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SearchFeaturing insights from Thad Meese, MBA, Director, Innovations Development
As a Director of Innovations Development at Cleveland Clinic Innovations, Thad Meese, MBA, operates with a global mindset. This year, Cleveland Clinic supported a unique collaboration with the International Hospital Federation (IHF) and its prestigious World Hospital Congress, hosted in Geneva, Switzerland. Thad was asked to apply his experience in innovative digital health product development and commercialization to review innovation proposals from healthcare organizations around the world.
The experience, Thad says, provided both affirmation and inspiration. “When you're in a meeting with healthcare and innovations professionals from different parts of the world, there's a shared humanity and purpose that transcends borders,” he reflected. “It’s reassuring to see that we’re all trying, in our own ways, to deliver the best care we can.”
Identifying Innovation That Translates Across Borders
Thad’s role with the IHF involved reviewing a broad portfolio of healthcare innovation proposals submitted by international institutions. Many of the proposals, he noted, echoed challenges similar to what Cleveland Clinic is actively addressing.
“One of the most striking observations,” he explained, “was how consistent the problems are, whether you're in the U.S., Europe, Southeast Asia, or some other location across the globe. Health systems are increasingly focused on improving patient throughput, reducing operational burdens, and leveraging data to make smarter decisions.”
From predictive analytics targeting improved clinical decision-making to platforms designed to optimize supply chains, the patterns were clear: the desire to innovate is universal.
Behavioral Health: A Global Priority
Among the many proposals he reviewed, one stood out in particular: an initiative focused on behavioral health services rooted in neighborhood-level data and community engagement.
“The proposed project emphasized reaching underserved populations by first understanding them deeply,” Thad explained. “It showcased how social determinants of health can be used to drive more targeted and equitable healthcare. It reminded me that collectively, we have an incredible opportunity to apply technology to community and behavioral health services in ways that not only diagnose and treat but also help organizations understand demand that can drive appropriate planning and healthcare resource allocation.”
How Cleveland Clinic Is Positioned to Lead
“We’re lucky,” Thad Meese said. “Our global footprint introduces us to a wide spectrum of challenges that demand solutions. That exposure is special, allowing us to identify opportunities that are impactful and measurable.”
With a growing global presence, Cleveland Clinic is uniquely positioned to contribute to international healthcare innovation.
He added, “As a member of the IHF and global healthcare community, I am reassured that we can learn from each other and solve challenging and complex problems. Innovation is an essential characteristic of IHF members, including Cleveland Clinic. I am proud to be on the leading edge. It is a testament to the commitment Cleveland Clinic makes through early development activity, through later stage venture funding, to advance technologies and ensure maximum opportunity to democratize the related benefits.”
Looking Ahead: Access and Equity Will Define the Future
When asked what innovations will define the next five to ten years, Thad didn’t hesitate.
“Access to care is the key,” he said. “In this digital age, it’s not just about treating disease, but about reaching all patients, especially those who face the greatest challenges.” One of the proposals focused on reaching patients in locations separated by great distances more quickly and easily with virtual care delivery platforms.
Cleveland Clinic has made strategic investments in remote patient monitoring, digital front doors, and other emerging tech-enabled care delivery platforms to extend care far outside and beyond the hospital’s physical walls.
Lessons for Innovators: Think Globally, Act Intentionally
For healthcare innovation leaders, Thad offered this advice: “If you’re already thinking globally, keep doing it. If not, ask yourself: How could this innovation scale across populations? Don’t just solve for Cleveland, solve for the world.”
That global mindset, he said, ultimately leads to better, more inclusive solutions.
“When we broaden our perspective, we create innovations that don’t just work in one system; they work everywhere. And that’s how we make the biggest impact.”
Click here to learn more about Cleveland Clinic’s global innovation initiatives and how our portfolio is shaping the future of healthcare.
