Innovation and Health : Theory, Methodology and Applications

Innovation and Health investigates both the origin and the diffusion of novelty in the field of health. It also provides a critical discussion of the methodology and theory of health economics. Neoclassical and evolutionary elements are combined to produce a comprehensive view of the commodity of 'health' beyond a pure 'market' perspective. Thus, the intangible dimension of health is taken into account. The methodological framework developed serves as a basis for several theoretical and empirical applications such as the creation of medical knowledge, the evolution of networks and the process of invention, innovation and diffusion in the health care sector. This timely resource will appeal to researchers and students working in health, innovation and evolutionary economics, as well as economic methodology. It will also appeal to health policy makers with an interest in market competition and social well-being.