Wouter Boon is Professor of Innovation and Transition Studies. His research focuses on the dynamics and governance of emerging technologies and their contribution to societal transitions, such as more sustainable healthcare and mobility. He looks at the demand-side of innovation systems, specifically at responsible scaling, the role of users in innovation, and demand-side innovation policy. Innovation areas addressed include: pharmaceutical innovation, orphan drugs and rare diseases, 3D printing, regenerative medicine, smart mobility, medical technology, digital health, carsharing. 

The theoretical focus of his work is on transition studies, user innovations, user-producer interactions, user and patient involvement, market formation, and stakeholder engagement in emerging technology fields.

In this context he conducted research projects on patient participation in innovation processes (e.g. knowledge creation and innovation for rare diseases), socio-technical embedding of emerging health technologies (e.g. on the future of genetic testing, regenerative medicine, novel imaging techniques, new malaria treatment regimes), technology transfer practices in academic hospitals, regulation of pharmaceutical and medical device products (e.g. reimbursement and pharmacovigilance), and public-private partnerships in R&D programmes aimed at the grand challenges.

He coordinates the bachelor program Science & Innovation management and teaches, amongst others, courses about management of life sciences innovations and sustainable drug development.

Wouter is also project leader on stakeholder engagement in the Utrecht University Open Science program. He is a board member of the Sustainability Transitions Research Network STRN.