Enhancing research and development to innovate neonatology and improve newborn health

Neonatology suffers from a chronic lack of innovation, and several neonatal disorders still lack appropriate diagnostic or therapeutic tools. Here, we expand on the recent analysis of this situation by the Lancet Child and Adolescent Commission for the Future of Neonatology, highlighting the similarities between adult and neonatal critical care, the need for greater interdisciplinary collaboration, and the importance of clearly defining neonatology as a distinct specialty. We also discuss the peculiarities of medical devices. We analyse the rarity of neonatal malformative and non-malformative disorders and diseases in light of the opportunities related to the definition of rare disease. We provide a culture-based definition of neonatology and advocate for creating a separate residency program, discussing its benefits in both developed and low-middle-income countries.