The WIPO iLens Innovation Data Lab hosted its third workshop on innovation measurement, focusing on the impact of genome sequencing within the broader innovation landscape. Titled Measuring the Deep Science Wave: Genome Sequencing and Innovation Tracking, the event brought together leading experts in genomics, healthcare, and members of WIPO’s Department for Economics and Data Analytics and the Global Health Section. Discussions centered on refining methodologies for assessing technological progress and the economic implications of advancements in genome sequencing, particularly in healthcare.
Advances in DNA sequencing are at the heart of the Deep Science innovation wave, shaping the future of medical breakthroughs. With genetics and stem cell research playing a crucial role in healthcare, rapid and cost-effective genome sequencing enables new solutions for diagnosing complex diseases and combating emerging health threats like COVID-19. However, measuring the technological and economic impact of these advancements remains a challenge. The workshop focused on refining methodologies to track progress in genome sequencing, highlighting its accelerating cost reductions and transformative potential in global healthcare innovation.
The event was structured into two sessions, bringing together leading experts to discuss key aspects of genome sequencing measurement.
The first session, “Technological Progress of Genome Sequencing – How to Represent Current Capabilities and Future Innovation?”, featured a presentation by Kris Wetterstrand, Program Director at the U.S. NIH’s Division of Genome Sciences, Stacey Gabriel, Executive Vice President at the Broad Institute (U.S.), and Yin Ye, CEO of BGI Group (China). Discussions focused on existing methodologies for tracking the decreasing cost of genome sequencing, various measurement approaches, and future directions, including long-read sequencing and alternative metrics for scientific progress.
The second session, “Applications and Impact of Genome Sequencing – What Are Metrics to Track Outcomes and Impact?”, explored methodologies for assessing the economic and healthcare effects of advancing genome sequencing technologies. Panelists included Safonias Tessema, Lead of the Africa Pathogen Genomics Initiative at Africa CDC (Ethiopia), Wendy Chung, Chief of the Department of Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital (U.S.), and Murray Aitken, Executive Director at the Institute for Human Data Science, IQVIA (U.S.). Discussions centered on identifying key indicators to evaluate the benefits of more affordable and efficient genome sequencing, drawing insights from both health experts and economists.
The workshop concluded with a session on “Achieving Global Adoption and Embedding Sequencing in Health”, led by Swapna Uplekar, Principal Scientist in Pathogen Genomics and Sequencing at FIND (Switzerland). The closing remarks emphasized the importance of integrating genome sequencing into global healthcare systems and the steps needed for widespread adoption.
Building on insights from the workshop, WIPO iLens is now testing potential indicators to improve the measurement of technological progress and the real-world impact of genome sequencing.
This initiative is part of the broader Global Innovation Index, reinforcing WIPO’s commitment to developing reliable and inclusive frameworks for tracking scientific and economic advancements in healthcare innovation.