For the Dean of the NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH), Sónia Dias, “innovation only makes sense if it has real impact and is suited to the contexts in which it is applied.” This principle, she argued, is essential for the sustainability of health systems and society as a whole.
Her remarks were made during a forum organised by Médis, dedicated to the theme of sustainability in healthcare, which brought together experts from various fields to reflect on possible pathways for transforming health systems.
Speaking at the event, which took place in Lisbon on 9 July, Sónia Dias began by highlighting that, although innovation in healthcare is a widely discussed topic, the issue often lies not in a lack of new ideas, but in their failure to adapt to real-world contexts.
“There is innovation, but it often fails because it has no impact. And it fails because it is not adapted to the context,” she emphasised. Using a metaphor to illustrate her point, she added: “It’s like a seed that may be of excellent quality, but if it’s not suited to the soil in which it’s planted, it won’t thrive.”
For Sónia Dias, it is urgent to broaden the concept of innovation, which cannot be limited to technological or biomedical dimensions. “We need to work on organisational innovation – the way care is delivered, how interventions are planned and evaluated, how different sectors are mobilised,” she stated.
The Dean of NOVA NSPH also argued that it is this broader, more integrated approach that will allow us to respond to the challenges facing a health system under pressure, with increasing demographic, epidemiological, and economic demands.
Another key point of her address was the role of impact assessment as an integral part of the innovation process. “We need to understand what works, for whom, in what circumstances, and with what impact. We cannot continue to implement interventions without evaluating them,” she stressed.
She also highlighted that this evaluation process is not merely technical, but also social and political, as it enables public policies to be adjusted to what truly makes a difference in people’s lives.
The Dean of NOVA NSPH also emphasised the importance of involving different stakeholders from the very beginning of the solution design process. “We need to work with those on the ground, with care providers, policy-makers, and the people who are the ultimate recipients of these interventions. This collaborative approach makes it possible to design solutions that are both appropriate and more effective,” she stated.
Finally, Sónia Dias called for a paradigm shift, placing people at the centre and promoting interdisciplinary and cross-sectoral approaches, with impact that is both measured and demonstrated. “It is not enough to innovate for innovation’s sake. Innovation must contribute to equity, efficiency, and the sustainability of health systems,” she concluded.
