1 Early innovation

In the past decade there has been a serious drive to innovate, such as through the use of digital technology in the health and social care sector to improve the health and wellbeing for many people. For example, within social care this has meant implementing digital inclusion officers to work alongside health professionals to ensure people who reside in rural areas can access services. In the health sector, innovation is exemplified by prosthetics designed to replace amputated or missing limbs. The Paralympic Games is not just a major sporting event, it’s also a showcase for sophisticated innovation in this area. Since 1976, athletes at the Games have competed to set record-breaking achievements in terms of agility and speed. Yet innovation isn’t new – humans have for a long time sought ways to improve their health and wellbeing.