After achieving promising clinical data in clinical trials and progressing towards regulatory approval in the US and Canada, which is the current focus, STIMIT AG is exploring the global potential including Europe. By late 2023, the company completed North American market research and is now seeking to identify the most promising markets for its non-invasive diaphragm stimulation device. This thesis investigates which European country may offer the best market potential for STIMIT’s product.

This research followed a multi-stage approach. Initially, secondary data on the market access landscapes and medical technology markets was reviewed to inform a country analysis. Based on this, three promising markets were selected for further examination. Interviews with key hospital stakeholders provided primary data. The analysis then focused on clinical and economic needs, willingness to buy, and potential hesitancy factors, both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings identified the most promising market and generated additional recommendations for STIMIT's market entry.

The findings of the country analysis indicated that Switzerland, leveraging its domestic market advantages, as well as Germany and France should be considered for further analysis. Thus, the second part of the research focused on these three countries, with Germany emerging as the most attractive option, scoring "high" in market attractiveness. Germany's strong positive assessment across all categories makes it the leading candidate, followed closely by Switzerland, leveraging its domestic advantages. The qualitative analysis further highlighted the importance of solid empirical evidence, the need for a flexible marketing strategy tailored to diverse stakeholders and country specificity, as well as the critical role of securing reimbursement frameworks. These insights are pivotal for STIMIT's strategic planning and successful market expansion.