Successful cooperation with Japan

In 2016 the IVAM Microtechnology Network intensified its activities to improve networking between Japanese and German medical technology companies. Within a collaboration project the cooperation between companies from North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) and the Japanese Fukushima Prefecture was brought forward.
 
At two successful "Entrepreneurs Meetings” concerning medical technology in NRW and Japan nearly 70 interested company representatives from North Rhine-Westphalia met to discuss the topics "Success at medical technology exhibitions in Japan" (June 2016 at Boehringer Ingelheim in Dortmund) and "Successful sales of medical products in Japan" (October 2016 at the Technology Center Ruhr, Bochum). The series of events enables medical technology companies that are active in Japan or are planning to start activities to share experiences and to discuss industry-specific aspects. A broad network of Japanese contacts in NRW supports the Entrepreneurs Meetings.
 
IVAM has intensively promoted the international networking between European and Japanese companies at the medical technology trade fairs MEDICA and COMPAMED by numerous activities. For example, eight companies from the Fukushima Prefecture exhibited at a joint pavilion. During the trade fair multiple collaborations were initiated in about 70 arranged business meetings between COMPAMED exhibitors and enterprises from Fukushima. A Japan seminar at the COMPAMED HIGH-TECH FORUM provided information on the framework conditions for business connections between Japan and Germany, focusing on both legal and cultural aspects. A reception with the Japanese Consul-General and talks with other Japanese companies from Hitachinaka and from Nagano were also very successful.
 
The medical technology fair "Medical Creation Fukushima", which took place in Japan in late November, proved to be very successful for companies from NRW. Governor Uchibori and Vice-Governor Hata welcomed a delegation of seven companies, headed by Ms. Almut Schmitz, Managing Director of NRW.International, the day before the show started. Like every year, the Medical Creation Fukushima fair took place in Koriyama City. On the German joint booth the members of the German delegation presented their products and services. The generous financial support and invitation of the Fukushima Prefecture made this possible. Three companies from NRW exhibited at the trade show for the third time. They were excited about the success that they have achieved in recent years. The other companies were also very satisfied with their first contacts at the fair. "The support of the prefecture was exceptionally good," reported Mr. Heupel from Zoz.
 
 At each booth interpreters helped to overcome first language barriers. Interesting product demonstrations, such as the high-tech wheelchairs from the company Meyra, helped as well to overcome problems with getting in contact. All companies want to strengthen the contacts during the upcoming months and then come back to Fukushima in 2017. IVAM will continue to accompany the activities of the Medical Creation fair and to support potential exhibitors in the run-up to and during the trade fair.
 
The activities and events took place within a collaboration project financed by NRW.International, funded by the Ministry of Economic Affairs, supervised by the Düsseldorf Chamber of Industry and Commerce and implemented by IVAM in 2016.