Case... August 2006
OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE: INVESTMENT IN DANISH R&D COMPETENCES
Why Denmark? “With the takeover of Neurodan, Otto Bock is securing for itself one of the most groundbreaking sectors in the field of medical and fitting technology. Thanks to Neurodan’s technological innovativeness in the field of neural implants, the company is the ideal complement and support for Otto Bock. Neurodan know-how will feed into R&D undertaken by Otto Bock. Neurodan’s headquarters will remain in Aalborg to maintain the company’s excellent relationship with Aalborg University, a relationship to be intensified in the years to come.” Professor Hans Georg Näder, Chairman & CEO, Otto Bock HealthCare Gmbh
Established in 1919 in Germany, Otto Bock is a leading global supplier of innovative products for people with limited mobility. The company is present in 36 countries and employs over 3,500 people worldwide. In 2005, the company achieved an annual turnover of 434 million euros. In 2005, Otto Bock took over Neurodan, an R&D focused company established in 1994 by two world-leading scientists in the field of motor nerve simulation and sensory recording at Aalborg University.
CASE: OTTO BOCK HEALTHCARE INVESTMENT IN DANISH R&D COMPETENCES
The reasons for choosing Denmark: • A unique technological solution and a pioneering product • Opportunity to consolidate and develop Otto Bock HealthCare’s technological know-how in the field of electro-stimulation • Highly competent in-house scientists in the fields of motor nerve stimulation and sensory nerve reception • Proximity to the world class research community at the Centre for Sensory-Motor-Interaction at Aalborg University • Access to Neurodan’s excellent relationship to the R&D community at Aalborg University • Great financial opportunities
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In 2005, German medical technology major Otto Bock HealthCare took over the Danish company Neurodan. Neurodan is an innovative medical technology company that has spun out of R&D conducted at Aalborg University within the field of motor nerve stimulation and sensory nerve recording. The company focuses on neural implants, which are primarily used for rehabilitation of certain organs following damage to the central nerve system through diseases or strokes. The neural implants from Neurodan are unique as they have capacity to record, interpret, and process nerve signals in order to impact the damaged body functions through biotechnical contact. Neurodan has its base in Aalborg, Denmark, with strong academic affiliations with the Center for Sensory-Motor Interaction, Department of Health Science and Technology at Aalborg University.
Denmark at a glance • World's Best Place to conduct business in a five year perspective (Economist Intelligence Unit 2007-2011) • No.3 in the Global Competitiveness Report (World Economic Forum 2007) • No 3 in the world on the basis of flexible labour regulations (IMD 2007) • No 1 in the world on E-readiness (The Economist & IBM, 2006) • Highest worker motivation in the world (IMD 2007) • No. 3 in the world on availability of venture capital for business development (IMD 2007)
Whether your company considers to relocate, consolidate, set up new production facilities, is on the lookout for new innovation partners or other strategic business solutions in Europe, Invest in Denmark is a good place to begin. We provide customised information and services free of charge and in full confidentiality.
Invest in Denmark 2, Asiatisk Plads DK-1448 Copenhagen K Tel. +45 33 92 11 16 Fax +45 33 92 07 17