OBJECTIVES The necessity for manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and medical devices seem to deal with health services research (HSR). Healthcare reform acts and revisions of HTA method guidance documents in many European countries continue to point out the importance of real-life consequences. The objective of the study was to evaluate the self-reported importance and the own activities of pharmaceutical companies in Germany concerning health services research. METHODS Between December 2013 and February 2014 an online survey among  members of the German Pharmaceutical Industry Association (BPI) was accomplished. Similar surveys were conducted in 2009 and 2011. RESULTS