Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the shift in growth strategies among global medical technology giants from traditional R&D-driven growth to capital-driven growth, emphasizing the importance of "tuck-in M&A" and partnerships with private equity (PE) to enhance innovation and manage risks in a challenging economic environment [2][3][4]. Group 1: Shift from R&D to Capital-Driven Growth - Historically, innovation in the medical technology industry was synonymous with R&D, but this approach is becoming less effective as R&D costs rise and the returns on new product sales decline [3][4]. - Major companies like Medtronic and Johnson & Johnson are now focusing on capital-driven growth, where capital serves as a tool for innovation rather than just a result of it [3][4]. Group 2: Tuck-in M&A as a Growth Strategy - Tuck-in M&A has become a key growth tool for medical technology giants, allowing them to embed critical capabilities or high-growth technology modules into their existing structures without large-scale mergers [5][6]. - This strategy enables companies to enhance their innovation density and growth flexibility while maintaining stability [5][6]. Group 3: Johnson & Johnson's M&A Strategy - Johnson & Johnson emphasizes that M&A is a core part of their strategy, focusing on high-growth and high-innovation areas while divesting from low-growth segments [8][9]. - Recent acquisitions, such as Abiomed and Shockwave Medical, illustrate their approach to strategically shift their portfolio towards more lucrative markets [8][9]. Group 4: Medtronic's Strategic Adjustments - Medtronic adopts a "shrink to grow" strategy, concentrating resources on areas where they have competitive advantages while executing smaller acquisitions to enhance their capabilities [12][13]. - The company has made significant decisions, such as splitting off its diabetes unit to improve cash flow and focus on core business areas [16][28]. Group 5: Role of Private Equity in Innovation - Private equity has emerged as a crucial partner in the medical device industry, helping companies share innovation risks and optimize their structures [18][20]. - Medtronic's collaboration with Blackstone exemplifies how PE can support R&D projects by sharing financial risks while allowing companies to maintain operational control [19][23]. Group 6: Trends in Capital Operations - The trend of divestitures and restructuring among major medical device companies reflects a broader industry shift towards optimizing growth quality through capital management [27][28]. - Companies are increasingly focusing on strategic divestitures to concentrate resources on high-growth areas, leading to a more dynamic industry landscape [27][32]. Group 7: Future of Chinese Medical Device Companies - Chinese medical device companies are at a turning point, transitioning from financing-driven growth to capital-driven growth, learning from the strategies of global giants [34][35]. - The future growth of these companies will depend on their ability to effectively manage capital for structural optimization and risk transfer [35][36].