The determinants of translational medicine success - a managerial contribution

Scope of Translational Medicine is to speed the development of new compounds of medical protocols and/or treatments to improve patient's quality of life. Translational medicine represents the synergy between epidemiology, basic research and clinical trials, and is based upon Innovation Management and Research Development in medicine. Being the speed and progression up to the patient a key issue of Translational Medicine, the innovation process ought to be pursued according to rigorous protocols embedded on a research development path capable of decreasing the lead time at the most. Translational Medicine represents a goal to be pursued by all involved actors, from academic researchers to clinicians, patients and others than can be seen as a network of co-creating actors engaged for the ultimate patient benefit. To underpin Translational Medicine advantages and determinants, the paper approaches the issue by adopting a systems thinking perspective, capable of highlighting the key issues to be considered.