The role of users in innovation in the pharmaceutical industry

Traditionally, innovation in the pharmaceutical industry is organised according to the linear model. Over the past two decades this model lost its meaning as a result of rising costs, increased competition, new scientific developments and better-informed, more demanding users. The linear model is not well equipped to involve these new actors and to include their feedback. Starting from a systemic approach, the involvement of actors in pharmaceutical innovation processes, more in particular users, is put central. It is discussed and illustrated with three cases why a systemic model may be more effective to cope with present developments and why users should be involved. To wind up, conclusions are drawn regarding the implications of a systemic approach for policymakers, researchers and firms.