WHO Innovation Agenda for Public Health Underlines Key Shifts for Health Innovation in Europe

WHO Innovation Agenda for Public Health Underlines Key Shifts for Health Innovation in Europe

In June 2025, the World Health Organisation (WHO) published its Innovation Agenda for Public Health in the WHO European Region 2025-2030, a strategic blueprint that aims to accelerate transformative innovation across public health systems in the region. 

The Agenda underlines four key “mega-shifts” each targeting key barriers and opportunities for health innovation.

Mega shift 1: Quantum collaboratives – re-imagined partnerships for impossible problems

Rather than allowing innovation to remain the domain of fragmented, profit-driven actors, this approach positions public health as both a driver and beneficiary of innovation, ensuring that transformative solutions are co-created, implemented and scaled in a sustainable way and with equitable access at its heart.

Mega shift 2: Digital solidarity – democratizing data for public health intelligence and innovation

The urgency for Member States to invest in robust, ethical and inclusive data infrastructure has never been greater. In an era marked by converging public health crises, fragmented data systems and siloed information flows have become some of the most significant barriers to innovation, efficiency and equity in health. In this context, the study considers it key to make digital tools and data accessible to all, empowering countries and communities to harness information for better health outcomes. 

Mega shift 3: Accelerated capacity – amplifying human potential in resource-constrained health systems

Accelerated capacity refers to the rapid enhancement of health-care system capabilities, including infrastructure, workforce and service delivery mechanisms. However, the 21st-century health landscape is defined by a striking paradox: rapid advances in medical knowledge and technology coexist with persistent health workforce shortages, care inequities and systemic inefficiencies. The study underlines that by investing in digital skills, fostering an innovation culture, and harnessing AI and digital technologies, it would be possible to unlock the full potential of our health workforce.

Mega shift 4: Incentive revolution – aligning public and private markets with population health

The report underlines the need to rethink incentives, shifting from traditional push mechanisms to outcome-based, “pull” incentives rewarding real-world impact and scale, ultimately delivering measurable improvements in population health.

WHO “Innovation agenda for public health in the WHO European Region 2025–2030” available here.