User-producer interactions in emerging pharmaceutical and food innovations

In order to study user-producer interaction (UPI) in emerging pharmaceutical and food innovation processes, a classification of user involvement has been developed, including a contextualised view on UPIs. Case studies are performed on two types of UPI: demand articulation in intermediary organisations and interactive learning in consortia, in the pharmaceutical and food sector, respectively. Regarding demand articulation processes, articulation of problems, needs, demands and expectations through agenda-setting practices is important. Expression and evaluation of demands with other factors leads to moblization of creative potential of prospective users and facilitation of emerging innovation processes. Regarding interactive learning, geographical, organisational, regulatory and cognitive proximity conditions could facilitate structures for emerging technology development, and codes and networks for frequent interaction between complementary stakeholders. Demands, concerns and opportunities are articulated by shared visions. Organised UPIs via intermediary user organisations or consortia seem to be the important tools for demand articulation and interactive learning involving patient organisations, researchers and private and public organisations. © 2008 Imperial College Press.