Driving innovation in bioelectronic materials for healthcare

Urban Foresight leads strategy and action plan to secure the future of bioelectronics in UK healthcare

Bioelectronics-reports

Bioelectronics are revolutionising healthcare by providing cutting-edge solutions for preventing, diagnosing, monitoring, and treating diseases.

These devices, which interact directly with the body through electrical signals, offer life-changing benefits. Pacemakers, blood glucose monitors, and cochlear implants are prime examples of how bioelectronics are enhancing patient care and improving quality of life. 

A critical factor driving innovation in bioelectronics is the development of new materials. These materials are essential for creating safe, effective, and transformative healthcare devices. However, this is no easy task. The process of developing new materials faces significant challenges, including long lead times, extensive testing, and strict regulatory requirements, which can delay the introduction of novel solutions. 

Recognising these obstacles, the Henry Royce Institute appointed Urban Foresight to lead the development of the Materials for Bioelectronics in Healthcare Strategy and Action Plan. Working in partnership with ScotChem and CPI, Urban Foresight carried out market research and economic analysis to define the scope of bioelectronics in healthcare and to assess the need for innovative materials. 

Urban Foresight spearheaded a comprehensive stakeholder engagement process, conducting interviews and a survey that gathered input from over 60 key industry figures. This group included researchers, business leaders, and representatives from research councils. The insights gathered from these conversations played a critical role in shaping the materials roadmap developed by CPI, as well as the accompanying action plans and practical recommendations, which we developed. 

In addition to leading these engagements, Urban Foresight managed the delivery of the project’s outputs, overseeing their editing, design, and final presentation. We also supported Royce during the launch of the strategy. 

The resulting strategy is a groundbreaking initiative that provides new data on bioelectronics activities and materials currently used in healthcare. It includes strategic action plans and advocates for the creation of a virtual centre dedicated to materials innovation in bioelectronics. This initiative positions the UK as a global leader in the transformative field of bioelectronics. 

This project showcases Urban Foresight’s expertise in technology management and innovation strategy, reinforcing our leadership in driving forward advances in the bioelectronics sector. 

To learn more about this cutting-edge project, read the full report here or contact our talented team at hello@urbanforesight.org.