“The best way to predict the future is to innovate it.”

In the dynamic world of digital transformation and innovation, true leaders stand out for their ability to envision the future and bring that vision to life. Professor Martin Curley, an esteemed Professor of Innovation and Director of the Digital Health Ecosystem at the Innovation Value Institute (IVI) at Maynooth University, is one such leader. His pioneering work in healthcare innovation is driving a revolution through digital technology.

With an engineering background and experience at global companies like Intel and Mastercard, Professor Curley’s knowledge is vast and deep. However, his greatest strength lies in his dedication to using digital technology for societal betterment. As the architect of the “Stay Left, Shift Left – 10X” strategy, Curley advocates for keeping healthy individuals well, enabling chronic disease patients to receive care at home, and swiftly transitioning acute care patients back to their homes. His philosophy, rooted in the belief that digital technology can deliver a 10X improvement in healthcare (better, faster, and cheaper), is redefining the future of healthcare delivery.

Professor Curley’s influence extends far beyond the healthcare sector. Recognized as a Top 10 Global Health Leader and Top 10 Inspiring Educator, he continues to mentor and inspire future leaders across industries, shaping the digital transformation landscape with his visionary leadership.

A Remarkable Career Journey

Martin Curley’s career trajectory is a testament to innovation, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. After earning his degree in Electronic Engineering from University College Dublin, he began his career at Philips in the Netherlands, where he developed advanced manufacturing systems. He later moved to General Electric Superabrasives, where he created a groundbreaking digital twin of the Irish factory, long before such concepts became widely recognized.

His career took a pivotal turn when he joined Intel in Phoenix, Arizona, where he played a crucial role in advancing Computer Integrated Manufacturing systems. Over a 25-year tenure at Intel, Curley held key roles, including Global Director of IT Innovation and Director of Intel Labs Europe. His deep expertise in advanced digital manufacturing systems later became invaluable as he transitioned into healthcare innovation.

In 2012, after working with the UK’s NHS, Curley proposed the creation of a “Moore’s Law for Healthcare,” envisioning collaboration among industry, academia, and government to use digital technology to drive consistent healthcare improvements. Around the same time, he co-founded the Innovation Value Institute at Maynooth University, where he also serves as a Professor of Innovation. His thought leadership is reflected in his eight co-authored books on innovation, digital transformation, and entrepreneurship.

Curley’s contributions extend to his advisory roles with the European Commission, where he chaired the Open Innovation Strategy and Policy Group (OISPG). Alongside Bror Salmelin, he co-authored the seminal book on Open Innovation 2.0 (OI2), helping to shape the global innovation landscape.

His work in healthcare, particularly during his tenure as Director of Digital Transformation at Ireland’s Health Service Executive (HSE), solidified his belief in the 10X potential of digital technologies in healthcare. Through living labs and digital innovations, such as remote monitoring and vital sign automation, Curley’s vision—now known as “Curley’s Law”—has delivered transformative results, including dramatic reductions in hospital admissions and improved patient outcomes.

The Innovation Value Institute: Advancing Healthcare Transformation

Under Professor Curley’s leadership, the Innovation Value Institute (IVI) continues to be a global leader in fostering innovation in healthcare. Their Directed Open Collaborative Ecosystem thrives on the principles of trust, talent, technology, and a human-centered approach. With the goal of achieving 10X improvements in healthcare outcomes and patient experiences, IVI’s contributions are reshaping the sector.

A key initiative is IVI’s development of a Digital Health and Wellness Capability Maturity Framework, designed to help governments and health systems systematically enhance healthcare services. Drawing on the success of the IT Capability Maturity Framework (IT-CMF), which has supported over 700 organizations globally, IVI aims to establish a global standard for healthcare improvement through digital technology.

In addition to their framework, IVI leads several living lab projects, implementing and testing digital solutions in real-world clinical settings. From improving life expectancy for patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension at Dublin’s Mater Hospital to reducing hospital stays through a Hospital at Home initiative, these projects are aligned with IVI’s transformative vision of “Stay Left, Shift Left – 10X.”

A Vision for the Future: A Digital Health Decade

Looking ahead, Professor Curley envisions a decade of global collaboration to accelerate digital health innovation. As a catalyst for this transformation, the Innovation Value Institute aims to spearhead initiatives that improve global healthcare outcomes, save lives, and enhance well-being across the world. Curley’s unwavering commitment to advancing healthcare through digital innovation ensures that this vision will continue to inspire and drive positive change globally.

Advice for Future Leaders

Professor Curley offers essential guidance for aspiring leaders:

1. Create a Shared Vision: Develop or align with a compelling vision that inspires and unites teams to work toward common goals.
2. Hard Work and Resilience: Success requires dedication and the ability to persevere, even when faced with challenges.
3. Find Joy in Achievement: Celebrate the journey and find fulfillment in your accomplishments, ensuring that the path to success remains enjoyable.
4. Contribute to Positive Change: Inspired by Robert Kennedy, Curley emphasizes the importance of making a positive impact, shaping a legacy of meaningful leadership.