The FP10 healthcare priorities represent an essential framework for strengthening European health systems. Facing rising pressures from ageing populations, chronic diseases, workforce shortages, and health emergencies, Europe needs targeted research and innovation (R&I). Future updates to the Framework Programme 10 (FP10) should outline clear stakeholder objectives to tackle these crucial health-related challenges.

Setting the Scene: European Healthcare Today

Europe’s healthcare systems face sustained demands from multiple fronts. Over 20% of Europe’s population currently exceeds 65 years old; Eurostat predicts this figure will rise to around 30% by 2050. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for almost 90% of all deaths in Europe, according to the World Health Organisation. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens further strain, potentially reducing Europe’s GDP. Such evolving threats underline the importance of FP10 healthcare priorities.

Investment Needs and Strategic Funding Approaches

Securing adequate funding forms the backbone of effective health R&I initiatives. In a recently published release (linked below), stakeholders stress the critical need for dedicated finances in FP10. The European Commission calculated losses from COVID-19 at around €2.3 trillion. Preventing future crises requires improved research capacity backed by predictable and sustainable funding arrangements. Ring-fenced budgets within FP10 healthcare priorities can address health emergencies, such as pandemics and AMR threats, and deliver sustained improvements in chronic illness management.

Successful programmes like IMI and Innovative Health Initiative (IHI) demonstrate the benefits of targeted public-private collaboration. Reducing administrative burdens can boost SME involvement and innovation from emerging health technology start-ups. Clearly defined pathways from initial research stages to actual market access remain an essential strategic goal for FP10.

Balancing Scientific Discovery and Applied Research

A well-balanced investment between basic scientific exploration and applied, clinical research is critical. Europe’s Cancer Mission under Horizon Europe, for example, effectively integrates fundamental science and real-world patient applications. FP10 healthcare priorities should replicate such approaches across other priority conditions, ensuring rapid healthcare system benefits.

Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration and Retaining Talent

Improved collaboration among civil society, healthcare professionals, patient groups, SMEs, academics, and larger corporations is central. Collaborative research projects could significantly shorten innovation cycles. FP10 healthcare priorities should also introduce simplified administrative requirements, facilitating smoother participation by small businesses and research institutions.

Retaining Europe’s skilled healthcare professionals and researchers remains a high-priority issue. FP10 should integrate talent retention strategies into funding frameworks, offering stable research career opportunities. Researchers often pursue opportunities overseas due to unstable, short-term funding environments. FP10 healthcare priorities must commit to secure and predictable funding models, actively supporting high-quality careers in European healthcare research.

Practical Implications for Policy and Health Economics

We recommend FP10 projects align closely with market access pathways and cost-effectiveness analyses. This alignment ensures innovations reach patients faster and meet value-based healthcare goals. Incorporating health economic evaluations early in R&I processes maximises patient, provider, and payer benefits, aligning FP10 healthcare priorities effectively with broader health system sustainability objectives.

Ultimately, success hinges on coordinated actions and coherent policies across stakeholders and regional bodies. FP10 offers tangible ways to integrate research insights into healthcare delivery and policy formation, driving measurable impacts for patients and healthcare providers.

Conclusion

FP10 healthcare priorities provide Europe with a clear opportunity for strengthening health systems, driving innovation, and globally maintaining its leadership position. By achieving balanced investment, fostering collaboration, streamlining processes, enhancing market access, and retaining talent, FP10 can effectively tackle current and emerging healthcare challenges. Policymakers and industry leaders must implement these strategic recommendations. Such actions will define Europe’s future healthcare capabilities and deliver lasting benefits.

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