If we don’t reach people – does innovation really matter?
The true value of an innovation is created when it makes a difference in people’s lives, and while we in Sweden and the Nordics typically rank high on global innovation indexes, we often struggle with implementing new ideas into daily practice.
Last night, I had the privilege of hosting a network dinner in Stockholm with some of distinguished innovators and thought leaders to discuss what needs to happen to make sure more great innovations actually reach the people who need them.
Here are three themes that emerged during our discussions which resonated strongly with me:
• The 'why' behind our innovations is crucial. Without a clear purpose, implementation is unlikely to happen
• Engaging the end user early in the process supports genuine partnership and co-creation, and understanding of needs
• Sharing experiences across sectors about the journey from innovation to implementation can help identify and solve common challenges
Thank you for great discussions Nassim Farrokhnia, Regina Summer, Lena Svendsen, Ann Therese Enarsson, Håkan Djuphammar, Fredrik Vernersson, Mats Rönnbo, and Cecilia Ungerstedt & Petra Eurenius for co-hosting.
I am proud of our strong tradition of research and innovation, and I celebrate how we consistently punch above our weight, being small nations but homes to big innovations. However, only about 60% of recently approved medicines in EU is available to Swedish patients (EFPIA patients WAIT indicator), and actual usage is even lower.
We are often quick to applaud the idea, but seeing it through to implementation is how we make innovations matter. The last mile is often the hardest, but that is both our opportunity and responsibility as innovators, so let's keep sharing and learning, and, like we say in Swedish - tillsammans kan vi göra en skillnad!
Co-Founder and CBO at Windgap Medical, Inc.
2wCongrats Henrik Bengtsson. There are a lot of companies out there that can benefit from your wisdom!