Development of a Conceptual Framework for Analyzing the Role of the Public Sector in the Development of New Valuable Health Innovations

OBJECTIVES: The development of new health technologies is a complex and costly process that requires significant investment from both the public and private sectors. In recent years, there has been growing interest in identifying the contributions made by the public sector, and in ensuring that these contributions are appropriately recognized and rewarded. As part of the European HI-PRIX project, we produced a framework to identify and structure public contributions to the R&D of medical technologies. Further steps include proposing pricing & reimbursement models that can take this information into consideration.

METHODS: We developed a framework for identifying relevant public contributions to the development of new health technologies through ad-hoc literature searches. The framework is based on several key concepts, including "public contributions," which refers to any investments made by the public sector to the development of new health technologies. We organized an Advisory Committee, composed of 9 international experts in health economics and pharmaceutical policy, to steer the development of this framework.

RESULTS: The framework includes analysis of the types of public contributions to the development of new health technologies. The analysis is divided according to the several R&D phases. For each phase, the analysis includes information on the possible types of public contributions (including non-monetary investments), as well as the likelihood of success and the potential benefits to patients and society.

CONCLUSIONS: The framework provides a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to identifying relevant public contributions to the development of new health technologies. By considering the types of public contributions, as well as the risks and uncertainties associated with the development of new health technologies, the framework attempts to strike a balance between the interests of public and private sectors. The framework represents an important step forward in promoting innovation and ensuring that public contributions to R&D are appropriately recognized and rewarded.