Postdoctoral Fellow in ELSI of Genetics and Genomics University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Abstract: In recent years, innovations in precision medicine have attracted significant public research funding. To frame these efforts and accelerate progress, proponents have increasingly turned to the concept of the "innovation ecosystem," a paradigm originating in business literature that emphasizes collaborative relationships among stakeholders in research and development. While this metaphor has been critiqued for its analytical shortcomings—especially its questionable analogy to natural ecosystems—this presentation argues that the "innovation ecosystem" framework is also ethically problematic. Specifically, it masks important ethical challenges in precision medicine by implying predominant harmony, self-regulation, and inclusivity. These assumptions obscure critical issues, such as the persistent tensions between public and private values and the complex histories of conflict and protest surrounding biomedical innovation. More troublingly, the metaphor risks marginalizing public input, especially from historically underrepresented communities, in decision-making processes. The presentation calls for greater reflexivity and clarity in the use of the "innovation ecosystem" framework, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the stakes involved in precision medicine and a more deliberate, inclusive approach to involving marginalized voices in shaping its future.
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