Pro-innovation civil society groups gather in New York to talk global health

The debate around innovation and health has been monopolised over the last decade by civil society groups that claim the current system of drug development, underpinned by markets and intellectual property rights, does not function and must be replaced by alternative systems that envisage a far greater role for government.

In reality, there is no such consensus amongst civil society, not least because of the substantial body of empirical evidence indicating the contrary.

Last week in New York, Geneva Network was proud to convene a meeting of representatives from 13 pro-innovation think tanks and NGOs from around the world, to map out a research agenda that explores the important role of property rights and markets in innovation and health.

These pro-market civil society groups are united in their support for all forms of property rights – including intellectual property rights – as the bedrock of prosperity and innovation.

The think tanks were drawn from all over the globe, including organisations from Mexico, South Africa, Malaysia and Italy.

During the discussions, participants identified a number of areas for research which could support more evidence-based policymaking in this area:

• Does the protection of intellectual property rights improve development indicators at the national level, such as health and income?
• How has free trade assisted in the global diffusion of health-improving ideas and technologies?
• What are the real barriers to access to medicines in lower and middle-income countries?

The group’s research over the coming months will shed light on these and other questions, making an important contribution to the policymaking process.

Stay tuned for updates at the twitter hashtag #innovate4health.