The Economics of Innovation in the Prosthetic and Orthotics Industry

Innovation is an important part of the prosthetic and orthotics (P&O) industry. Innovation has the potential to improve health care services and outcomes, however, it can also be a burden to the system if misdirected. This paper explores the interaction of innovation and economics within the P&O industry, focusing on its current state and future opportunities. Technological advancement, industry competition and pursuit of better patient outcomes drive innovation, while challenges in ensuring better P&O health care include lagging clinical evidence, limited access to data, and existing funding structures. There exists a greater need for inclusive models and frameworks for rehabilitation care, that focus on the use of appropriate technology as supported by research and evidence of effectiveness and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, innovative business models based on social entrepreneurism could open access to untapped and underserved markets and provide greater access to assistive technology.