Brussels, 21 February 2020 - The medical technology (medtech) industry welcomes the “European Strategy for Data” and the “White Paper on Artificial Intelligence – a European Approach” that were published by the European Commission (EC). The two documents will be tools to unleash the potential of data and artificial intelligence in the health care sector, increasing outcomes for patients with respect for Europe’s values and principles.
MedTech Europe welcomes the European strategy for data as an important commitment of the EC to harnessing the power of data for healthcare, with the EC referring to Health, as “an area where Europe can benefit from the data revolution, increasing the quality of healthcare, while decreasing cost.”. For example, the creation of a European Health Data Space will be a critical enabler of access to high-quality data, which is a fundamental requirement for safe and trustworthy Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, and for increased patient outcomes.
As underlined in our recent position paper on Artificial Intelligence [1](AI), we envision an enormous potential for AI in improving the quality and safety of the health care sector, as well as in empowering patients. Above all, the medtech industry agrees with the EC that AI has the potential to make Europe a global champion in health. To pursue this common goal, we are committed to provide sector-specific expertise throughout the building of the future European Health Data Space and the AI strategy in Europe.
The medtech industry agrees, as outlined in the White Paper, that it is necessary to take different types of risk into account when considering the need for any AI-specific regulation. Furthermore, any future legislation on AI should consider existing (sectoral) rules, as well as the specificities of the health sector and ensure that innovative solutions are accessible for patients. In order to maximise the benefits of AI in the health sector, we call on the EC to focus on:
A multi-stakeholder approach will be the foundation of a forward-looking, sustainable and harmonised AI regulatory landscape and will ensure that policy remains dynamic and flexible, adapting to the evolution of technology.
About MedTech Europe
MedTech Europe is the European trade association for the medical technology industry including diagnostics, medical devices and digital health. Our members are national, European and multinational companies as well as a network of national medical technology associations who research, develop, manufacture, distribute and supply health-related technologies, services and solutions.
For more information, visit www.medtecheurope.org. [2]
For all media enquiries, please contact MedTech Europe Senior Manager Communications, Jerick Parrone [3]
Links:
[1] https://www.medtecheurope.org/resource-library/ai-in-medtech-delivering-on-the-promise-of-better-healthcare-in-europe/
[2] http://www.medtecheurope.org/
[3] mailto:j.parrone@medtecheurope.org
[4] https://www.medtecheurope.org/