SHANGHAI (14 Nov. 2024) – Global strategy consultancy L.E.K. Consulting has won the Third Prize in the Public Health and ESG Innovation category at the China Healthcare Innovation Platform Awards. Initiated by Professor Jiangnan Cai and launched by experts from China’s healthcare industry, the CHIP Awards recognize innovative projects with profound social and economic impact, aim to uncover sector dynamism, unite industry forces, provide directional guidance, and navigate industry practitioners through business cycles.

L.E.K. received this honor for its white paper titled “Embracing Change: Development and Practices of Smart Operating Rooms in China,” produced jointly with Shanghai Digital Medicine Innovation Center at Ruijin Hospital and recommended by ESG Special Committee of the National Biotech Enterprise Platform (全国生物医药企业平台ESG专委会). The white paper explores the evolution of smart ORs, providing Chinese hospitals with invaluable insights on planning, constructing, operating and managing world-class smart ORs. It has significant implications in health philanthropy and ESG. By leveraging big data and AI tools, smart ORs can offer accessible and personalized care for patients, enhance treatment effectiveness and patient well-being, and effectively reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions through intelligent optimization of equipment and devices and environmental control. In addition, they can improve surgical safety, strengthen surgical quality control and improve hospital operational efficiency. Furthermore, the construction of high-level smart ORs also drives the formulation and implementation of industry standards, thereby enhancing overall governance.

The white paper discusses the evolution of smart ORs in China, defines their core functionalities from the perspective of hospitals and examines their penetration in domestic medical institutions. It also maps out the ecosystem, outlines the competitive landscape and highlights key factors for hospitals to consider in building smart OR systems. As technology and the industry advance, smart ORs will become crucial for the future development of smart hospitals.

“We are honored to receive this award alongside Ruijin Hospital, as it recognizes the profound insights and forward-thinking demonstrated by our teams," said Justin Wang, head of L.E.K.'s China practice. “The innovative practices and case studies highlighted in the whitepaper hold significant potential for advancing the development of smart ORs in China. They contribute to catalyzing further innovation and practical implementation in digital health, enhancing the clinical expertise and quality of care provided, and ultimately improving the experience for both patients and healthcare professionals.”

Award submissions across 10 separate categories were evaluated against four criteria: innovation, value, market and leadership. Submissions were received over a five-month period, with 156 projects passing through the preliminary review round. Only the top three submissions in each category were awarded.

About China Healthcare Innovation Platform
Initiated in 2014 by leaders in China's healthcare industry, the China Healthcare Innovation Platform focuses on locally based innovations in business models, management, systems and technologies. By connecting the real economy, academia, government and investment, CHIP aims to enhance the positive value and social recognition of innovations, improve the interests of stakeholders and society as a whole, and thereby achieve significant economic and social benefits. CHIP leads in value innovation within the healthcare industry and promotes the industry’s robust development in the context of the new healthcare reform.

About L.E.K. Consulting
We’re L.E.K. Consulting, a global strategy consultancy working with business leaders to seize competitive advantage and amplify growth. Our insights are catalysts that reshape the trajectory of our clients’ businesses, uncovering opportunities and empowering them to master their moments of truth. Since 1983, our worldwide practice — spanning the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe — has guided leaders across all industries, from global corporations to emerging entrepreneurial businesses and private equity investors. Looking for more? Visit www.lek.com.