Health Innovation

This chapter focuses on the critical intersection of health, well-being, and innovation in the Anthropocene era, emphasizing the centrality of these factors to our planet’s sustainable future. The COVID-19 pandemic is a stark reminder of the interconnectedness of health, socio-politico-economic-environmental realities, and the urgent need for foresight activities. The author challenges the notion of a precise post-COVID-19 era, suggesting a state of ‘with COVID-19’ (WC) that coexists with other major health challenges, revealing societal fault-lines and amplifying shortcomings in health management. A framework for understanding health innovation is introduced, followed by a PESTEC analysis identifying deficiencies noted in the appraisal. The anticipatory analysis explores possible futures and their impact on present and near-future health innovation prospects. The chapter concludes by suggesting actionable steps to address the challenges outlined, advocating for a holistic approach that aligns healthcare and economic development for a more resilient future.