Shaping Health, Not Managing It: BPI Sets Strong Impulses at the Ludwig Erhard Summit 2025

“Shaping health instead of managing it” – this was the clear message from the German Pharmaceutical Industry Association (BPI) at the 2025 Ludwig Erhard Summit. From May 7 to 9, decision-makers from business, politics, and the media gathered at Gut Kaltenbrunn in Gmund am Tegernsee to discuss Germany’s future. Among them: BPI’s CEO, Dr. Kai Joachimsen.

As a driver of ideas and a key stakeholder, the BPI participated in the “Innovation Driver: Health” panel, discussing how Germany can build a competitive ecosystem for pharmaceutical research and care. Dr. Joachimsen highlighted the role of SMEs in the industry: “We’re not talking about a homogeneous sector – we’re talking about 640 companies in Germany, over 90% of which are small or medium-sized, family-run, and regionally rooted.”

A core focus was on the innovation potential of new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. “Research is expensive – it can take two to four billion dollars to develop a new drug. But AI helps make the process more efficient and innovation more accessible for SMEs,” Joachimsen stated. However, Germany’s overly complex regulatory environment often slows things down: “Starting a clinical trial in Germany might mean dealing with 54 different data protection officers – and getting 57 opinions.” By contrast, other countries like Spain complete the same processes within four weeks using centralized procedures.

Another key topic was the BPI’s Pharma Master Plan, which provides practical solutions to major challenges in the healthcare sector – from improving care structures and supporting research to advancing digitalization. The plan has already made an impact: the new federal government has officially recognized the pharmaceutical industry as a key sector in its coalition agreement – a result of the BPI’s consistent presence in political discourse.

From policy papers and public statements to media engagement and direct dialogue with federal and state decision-makers – the BPI is actively shaping the future of healthcare. Because real progress in health can only be achieved by enabling innovation.