Investments in the European medical device sector, particularly in technologies that promise cost-efficiency, are witnessing a gradual spike as efforts to cut reimbursements as well as healthcare costs take shape. Investors are shifting focus from early-stage to late-stage start-ups as failure rates and investments rise and exit options drop.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the Euro Area increased 0.7 percent to 104.7 (2010=100) in January, following a 0.3 percent increase in January, and a 0.4 percent increase in December.

• One in five industrial corporations holds a stake in a startup
• But only one in ten enterprises systematically utilizes external knowledge

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for France increased 0.2 percent in January to 110.4 (2010 = 100), following no change in December, and a 0.1 percent increase in November.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for Germany increased 0.4 percent in January to 107.4 (2010 = 100), following a 0.8 percent increase in December, and a 0.6 percent increase in November.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the U.K. increased 0.2 percent in January to 111.7 (2010= 100), following no change in December, and a 0.4 percent decline in November.

The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for Spain increased 0.3 percent in January to 102.1 (2010 = 100), following a 0.3 percent increase in December, and a 0.6 percent increase in November.

According to figures published by International Data Corporation (IDC), the commercial tablet market will reach more than 11 million units by 2019 in Western Europe, achieving more than 130% growth (CAGR 2014–2019) (IDC EMEA Tablet Tracker Forecast, 4Q14, February 2015). Tablets continue to represent a significant opportunity for device makers in the coming years.