From pilotitis to progress: how do we finally deliver innovation at scale?

This non-promotional session has been organised and fully funded by Boehringer Ingelheim. Across the NHS many proven innovations remain stuck at the pilot stage, unable to reach the communities that they could benefit most. Even with clear evidence that these innovations improve access, outcomes and productivity, progress can stall because of short-term funding, fragmented decision-making and organisations under pressure to make savings. The result is a postcode lottery for patients seeking access to earlier diagnosis, prevention and treatment. This session explores what needs to change so innovations reach whole populations, not just select communities. Drawing on examples from the UK and internationally, speakers will share learnings on how the NHS can redesign pathways, align incentives and treat innovation as a long-term driver of system value rather than a short-term cost. With a clear focus on tackling health inequalities, this session offers a practical playbook for moving proven ideas out of pilot mode and into routine practice. NP-GB-107262 April 2026