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The journey a product or service takes, from idea, to market entry and into the recipient’s hands is the innovation pathway. Each innovation type – whether it’s a medicine, a device or software – can take a different journey depending on factors such as geography, policy or regulatory requirements.
While some steps of the pathways in EU member states are routine, well-defined and efficient, others are considered overly complex, time consuming and lacking clarity – particularly in fast-moving and vital sectors, such as digital health.
Even when innovators have navigated regulatory and reimbursement processes, there may still be difficulty in achieving widespread adoption due to local procurement barriers or infrastructural challenges.
Overcoming such barriers to innovation could result in potentially life-changing healthcare solutions reaching patients and citizens across the EU more quickly, thereby overcoming inequity of care.
Round Table Series on Optimising Innovation Pathways
Leading healthcare experts, innovators and partners from across Europe joined our seven 2019 Round Table discussions which took place in Spain, Portugal, UK, Sweden, Germany, France and Belgium. In parallel, we developed our findings through desk research and interviews with those working in healthcare, and other relevant stakeholders.

White Paper on Round Tables, with recommendations
A 10-page summary of key recommendations from the Think Tank Round Tables on Optimising Innovation Pathways.

Optimising Innovation Pathways: Future Proofing for Success
Find our recommendations on overcoming pathway barriers to innovation in this report.
Regional Round Table Reports
Regional Round Table Videos
Video
Opinion Pieces
Five steps to futureproofing Europe’s health innovation pathway in the digital age

By Jan-Philipp Beck EIT Health CEO
AI: How will it impact the healthcare workforce?

Jorge Fernández García, Director of Innovation at…
Preventing innovators from falling at the next hurdle

John Collins, Chief Operating Officer of CIMIT
Why start-ups need backing to break into medtech

Dr. Kurt Höller, EIT Health Director of…
EIT Health Think Tank: Clearing the path to innovation

Sameena Conning EIT Health Director of External…