US Export Plan - Sector Report - HealthTech & Digital Health

Overview

Scotland’s HealthTech and Digital Health industry is a major contributor to the national economy and a recognised source of innovation, adding value to the economy and supporting the healthcare system.

Digital health, being the use of digital tools and technologies to improve patient outcomes and enhance healthcare delivery, generates an estimated turnover of £1.25 billion from 131 companies, with 12,872 people employed in the sector in Scotland^[1]. HealthTech, which encompasses all technologies designed to improve health outcomes, healthcare delivery, and operational efficiency, is one of the most strategically important sectors in Scotland’s life sciences industry.^[2] It also incorporates MedTech, for which the estimated annual turnover in 2024 was over £8.9 billion across 137 companies.^[3]

Scotland has a strong foundation in medical innovation, with its rich history of medical breakthroughs. The overall life sciences landscape, particularly in HealthTech and digital health, is representative of a broad set of specialisations, with innovation spanning multiple domains rather than being concentrated in a single niche. Products and services include core infrastructure, self-care solutions, medical devices and equipment, screening and diagnostics and tools to enhance quality and efficiency in healthcare. AI is also increasingly being harnessed in devices and platforms. By leveraging advances in digital health, data analytics, and medical technologies, Scotland is positioning itself as a global leader in health innovation.

Alongside the businesses in the sector, innovation is also originating from universities and the academic research base. Institutions such as the University of Strathclyde and the Glasgow School of Art, through initiatives like the Digital Health & Care Innovation Centre (DHI), foster collaboration between academia, healthcare providers, and industry to accelerate the development of new technologies.^[4] The Scottish Government has made digital health a key priority, investing heavily in infrastructure, research and development. These efforts are supported by Scotland’s national digital health strategy, positioning the country as a hub for innovation in areas such as wearables, healthcare AI, and remote monitoring tools.^[5]