As health care reform gains momentum, the role of innovation described by Dr. Berwick in this landmark Health Affairs article on the “Triple Aim” is as important as ever. Yet, many health system executives struggle with reconciling innovation with the downsides of abandoning existing business models and disrupting long-standing culture and workflows.

Advocates for innovation also note that responsibility for fostering innovation also includes health care organizations’ boards of directors. Yet, boards are grappling their own governance challenges and, since many directors may not have experience in the health care sector, they may also be unfamiliar with the underlying market drivers and specialized technologies that often underlie innovation.