Grand challenges in UK healthcare, exploring the contribution of a Multi-stakeholder Innovation Hubs to support knowledge driven, user-led innovation

This study critically explores a novel approach to addressing grand challenges within the UK healthcare system through an onsite hospital Innovation Hub (IH). Specifically it examines how such a facility can support priorities of stakeholders interested in addressing grand challenges in healthcare, and the potential use of this space to leverage a unique contribution. The study uses a case study methodology to present findings from a user-led IH which used a collaborative multi-stakeholder process. Rich qualitative data was collected from a diverse range of Hub stakeholders to inform an emerging understanding of the complexity of this space. A key finding is the importance of the IH staff team as an essential element to sustaining and improving the functionality of the space. They work as intermediaries, supporting the innovation process and managing needs of participating stakeholders. The study identifies the importance of recognising tacit knowledge within an organisation, like a hospital, developing knowledge-led approaches to collaboratively address complex organisational challenges. Managers need to appreciate that an IH works differently to other hospital functions and that resources are required upfront to establish and sustain the IH. It is important to consider if the hospital has resource for this, and capacity to wait for outcomes from an experimental, but potentially impactful collaborative approach to innovatively improving healthcare provision.