Through an ever-growing number of partnerships, grants and investments in the health care sector, Microsoft is taking a lead from behind approach to improve and expand interoperability, increase data security and analytics, and provide partners with tools, technology, and a platform for growth.

Seasoned business developer and investor Oern Stuge has worked with the very biggest in medtech in a career spanning over three decades. He bemoans the harm that European policymakers are doing to the one-time capital of the world of medtech innovation. But on the other hand, he knows that the best ideas have a habit of succeeding, regardless of geography.

South Africa’s Aspen Pharmacare is continuing along the path of offloading assets that no longer fit into its strategy, using the proceeds to pay off its substantial debt pile and reinvest in areas of greater strategic focus. Half-a-dozen products currently offered in its local market are now on their way to Switzerland’s Acino.