Life Science Innovation

In its second year of research, the Life Sciences Innovation Observatory aims to analyze and promote innovation also based on digital technologies, in clinical research, and in the development of new Life Sciences products and services. The Observatory intends to develop a point of reference for decision-makers of the Life Sciences sector to build culture by spreading knowledge on innovation topics in this field and generate opportunities to meet and share experiences with various stakeholders in a precompetitive context. 

As part of the 2022-2023 Research the Observatory aims to:

• understand what new skills and key roles are needed to drive innovation in Life Science companies and what tools can be used as a result to understand and manage innovation (e.g. foresight & strategic planning);
• analyze the opportunities offered by robotics, augmented reality, virtual reality, and the metaverse in the Life Science and healthcare ecosystem;
• study possible business and distribution models in Italy for Digital Therapies and innovative medical devices, also compared to other countries;
• scrutinize the main challenges related to the production and market access of innovative drugs and advanced Treatments;
• closely examine the opportunities offered by new technologies to innovate the clinical research process (e.g. AI, in Silico trial, etc.);
• identify the opportunities and main challenges related to the collection and valorization of data that can also be collected in clinical research.

Observatory Research is based on an empirical analysis involving healthcare players and other key figures of the Life Sciences sector through censuses and analyses of startups at Italian and international level, surveys, interviews with experts, investigation of the regulatory context and case studies.

The community

The Observatory aims to create a community comprised of a variety of players:  

• research supporters, representatives of Pharma, Biotech, MedTech, CRO organizations, and all companies and startups offering Life Sciences ICT solutions or consulting services;
• trade associations and business clusters (i.e. Confindustria Dispositivi Medici, Farmindustria, Assolombarda Life Science, etc.);
• institutional stakeholders (AIFA, ISS, Ministero della Salute, etc.);
• IRCCS (Scientific Institute for Research) and healthcare facilities (through scientific Directors, Data managers, etc.);
• healthcare professionals (e.g. medical specialists, etc.) key opinion leaders in their respective areas of expertise and activity;
• expert patients and patient Associations.

For more information on how to collaborate with and support the Life Sciences Innovation Observatory research please contact Deborah De Cesare (e-mail: deborah.decesare@polimi.it).