ADD4KIDS has made significant progress in advancing paediatric healthcare innovation by promoting demand-driven instruments like PPI, PCP, and SIBs, which remain underutilized despite their potential.
Through capacity-building and business acceleration programmes, the project has supported 37 key partners, including 24 stakeholders with no prior experience in demand-driven instruments. It has helped them understand and implement these instruments effectively, ultimately accelerating the adoption of paediatric innovations and enabling quicker market access for start-ups.
Another key achievement of the project is the development of a European Action Plan to fast-track the adoption of innovative paediatric solutions. The plan aims to equip the paediatric ecosystem with tools to foster innovation, attract private funding, and empower healthcare providers and patients. At the macro level, the project is focused on reducing healthcare inequalities across Europe and fostering international collaboration, particularly with countries like Canada, Japan, and South Korea.
The project’s impact spans scientific, economic, and societal levels. A Theory of Change (ToC) methodology was developed to address paediatric challenges, optimize resources and create a sustainable market, fostering ecosystem collaboration and improving child health outcomes across Europe.
Further research and pilot projects are needed to validate these approaches in real-world settings. Key priorities include strengthening financing mechanisms, aligning business models with procurement, and clarifying regulatory pathways. Expanding DDI adoption internationally requires policy harmonization and cross-border partnerships.
