Conceptual, sociological and materialistic view of innovation-translation dynamics in medicine: The need and directions for a novel multi-pronged initiative

Abstract

The recent decades have witnessed overwhelming advancements in medical technologies and the quality of healthcare. A vast majority of the advancements which are capable of revolutionising healthcare still remain dormant within laboratories which is certainly due to the tardive translation and assimilation of these innovations. Innovation-translation is explained by an over-simplified linear model which provides the users with just two option- either to adopt or not. The translation of medical innovation is a cyclical and dynamic process which includes the conception of novel ideas, generation of proof of concept, adoption, post-adoption analysis and emergence of new innovations. Conceptual factors like principle, validity, contextual appropriateness and performance; sociological factors like political climate, professional involvement, interdisciplinary interaction and investment policies; and materialistic factors like resource availability, affordability and apt human resource management are the chief determinants of innovation translation. Loose knit configuration of national policies favour innovation translation than close knit configuration. India suffers from lack of drive for local innovation, lack of succinct aptitude, inadequate local investment and lack of efficient regulation. Innovation studies expose the determinants of successful and failed innovations. Ensuring a favourable political and financial environment that provides systematic innovation assessment, evaluation and regulation, valid operational guidelines, encourage local innovation, and promote intellectual aptitude can drive further innovation. Competitively promoting sustaining and disruptive innovation will enable remarkable advancements. Post-adoption analysis and feedback and Precision medicine are significant tools. Efforts should be made to introduce and ensure meticulous innovation surveillance.
 Keywords: Innovation-translation dynamics; Cyclic dynamic model; Innovation surveillance; Regulation.