13 April 2026

Blog – Introducing the GMDN Strategy 2026–2030: A Clear Path Forward for Global Harmonisation

By Deniz Bruce, Chief Executive Officer, GMDN Agency

The launch of the GMDN Strategy 2026–2030 marks an important moment for the GMDN Agency and for the global medical device community we serve. While our mission remains unchanged – to protect patients by providing a globally harmonised medical device nomenclature – the world around us is evolving rapidly, and this strategy sets out how we will respond.

Over the next five years, medical technology innovation, regulatory complexity and digital transformation will continue to accelerate. Against this backdrop, the need for a trusted, globally recognised and expertly curated medical device nomenclature has never been greater. GMDN provides a single, common language that underpins regulatory systems, data interoperability, vigilance and serves patient safety worldwide. This strategy ensures we are strongly positioned to continue delivering that value well into the future.

A strategy shaped by our global community

This strategy has been developed through extensive engagement with our stakeholders, including the Board of Trustees workshops, advisory group discussions and feedback from regulators, manufacturers and healthcare organisations across the world. We listened carefully to the challenges our users face and the opportunities they see ahead.

What emerged clearly was the importance of global harmonisation, equitable access and continued trust in GMDN’s independence and integrity. As a global non‑profit, UK‑registered charity, the GMDN Agency exists to serve the public interest, and this strategy reaffirms our commitment to that role.

Strengthening leadership and collaboration

GMDN is already trusted by regulators and health systems in over 140 countries. Over the period to 2030, we will continue to strengthen this leadership position by deepening collaboration with international regulatory bodies, standards organisations and global health institutions.

Collaborations with organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) and the Global Harmonised Working Party (GHWP), and other standards organisations, demonstrate how a common nomenclature can reduce regulatory burden, improve data quality and support better health outcomes. The strategy sets out how we will expand and enhance these relationships while supporting jurisdictions at different stages of regulatory maturity.

Investing in technology, data and people

At the heart of GMDN is a dynamic, expertly curated dataset – a unique strength that enables precision, consistency and clinical relevance. Maintaining and enhancing this resource requires ongoing investment.

Between 2026 and 2030, we will modernise our data platform and digital services, including developing APIs and exploring AI‑enabled tools to support search, term assignment and system integration. Our aim is to make GMDN as accessible and usable as possible while retaining the robust governance, independence and expert oversight that users trust.

Equally important is investment in our people. Our expert GMDN team, supported by advisory groups representing regulators, healthcare providers and industry, are central to ensuring GMDN continues to reflect technological innovation and evolving regulatory needs.

Supporting interoperability in an increasingly complex world

As digital health systems, supply chains and regulatory databases become more interconnected, the importance of interoperability continues to grow. GMDN plays a foundational role in enabling data exchange across regulatory submissions, UDI systems, hospital inventories, registries and post‑market surveillance.

This strategy focuses on supporting wider adoption of GMDN through training, outreach and practical support, helping stakeholders realise the full benefits of using a single, globally harmonised nomenclature. By doing so, we can help reduce duplication, improve data quality and support faster, more effective decision‑making.

Looking ahead to 2030

Our vision is ambitious but clear: a unified global language for medical devices, recognised and adopted across regulatory and healthcare systems worldwide. By 2030, we expect GMDN to remain the most widely adopted and trusted medical device nomenclature, supporting innovation while safeguarding patient safety.

I am grateful to our Board of Trustees, advisory groups, my GMDN colleagues and our global community of members for their continued commitment to the GMDN Agency. The Strategy 2026–2030 provides a clear path forward, and I am confident that, together, we will continue to set the standard for medical device nomenclature worldwide.

Read more about our vision and objectives in our 2026-2030 – 5 year strategy.