April 20198 When asked to write about the latest healthcare solutions, I initially thought to offer a review of the most interesting global technology trends.After all, there are a wide range of fascinating, innovative products and practices that we can see in our laboratories and in our start-ups, with many of them having a potential impact on our lives and health. I could also write about precision and regenerative medicine, progress in oncology and immunology, genomics, digital health, tele-medicine, how artificial intelligence can be applied to patient records, to predict, diagnose and manage the complexity of healthcare.However, this has been done many times before. I want to share a point that in my opinion, is by far more interesting and impactful than the technology itself.Of course, I am interested in new technologies, but it is because I see them just as a means to achieving something more important; their impact, the benefit provided to the patient, the citizen and the healthcare system.The actual invention, development and launch of an innovative technology in healthcare, is not by itself a sufficient condition for success, as strict rules, risk adversity and resistance to change are deterrents for the community to gain real benefit from innovation.Barriers to entry are the main reason why many potentially highly innovative solutions, remain at prototype level. The health sector is possibly the most resistant to the introduction of innovation and at the same time, one of the sectors that could benefit the most.The health sector is characterised by established practices, business models and strong resistance to change which is motivated by caution for patients, strict regulatory approval, consolidated medical practices and economic interests. BY MARCO BACCANTI, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF HEALTH INDUSTRIES, DEPARTMENT FOR TRADE, TOURISM AND INVESTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIASTEERING THROUGH HEALTHCARE INNOVATIONSMarco BaccantiIN MY V EW
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