How innovation cooperation supports the improvement of health care in the CEE region : the case of ECMO for greater Poland

Abstract

PURPOSE: The main aim of this article is to present the development of innovation cooperation in the biopharmaceutical industry in the Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) region.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The authors present the role of R&D Innovation Ecosystem in the biopharmaceutical industry in the improvement of patient care in Poland. The article presents the results of qualitative research – focus group interview with representatives of the “ECMO for Greater Poland” program within the research grant of the National Science Centre (Poland) entitled “Analysis of Open Innovation Alliances and Strategic Partnerships in the Biopharmaceutical Industry in Poland and CEE countries”.

FINDINGS: The authors present their own observations, contributions to the creation process and successful “ECMO for Greater Poland” program development.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: It should be considered that nowadays due to pandemic COVID-19 the cooperation of all entities in the whole biopharmaceutical R&D innovation ecosystem is even more challenging and with high level of complexity.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: R&D cooperation between academia, institutions and business can significantly increase the likelihood of creating better medical therapy for patients.