Exploring technological innovation in health systems: Is Canada measuring up?

Abstract

The societal and economic benefits of technological innovations are indisputable. However, the race for knowledge and talent to develop and commercialise health innovations has never been so fierce. Countries traditionally seen as leaders in health innovation — countries such as the UK — are being challenged by newer players. This study examines how technological innovation is encouraged, and discouraged, in Canada and other selected Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, including the UK, France and the USA. The research uses The Conference Board of Canada's Innovation Framework as an analytical tool in benchmarking the performance of Canada and other OECD countries in several areas of health innovation, including the innovation environment, and the creation, diffusion, transformation and use of knowledge. The results of this study are discouraging for Canada as it scores poorly in many important areas of technological health innovation. Substantial efforts are needed, and needed now, to revitalise health innovation systems and to refuel the capacity to commercialise health innovations. Action in four key areas is recommended.