Inventing our future Collective action for a sustainable economy

8.10 Improving knowledge with regard to the Region’s health also needs to have internal dimensions.
Currently research into public health occurs in pockets across the Region: some is sponsored by
the DH and occurs within NHS structures whilst other research takes place within universities and
research institutes. More could be done to improve dialogue across these different domains and to
ensure that the research needs of the Region – including those identified within Healthy Futures
– are better aligned with the research activity that is taking place.
8.11 Finally, it is important to acknowledge the extent of health-related R&D that is taking place within
the Region’s research institutes, universities and some of its businesses. Much of this research is world
class and its impacts – in terms of pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare systems – will be
seen worldwide. Although links to the health of people in the Region are indirect, population health
(in the East of England and elsewhere) ought to be improved as a result of these specialisms and
Healthy Futures needs to acknowledge and encourage them. Continuing support ought therefore
to be given to Health Enterprise East and the various existing/planned Enterprise Hubs with links to
health-related research.
8.12 A number of Actions which are linked to harnessing the Region’s international position to encourage
learning, knowledge development and R&D for health are set out in the table below.
Timescale Suggested lead partner(s) Outcomes
Medium-term (3-5 years)
Short-term (0-2 years)
Medium-term (3-5 years)
Medium-term (3-5 years)
ERPHO, EEPHG
EEPHG, Observatories Social
Exclusion Partnership
Academic Public Health Forum
EEDA
Different agencies have a common
view about how the Region’s health
compares with elsewhere in order to
inform strategies for public health
Improved participation in EU
programmes that contribute
to public health practice and/or
R&D strengths
Research in public health is better
aligned to the priorities identified
within Healthy Futures
Regional R&D strengths are used
fully, maximising their economic
contribution and impact on health
services and systems, and ultimately
on public health
A Regional Health Strategy for the East of England 107