electronics Association. This name more accurately reflects the full breadth of its work and the modern realities of electronics manufacturing. In this exclusive interview, Global Electronics Association President and CEO Dr. John W. Mitchell shares the story behind the rebrand: Why now, what it means for the industry, and how it aligns with the organization’s mission.
Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC’s 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry
06/25/2025 | Global Electronics AssociationToday begins a new chapter for IPC as it officially becomes the Global Electronics Association, reflecting its role as the voice of the electronics industry. Guided by the vision of “Better electronics for a better world,” the Global Electronics Association (electronics.org) is dedicated to enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting accelerated growth through engagement with more than 3,000 member companies, thousands of partners, and dozens of governments across the globe.