Technology transfer of hearing aids to low and middle income countries: policy and market factors.
OBJECTIVE
The competitive market advantages of industry and the balancing force of international governmental organizations (IGOs) are examined to identify market and policy in support of sustainable technology transfer of hearing aids to low and middle income countries. A second purpose is to examine the usefulness of findings for other assistive technologies (AT).


METHODS
Searches of electronic databases, IGO documents, industry reports and journals were supplemented by informal discussions with industry and IGO staff and audiologists. The value chain is used to examine the competitive advantage of industry and the balancing tools of certain IGOs.


RESULTS
Both industry and IGOs engage in intellectual property (IP) and competition activities and are active in each segment of the hearing aid value chain. Their market and policy objectives and strategies are different.


CONCLUSIONS
IGOs serve as balancing forces for the competitive advantages of industry. The hearing aid market configuration and hearing aid fitting process are not representative of other AT products but IP, trade and competition policy tools used by IGOs and governments are relevant to other AT. The value chain is a useful tool to identify the location of price mark-ups and the influence of actors.


CONCLUSIONS
Market factors and reimbursement and subsidization policies drive hearing aid innovation. UN-related international government organization activities are responsive to the needs of disability populations who cannot afford assistive technology. Policy tools used by international governmental organizations are applicable across assistive technology. A partnership model is important to distribution of hearing aids to low and middle income countries.
Department of Rehabilitation Science and Technology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Science, University of Pittsburgh , Pittsburgh, PA , USA and.
Katherine D
KD
Seelman
Roye
R
Werner
D003132:Commerce / Q000191:economics*; D003906:Developing Countries / Q000191:economics*; D005380:Financing, Government / Q000191:economics; D006285:Health Planning / Q000191:economics; D006310:Hearing Aids / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007390:International Agencies / Q000191:economics; D011640:Public Policy / Q000191:economics*; D018581:Technology Transfer
Assistive technology; hearing aid; industry; intellectual property; international governmental organizations; low and middle income countries; pricing; value chain