The last 14 months have been a most testing time for the world in general and for global health in particular. COVID-19 took the world by surprise as weaknesses were exposed in public health systems’ preparedness to face pandemics and we continue to face the consequences over a year on.
However, the emergence of COVID-19 has also succeeded in accelerating innovation in science, treatments, healthcare and health management. Positive results have been observed where a stronger emphasis on collaboration among different players was placed. From researchers to clinicians to community to biotech, public-private partnerships were strengthened, and, thanks to increased responsiveness from authoritative bodies, more agile ways of fast-tracking innovation were set in motion.
The purpose of this Brain Innovation Days digital session, the 3rd in the series, was to explore the positive direct and indirect results of COVID-19 pandemic response and research on the brain innovation ecosystem, what lessons have been learned, what countries have come out winning, what advancements have been made and what threats lie ahead – particularly when and if the world returns to the pre-COVID status quo. The session featured testimonials from key opinions leaders, patients, representatives from the EU and WHO level and the industries that were forced to adapt to this rapid change of pace in innovation.