Future-proofing healthcare innovation in Yorkshire

26 March 2010

Healthcare industrialists, clinicians and academics identified future challenges and opportunities for the industry and highlighted the need for high-level innovation at a workshop in Leeds earlier this month.

The Healthcare Technology Future Scenarios workshop focussed on the key trends in the sector, with discussions on a wide range of topics, from drug delivery, health futures and personalised medicine, to telemedicine and regenerative medicine.

The event was run by the Yorkshire Health Innovation Network (YHIN) — which is a new network designed to ‘future proof’ organisations in the region and is part of Solutions for Business, the UK Government’s package of publicly funded business support designed to help companies start and grow.

YHIN supports and creates new clinical, market and technology-based opportunities, aligning today’s product development with future markets, and providing a rapid review process to guide companies through the innovation process; supporting their success over the forthcoming years.

Dr Ian Revie, YHIN Director said: “The aim of our network is to establish Yorkshire and Humber as a leading global centre for innovation in the healthcare market, identifying high level partners, accessing global expertise, and in turn developing an innovative culture to drive the future of innovation.”

Dr Penny Wilson of the Technology Strategy Board who spoke at the event, said: “The workshop was invaluable in bringing together key individuals to allow businesses in the region to maximise their potential and build on their strengths. We had the fun day that we were promised and as the journey unfolds I’m certain that new opportunities will emerge for all concerned. I am looking forward to playing an active part in the network and to watching the region grow.”

The Network is supported by the region’s development agency Yorkshire Forward and is part financed by ERDF funding. The network is managed by expert healthcare organisations from the region - Medilink Yorkshire and Humber, TWI, Medipex, IPI, BITECIC, and the Leeds IKC.

For more information, please visit www.futurehealthtech.org