The prevalence of “non-invasive” and “minimally invasive” surgery, and products that support these procedures, was a hot topic during a brainstorming session between manufacturing company, Die-Tech, and faculty researchers from area health care campuses. Like many companies, Die-Tech is on the look-out to expand their competitive edge and recognizes the value of  faculty expertise located within striking distance of their operation. As an ITN business innovation partner, Die-Tech asked ITN to coordinate a brainstorming lunch with industry trends and innovation as the featured dish.

Reaching into our network, ITN pulled together talent from the Penn State College of Medicine and Lancaster General Health. Both academic institutions understand the need to be connected with industry and the importance of hearing straight from a CEO.  In these meetings, faculty hear first-hand the practical challenges a management team faces from customers and competitors. In turn, the executives hear how new technology is being tried and tested by experts and what impact the new health care regulations are having at premier health care campuses. These insights assist executives like Richard Dennis, President, Die-Tech  and Anson Flake, CEO of HydroWorx, in steering product development and strategic marketing as they aim to develop the answer to specific industry problems.