On the determinants of Innovation in the European Rehabilitation (Assistive) Technology market

This paper addresses some critical aspects of the Rehabilitation (Assistive) Technology market in Europe which characterise innovation and determine its type and direction. It is argued that innovation in this field is restricted because of (i) the limited and inefficient interaction between the identified seven market elements; (ii) the structural characteristics and general economic environment of the European Rehabilitation Technology market; and (iii) the lack of a concise set of complementary and supportive actions towards the promotion of an environment favourable to industrial innovation and transfer of technologies towards the European Rehabilitation Technology market. The major conclusion from the investigation of the above factors is that innovation is not well served, while the limited innovative activity which is currently observed takes place mainly within institutions or dedicated research departments. Typically this limited amount of innovation originates outside the Rehabilitation Technology market and takes the form of "induced" innovation. The low propensity of RT producers to innovate may be explained by the fact that the present industry is composed by firms which are under financed, thus carrying out limited amount of research and development.