Global governance of commercial actors in data-intensive health innovation: Introduction to the special issue

This special issue introduction explores the global governance of commercial actors in data-intensive health innovation. While commercial entities are foundational to data-intensive health innovation processes and products, their dominance raises critical concerns regarding the distribution of benefits, the accrual of value, and the control of digital infrastructures. The authors define “commercial actors” broadly to include technology companies, venture capital firms, and health organizations engaging in market-driven innovation. Through an analysis of contributions spanning North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia, the introduction explores three key themes: the tension between private and public value, the path-dependent nature of commercialized digital infrastructures, and the necessity for global coordination across fragmented governance layers. After summarizing the contributions to the special issue, the article calls for a multifaceted, ecosystem-based approach to align commercial practices with public safety, ethics, and universal health values.