Opportunities and challenges for MedTech and Healthtech in NHS England’s Strategic Commissioning Framework

NHS England’s new Strategic Commissioning Framework creates opportunities for medical device and healthtech companies. But it also brings challenges.

Here’s what companies need to know and how to navigate the changing landscape.

Opportunities

Focus on Population Health
The NHS is shifting to long-term strategies that improve health for whole communities. Technologies that help prevent illness, better manage chronic conditions, or link care across multiple services will be in demand. For example, devices that monitor diabetes remotely or apps that coordinate care for frail elderly patients fit well here.

Innovation and digital health
ICBs have a duty to promote innovation. The 10 Year Plan asks for solutions using AI, wearables, genomics, and robotics to make care better and more efficient. Healthtech firms should look to partner with ICBs to pilot new tools that match their population health goals.

Data-driven payor models
As ICBs become smarter payors, they will rely more on healthcare economics and data analytics. Companies offering clear evidence of improved outcomes and cost savings will have an edge. For instance, a device proven to reduce hospital admissions will be attractive.

New collaboration models
Providers are playing bigger roles in commissioning through multi-neighbourhood and integrated health organisations. This creates opportunities for companies to join innovative contracts and build lasting partnerships across a network of care providers.

Barriers

Complex NHS structures and reduced capacity
ICBs are navigating major reorganisations with fewer staff resources. This can slow decision-making and adoption of new products. Companies must be patient and persistent.

Regulatory and tendering hurdles
The NHS commissioning process can be complex. Lengthy tenders, strict compliance demands, and high costs may delay product launches. Preparing thorough, compliant bids beforehand is critical.

Tight budgets and reallocation focus
The NHS expects cost-effective solutions since new funds will mostly come from reallocating existing budgets. Companies must clearly show value for money and be ready to support decommissioning of less effective services.

Data integration challenges
Effective deployment needs secure data sharing and system integration which are still emerging areas. Technical difficulties and bureaucratic hurdles remain.

How to navigate

Engage early and collaboratively
Work closely with ICBs, clinicians, and local government during strategy development. Show how your product helps meet population health goals and reduce health inequalities.

Build solid evidence
Invest in real-world data demonstrating clinical impact and economic value aligned to ICB priorities. Use this to support evaluations and negotiate contracts.

Leverage innovation networks
Get involved with health innovation hubs and NHS transformation programs to pilot and gain early exposure for your products.

Simplify compliance
Develop streamlined processes for regulatory and NHS requirements. Advocate for clearer approval pathways via industry groups.

Adapt contract models
Explore outcome-based contracts and risk-sharing models that fit multi-provider partnerships preferred by ICBs.

Prepare for long-term partnerships
Be ready to collaborate continuously, adapt based on feedback, and support ICBs’ iterative evaluation efforts.

While the opportunities are something to look forward to, the barriers and even the mitigation tactics are not to be underestimated. Especially the restructuring with lower resources in ICBs and the time it'll take for ICBs to become a truly intelligent payor requires patience and perseverance.

If you need help to understand what this all means for your company, team, product or service, reach out for a conversation.