We developed a definition and typology of the societal impact of biomedical and health R&I.
Definition
We define the societal impact of biomedical and health R&I as:
Any short-, medium-, and long-term effects (both positive and negative) on health (e.g. prevention, health outcomes, literacy and equity), as well as related impacts on the economy (e.g. cost-effectiveness, efficiency), society, public policy or services, the environment, quality of life or informing future research.
This definition was developed based on a review of existing literature and evidence and through consultation with key stakeholders across research, policy and wider patient and practitioner groups linked to the EU framework programmes. The definition highlights that impacts can be both negative and positive and can take place over short- (3-5 years), medium- (5-10), and long-term (10+) timeframes. Although impact on health and wellbeing is a primary aim of EU funded biomedical and health R&I, health R&I also typically leads to indirect impacts spanning multiple categories.
Typology
We have also developed a typology of the societal impact of biomedical and health R&I. The typology presents a range of impact categories with examples of the types of impacts falling within each domain. The impact category depicts the specific type of impact being described, drawn from the literature, case studies and expert consultation, with examples provided to distinguish between the categories. The typology aims to capture the range of different types of societal impact that can result from EU funded biomedical and health R&I. This includes a wide range of health-related impacts, as well as impacts on wider society, and the economy. The impact categories in the typology have been grouped into three overarching categories: health, economic, and wider societal. This typology forms the basis for the indicators presented in the dashboard.
| Impact category | Examples | |
| Health impacts | Patient outcomes | Improved patient clinical outcomes (e.g. reduced mortality, morbidity, improved disability-adjusted life years); improved patient-centred outcomes (e.g. satisfaction, preferences); improved safety and efficacy of treatments and reduction in side effects from treatments; design and delivery of solutions that meet patient needs (patient centricity) |
| Population health and wellbeing | Improved health of the population (e.g. reduction in health risk factors, disease onset, disease progression, hospitalisation rate, and improved quality of life); increased life expectancy and lifespan; improvements to the social well-being, equality, diversity or social inclusion of individuals and communities; prevention in incidences of illness becoming enduring conditions (e.g. depression) | |
| Health equity | Improved accessibility and uptake of health and care services (e.g. by underserved groups); tackle stigma and discrimination (e.g. around mental health); cultural competence and culturally appropriate care to reduce disparities; improved gender equality; improved fairness | |
| Health system efficiency | Cost-savings and efficiencies for health systems (e.g. for diagnosing, treating, and recovering from disease, and access to services) | |
| Economic impacts | Direct economic impact | Increased economic growth/wealth generation through the commercialisation of scientific discoveries into new products and services that improve health and contribute to the economy |
| Wider economic impact | Reduction in loss of productivity and absenteeism; reduction in income loss; increased job security, employability, insurability | |
| Wider societal impacts | Environmental & sustainability | Progress towards green and circular economy; environmental benefit (e.g. reduced emissions); improved prevention/control/treatment of infectious disease outbreaks; creation of health-supportive environments |
| Societal and cultural | Wider benefits on society, spanning culture, education, wellbeing and inclusion; improved family/carer wellbeing | |