Development of a Reproducible Framework and Pathway to Support Innovation in an Academic Surgical Department

Area of Science:

• Surgical innovation
• Biomedical engineering
• Academic medicine

Background:

• Academic surgical departments possess untapped innovative potential within faculty, trainees, and staff.
• Existing institutional structures often hinder the progression of novel ideas into tangible innovations.
• A need exists for a structured approach to foster device and technological innovation in academic surgical settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a novel and reproducible framework and pathway for facilitating device and technological innovation within an academic surgical department.
• To overcome institutional barriers and equip personnel with the necessary skills for effective innovation.
• To foster a culture of innovation and translate ideas into clinical solutions.

Main Methods:

• Developed a dedicated innovation pathway and an educational program for department members.
• Restructured the department to formally incorporate innovation and encourage broad participation.
• Forged strategic relationships with subject-matter experts, industry partners, and university STEM and business programs.

Main Results:

• Founded three start-up companies, initiated development of eight devices and three apps, and filed two patents.
• Engaged 21 departmental employees across various roles in innovation activities.
• Created a university-based, cross-industry innovation curriculum and identified funding sources for development.

Conclusions:

• Successfully established a framework that facilitates innovation within the academic surgical department.
• Enhanced internal innovation expertise and leveraged external industry collaborations effectively.
• Demonstrated a scalable pathway for developing needs-driven clinical solutions through increased staff engagement and resource utilization.