Pursuing innovation in academic medical centers: Models, activities, and influential factors

Academic medical centers (AMCs) are well recognized for their innovations that enhance frontline care, but there is little study of their innovation management processes, which is key for advancing theory regarding the effectiveness of innovation efforts to improve care.

We aimed to identify organizational models used for frontline innovation by AMCs in the United States, core activities within models, and factors that influence innovation success.

We conducted a qualitative study of 12 AMCs using data from semistructured interviews with centers' innovation leaders. Inclusion required satisfying two of three criteria in 2021 (only met by 35 AMCs nationally): listed in the professional association of innovation leaders (Council of 33), Becker's review of most innovative hospitals, and/or top 20 U.S. News and World Report best hospitals honor roll. We analyzed the interview data using the constant comparative method.

Innovative AMCs pursue innovation through innovation centers (using a centralized or multicenter model) or within clinical departments (department-level model). All three models emphasize seven activities, although performed differently: sourcing ideas, developing ideas, implementing innovations, fundraising, managing partnerships, measuring success, and managing mindset. Several factors influenced success: role performance, operational challenges, technology, public policy, customer clarity, stakeholder buy-in, diversity of input, and focus. The centralized model struggled less with standardization and coordination issues.

AMCs have options for structuring their innovation efforts. However, there are consistent activities for successful innovation management and factors that they must manage.

AMCs can select among innovation models to fit their circumstances but likely need to perform seven activities well for success.