The European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO) has published a position paper containing key recommendations for healthcare research and innovation in the upcoming EU Framework Programme FP10. Under the leadership of Dirk Holste, Deputy Head of the Centre for Health and Bioresources at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology, the EARTO working group ‘Emerging Technologies for Healthcare’ focuses on an innovation boost through technology development & transfer, increased resilience to pandemics and leveraging synergy potential from health data through AI.
Europe's healthcare system under pressure: where solutions need to start
European healthcare systems are facing enormous challenges. Ageing populations and the increase in chronic diseases are putting an ever-growing strain on healthcare capacities. At the same time, climate change is causing new health problems and antimicrobial resistance poses an increasing threat to public health. Added to this are cost structures that are barely economically viable, exacerbated by the lack of efficient mechanisms for introducing innovative technologies. All of these issues jeopardise not only the efficiency and sustainability of healthcare, but also Europe's ability to remain globally competitive as a leading region for healthcare innovation.
New strategies for an innovative and resilient healthcare system
The EARTO position paper shows ways in which Europe can strengthen its innovative power in the healthcare sector. It focuses on seven strategic fields of action:
- Sustainable financing: Ensure investment in innovative healthcare technologies.
- Strengthening SMEs: Involving small and medium-sized enterprises more closely in the innovation process.
- Promote early-stage innovation: Improve transitions from research to market launch.
- Develop cross-technology solutions: Promote the integration of different technologies.
- Intensify industrial cooperation: Strengthen partnerships between industry and RTOs.
- Strengthen the digital health ecosystem: Create networked digital health platforms.
- Build sustainable infrastructures: Establish technology infrastructures that can be used in the long term.
"European research and technology organisations such as the AIT are an indispensable part of the innovation chain in the healthcare sector," explains Dirk Holste. "Our working group has defined clear priorities not only to make Europe more resilient to future health crises, but also to secure its technological sovereignty by paving the way for new technologies and driving forward digitalisation in a targeted manner."
Working together for a strong healthcare system
The AIT is working closely with EARTO and other partners to put the proposed measures into practice. Decision-makers from industry, science and politics are called upon to get actively involved and jointly develop solutions for the current challenges in the healthcare sector. The aim is to create a resilient healthcare system that promotes innovation and benefits everyone in Europe.
Link to the position paper: https://www.earto.eu/wp-content/uploads/EARTO-Input-on-Health-Research-and-Innovation-for-the-next-European-Framework-Programme-FP10-Final.pdf