Innovation and Governance

Innovation has become the driving force behind so much of modern society. The knowledge economy and innovation are seen as the drivers of health, wealth and happiness in the world. Innovation is a broad term, and is applied almost everywhere now, from traditional concepts of technological innovation through to more esoteric ideas of policy innovations.

At the IOG we are interested in the role that innovation plays in improving organizations, sectors and even nations. This could be through innovations in governance structures and how they are spread, or the different approaches to funding innovation to achieve maximum returns on investment. So far the majority of this work in the public sphere has been in and around health innovation – from health technologies through to health care governance. The IOG aims to build on the existing work in this area to provide solutions for enhancing the power and suitability of innovation.

In the past the focus of the IOG in innovation has been on the role of biotechnology and governance.  The IOG's work in this knowledge area focuses on assessing the transformative potential of new biotechnologies and considering the unique governance challenges they pose. These considerations extend beyond the governance of biotechnology and include practical considerations of maintaining societal control over biotechnology, as well as the institutions, structures and processes put in place to maximize the benefits of biotechnology while minimizing its risks.

The IOG has carried out individual projects on biotechnology and governance, involving a broad range of topics including ethics, stewardship, horizontal coordination of policy, regulation, issues of privacy and public consultation. Funded by multiple sponsors, including federal departments and agencies, the IOG's Biotechnology and Governance Program has allowed the Institute to address the big issues in biotechnology and governance - horizontal issues that cut across individual departmental interests. A major component of the program, the Biotechnology and Governance Forum, provided a space where government officials, researchers, members of NGOs and industry groups can openly discuss some of the governance and strategic issues that come to bear on decision-makers in this area.

To enquire about IOG’s work in Innovation and Governance, please contact us.