Reconceptualizing Innovation and Creativity in Healthcare: Towards Saudi Vision 2030

By Abdullah Alhawas

CEO Deputy of Development & Organizational Excellence

 Introduction:  Questioning the Topic

When thinking about the topic of innovation and creativity in healthcare in Saudi Arabia, the starting point is me, myself, I.  I emphasize this threefold focus because, as an individual, I cannot honestly search myself to conceptualize my level of commitment without starting with a personal focus, before I write further for another person to read. 

Yes, we discuss the commitment to innovation and creativity in our healthcare system; yes, we can agree it’s part of Vision 2030; but seriously what does it mean?  When does it translate into action?  How do the individual, group, or organizational interface to entrench the contribution of our society as a nation?  Do we have a sense of urgency in approaching the seven years left to the year 2030?  What am I creating for the future generation, for my sons and my future grandchildren?  Am I satisfied with my input to date?  What more can I do for my community, my organization, my country, and for Islam?  Have I honored the sacrifices of the generations of the past?  It is said that the person who wins global awards or international prizes does so as a result of asking the right questions, and going in search of the answers.  My answers in response would probably be a lifetime of reflection and response. I cannot claim that I can answer these questions, however, reconceptualizing the concepts of innovation and creativity is a starting point, or perhaps a point for recalibrating ahead of the seven years to 2030. 

Consideration of Advancements in Healthcare

The evidence and current developments indicate increased investment in health research, digital transformations, health infrastructure and facilities, health workforce resource training, and collaboration with global healthcare innovators. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has invested in restructuring the health sector through investment in research to promote innovation and creativity. Our Saudi government prioritizes healthcare innovation by allocating a significant proportion of the budget to research and development. Increased demand for healthcare during the pandemic accelerated innovation to sustain quality healthcare through technology.  The Saudi government allocated a significant amount of its budget to healthcare and social development. Research and development and innovation focuses on preventive and integrated care to address the current challenges in access to quality health services. Our Saudi government plans to invest more to expand healthcare infrastructure in line with Vision 2030 and beyond … (self-explanatory). Moreover, the government plans to increase the privatization of hospitals and primary health centers to promote innovation and creativity.

Additionally, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia collaborates with global healthcare innovators to bring advanced health technologies and expertise to the country. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund attracts biotech and pharmaceutical firms in the country to increase medical supplies and plans to increase the participation of the private sector in the healthcare system to promote innovation and creativity.  The benefits of innovation in healthcare in Saudi Arabia include improved quality, the cost dimension, flexibility, and faster delivery, but how are you and I implicated in this focus?

The health sector transformation program in the country focuses on restructuring the health system to provide integrated health services.  Health leaders in Saudi Arabia influence others to ensure they understand and support healthcare innovation and creativity, for instance, the emphasis on ensuring we have electronic health records in the age of digital transformation. We observe that the health leadership in the Kingdom focuses on the interface between innovation and healthcare with regulatory reforms in the country aiming to facilitate the adoption of innovative solutions in the digital era. The legislative frameworks are being established as a roadmap to promote healthcare and innovation and ongoing monitoring, adjustments that will improve the healthcare system. Most universities with faculties teaching health sciences are evolving in the undergraduate curricula to prepare the future health workforce for an exclusive digital era. This is a tangible contribution to the future as health leaders support investment in the Saudi workforce to drive innovation and creativity.

Promoting an Organizational Culture for Innovation and Creativity

In summary, what are the steps in promoting an organizational culture that encourages innovation and creativity in the health sector.  There are five primary items that come to mind, namely:

(i)                  Leadership commitment that drives and coordinates efforts towards Vision 2030

a.       Organizational Networking Excellence (Create sense of urgency culture, cross-functional engagement, knowledge sharing, innovation champions)

b.      Health Ecosystem Networking Excellence (Partnerships, clients/customer engagement, Industry Engagement)

c.       National Networking Excellence (Shared strategic impact)

d.      Global Networking G20 Excellence (Benchmark best-practices, Participate in Conferences)

(ii)                A supportive environment where all transformation initiatives, minor or major, are valued.

(iii)              Ongoing training and development so that opportunities are consistently provided

(iv)              Rewarding innovative and creative ideas, either in part or whole

(v)                Evaluating the effectiveness of innovation and creativity to entrench it as an organizational culture and excellence that embraces Vision 2030.

Concluding Questions to further Stimulate the Innovation and Creativity Journey

Do I have the reliance and stamina to go all the way?  Who will be coming with me on the journey of innovation and creativity?  Am I readily benchmarking my efforts and actions within the G20 nations so that I deliver in alignment to local and global efforts?  Am I strong enough to ignore negative voices, and turn them around to become positive?  How do efforts contribute to the three pillars of Saudi Vision 2030, namely (i) a vibrant society, (ii) a thriving economy, and (iii) an ambitious nation? 

I conclude by knowing that as long as I have unanswered questions, then there is commitment to continue this journey … and continue I must!  What about you?