Launch of the ADD4KIDS European Action Plan to Fast-Track Paediatric Innovation

The ADD4KIDS project officially presented the “European Action Plan for Paediatric Innovation”, a strategic framework aimed at bridging the gap between technological development and practical implementation in paediatric healthcare.

Developed by EIT Health in collaboration with ADD4KIDS partners, including i4KIDS, the Action Plan outlines structured, cross-border strategies to facilitate the adoption of innovative healthcare solutions for children across Europe.

Advancing Paediatric Healthcare Through Strategic Coordination

While significant progress has been made in health technology, the paediatric field continues to encounter structural challenges that hinder the adoption of innovation. These include market fragmentation, limited regulatory alignment, and a lack of demand-driven investment approaches.

The Action Plan proposes solutions by promoting the use of targeted financing instruments such as:

• Pre-Commercial Procurement (PCP)
• Public Procurement of Innovation (PPI)
• Value-Based Procurement (VBP)
• Social Impact Bonds (SIBs)

These tools are designed to reduce market barriers, align incentives among stakeholders, and support the sustainable integration of innovation into clinical practice.

This “European Action Plan for Paediatric Innovation” aims to mobilise all actors involved in healthcare innovation to take an active role in transforming the paediatric landscape in Europe.

From healthcare professionals and public institutions to startups, investors, and industry representatives—this is an open invitation to:

• Engage in cross-border initiatives

• Implement innovative funding mechanisms

• Accelerate the delivery of effective paediatric solutions to children in need

i4KIDS’ Contribution to the Action Plan

As a member of the ADD4KIDS consortium, i4KIDS, coordinated by SJD Barcelona Children’s Hospital, has contributed its expertise in innovation ecosystems, clinical validation, and translational strategy to the development of the Action Plan.

i4KIDS continues to support the implementation of demand-driven models that enhance collaboration between healthcare providers, technology developers, and policymakers to improve access to paediatric innovations.

Engaging Stakeholders Across the Ecosystem

The publication of the Action Plan marks an important step toward fostering a more coordinated and efficient paediatric innovation landscape. It serves as a reference for organisations involved in research, development, and procurement of paediatric health solutions.

📄 Access the full European Action Plan here

Organisations working on related initiatives or interested in contributing to the Action Plan’s objectives are encouraged to explore potential synergies with ADD4KIDS partners: Institut de Recerca Sant Joan de Déu – Fundació Sant Joan de Déu (FSJD-CERCA) , Barcelona Children’s Hospital Sant Joan de Déu HSJD, EIT Health (Institute of Innovation and Technology), Inveniam Group, SCIENSANO, The Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Agència de Qualitat i Avaluació Sanitàries de Catalunya (AQuAS) and The European Children’s Hospitals Organisation (ECHO).