Elekta deepens presence in China with manufacturing and R&D assets

Elekta, a Swedish medical equipment producer, will deepen its presence in China to tap into the country's vast market and expanding openness, while using locally produced innovations to deliver practical, globally scalable solutions, said its top executive.

In a discussion prior to the eighth China International Import Expo, being held in Shanghai from Wednesday to Monday, Jakob Just-Bomholt, president and CEO of the Stockholm-headquartered company, said the grand event has evolved beyond a channel for introducing global innovations to China into a platform where Chinese innovations serve the world.

"Elekta, also an eight-time CIIE participant, has accelerated its transition from an exhibitor to an investor, and now to a co-builder of the local ecosystem," said Just-Bomholt, stressing the company's participation reflects how the CIIE has evolved from a gateway for bringing global innovations into China into a platform where China-originated innovations now serve global healthcare markets.

Eager to secure a greater market share, Elekta announced the launch of its "full-line locally-manufactured solutions" at this year's CIIE, marking a key transition from introducing advanced global radiotherapy technologies to achieving comprehensive localization capabilities in China.

The company also released China's First Clinical White Paper on Highfield MR-guided Adaptive Radiotherapy, which documents the clinical progress of its Elekta Unity system — from its debut at the first edition of the CIIE to its current leading position in magnetic resonance-guided treatment in China, according to the company.

Established in 1972, the Swedish company, which has more than 4,500 employees globally, develops and manufactures radiation therapy and radiosurgery equipment, as well as clinical management solutions for the treatment of cancer and neurological disorders.

Under its growth plan, Elekta will deepen its "In China, For China, For the World" strategy by leveraging two key assets: its Beijing production center, the company's most complete global manufacturing hub; and its Shanghai research and development center, Elekta's largest software research center worldwide.

These platforms will drive growth in high-potential fields such as intelligent radiotherapy, artificial intelligence-driven care, high-field MR-guided radiotherapy, adaptive radiotherapy and remote treatment planning, said Just-Bomholt.

"In terms of business priorities, we will advance innovation through deeper local partnerships that support clinical research and accelerate the application of cutting-edge technologies," he added.

The company is also transitioning from localized production to localized R&D and ecosystem development to better serve Chinese clinicians and patients. Enhanced digital tools, remote services, and expanded professional training will strengthen service capabilities across the country, it said.

Elekta's Beijing manufacturing center also plays a pivotal role in the company's global supply chain. Advanced radiotherapy systems produced there — including the Leksell Gamma Knife and linear accelerators — are exported to more than 120 countries and regions, accounting for over 60 percent of its total output.

This, Just-Bomholt said, exemplifies how its China operations contribute to global trade and healthcare development.

Just-Bomholt said China's open and innovation-friendly policy environment, guided by initiatives such as Healthy China 2030 — which aims to enhance national health and generate positive global outcomes, and by strong support for the localization of high-end medical devices — continues to provide powerful momentum for sustainable growth.

"At the same time, the country's competitive and fast-evolving market encourages continual innovation and deeper local integration," he said. Reflecting this confidence and commitment, Elekta is also the only radiotherapy exhibitor featured in the "Invest in China" section of the CIIE's China Pavilion this year.

Chen Jianwei, a researcher at the University of International Business and Economics' Academy of China Open Economy Studies, said that as China advances consumption upgrading and technological innovation, demand for high-tech manufacturing products, medical devices, engineering materials and service solutions from multinational corporations is expected to keep rising throughout the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30).

zhongnan@chinadaily.com.cn