The Value of Health: Competitive Advantage Instead of Cost Factor in Berlin (Germany)

The Value of Health: Competitive Advantage Instead of Cost Factor in Berlin (Germany)

Prof. Dr. Dennis Ostwald joined the discussion, organized by Johnson & Johnson, and explained how health is an essential sector that generates not just well-being, but also GDP growth and savings across the economy. Health should be viewed as a pillar of Germany’s economic recovery. By measuring the sector’s positive socioeconomic impact at the national and local level, we can embed health into policymaking. Only by translating data into strategy can we secure long-term prosperity.

26. November, 2025 All day

During the session, Prof. Dr. Dennis Ostwald explained how health is an essential sector that generates not just well-being, but also GDP growth and savings across the economy. Some examples based on WifOR Institute’s research:

€1 out of €8 in the German economy, as well as over 10% of all exports, are generated by the health sector.
Reducing disease burdens enhances productivity and wealth. In Germany, €557 billion were lost due to migraine between 2011 and 2021. Tackling this and other major diseases would therefore generate significant earnings.
Health has a quantifiable return on investment. For example, €1 million invested in cervical cancer prevention (pap testing) today would create almost €2 million in GDP contribution over three years in the country.

The data shows why my initial comparison is relevant. Since health is a crucial economic sector and a driver of welfare, strengthening it can unlock the resources needed for more resilient finances.