Economics of Innovation and Digital Health

Areas of interest

• Economics of digital health: platforms, data, and AI
• R&D and innovation incentives, including regulatory approval pathways
• Procurement, funding, and reimbursement design specifically for new and emerging technologies
• Diffusion and adoption dynamics
• Changing economics of the health workforce and clinical practice as new technologies are introduced

Aim and objectives

To generate high-quality economic evidence on the economics of health innovation,
digital health technologies, AI applications (machine learning and natural language
processing), new organisational practices and data-driven decision-making, and to
translate that evidence into policy and practice across Australasia.

Objectives

1. Build capacity by:
   • Creating a network of academics in the field, policy analysts and multidisciplinary
     collaborators, including healthcare professionals, computer scientists and legal experts,
     working on innovation and digitalisation.
   • Identifying evidence gaps and research priorities.
   • Fostering collaboration in methodological development to be used across themes
     within the economics of innovation and digitalisation.
   • Facilitating joint research, grant applications and special journal, conference
     and government inquiry submissions.
   • Coordinating with iHEA/ISPOR to enhance international participation in the
     Asia-Pacific region.
2. Support dissemination and translation of accessible outputs, such as policy briefs
   and webinars, to inform health system decision-makers.
3. Promote equity and diversity by prioritising inclusive participation from
   underrepresented areas and career stages, including targeted mentoring for
   PhD students and ECRs.

Activity plan

1. Webinars

   Webinar 1: Focus on academic work from ECRs, including
   presentations with senior feedback, methodology workshops and skill-building activities.

   Webinar 2: Focus on translation. Invited speakers from
   multidisciplinary fields, consumers, policy, industry and government will participate
   in panel discussions or policy roundtables that lead to policy briefs or other
   translational outputs.

2. Abstract writing support for PhD students and ECRs, with dates aligned to submission
   deadlines for key conferences.
3. Establish a “Best Australian Paper in Digital Health Economics” award.
4. Newsletter: Published twice a year and including policy briefs,
   a researcher spotlight, and news on publications, presentations, engagement,
   impact and upcoming events.