Medical technologies: the innovation dimension

Chapter II has described the main elements of the policy framework for innovation and access. This chapter considers how this policy framework applies to innovation in medical technologies. It reviews the factors that have spurred innovation in medical technologies in the past, identifies how current models of R&D are evolving, and charts the role of established and new participants in the innovation process, including in the context of neglected diseases, emerging pathogens with pandemic potential and antibacterial treatments. It also covers the role of IP, particularly patents, in the R&D system.