Overview
We worked closely with the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations (IFPMA) to develop a policy brief on the research and development (R&D) ecosystem. The resulting resource provides a shared language to show how R&D ecosystems function, and a practical tool to communicate why a well-functioning R&D ecosystem matters for health outcomes.
The challenge
Scientific discovery alone does not guarantee better health outcomes. Long development timelines, high rates of failure, and increasing scientific, regulatory and manufacturing requirements make it challenging to sustain innovation – even when the science itself is sound.
Whether breakthroughs reach the people who need them depends on how well the wider R&D ecosystem functions; that requires coordinated action by governments, industry, academia, regulators and health systems. In practice, policy frameworks, incentives and investment approaches are often fragmented or misaligned, slowing progress and limiting impact.
IFPMA commissioned HPP to develop an evidence-based, accessible narrative that explains how R&D ecosystems operate, and why policy choices throughout the innovation pathway matter. The aim: a clear, credible resource that could anchor dialogue with policymakers and stakeholders, and build a shared understanding of how to strengthen system performance.
What we achieved
- We analysed how the R&D ecosystem functions along the innovation and access pathway – from early discovery to integration into care – identifying key pressure points where progress can stall.
- We translated these complex dynamics into a clear and accessible policy brief designed for policymakers, payers and other stakeholders. The brief maps the end-to-end R&D pathway and the interdependencies between stakeholders and policy levers.
- The resource provides a practical foundation for policy engagement, helping them articulate the value of a strong R&D ecosystem and supporting the development of policy environments that enable sustained innovation and improved access to medicines and vaccines.
Core resources
Project information
This policy brief was developed with support from HPP and funded by IFPMA. Please see the topic page for more information.
Get in touch
If you want to find out more about our work on the research and development, contact Helena Wilcox, Associate Director of Research and Policy.
Related work
Project
Immunisation for people living with non-communicable diseases
Project
Building environmental considerations into the evaluation of health interventions
Project
