Medical device and in vitro diagnostics manufacturers are increasingly optimistic about their prospects in 2010, according to new survey of industry executives.

The survey of 1,141 industry managers conducted by the Emergo Group, an Austin, Texas-based consulting firm, found that more than two of three believe the overall business environment will be better for the industry next year compared with 2009. A majority also said they expect to hire additional workers during 2010 and that many were looking to Brazil and Asian countries to help fuel sales gains over the next 12 months.