ABOUT IHSTS
By acting as a trusted, accountable, and evidence-informed partner, IHSTS helps ensure health innovations deliver measurable, lasting impact across care settings and communities.
Our Mission, Vision, and Values
Mission
IHSTS identifies system gaps and accelerates health system transformation by turning bold ideas into action. We do this through meaningful partnerships that bring innovative, evidence-informed, and equitable solutions to life.
Vision
IHSTS envisions a connected, province-wide innovation ecosystem where promising ideas move beyond pilots into practical, scalable, system-integrated solutions that strengthen care across BC.
Values
IHSTS is nimble and adaptive, builds on system strengths through appreciative inquiry, and accelerates innovation into measurable impact. We prioritize community-led collaboration, embed health equity, and use evaluation and feedback to drive continuous improvement.
Our Purpose
British Columbia’s health system is under growing pressure from chronic disease, aging populations, and fragmented community care pathways. These factors contribute to rising costs, uneven access, and gaps in patient support, particularly in prevention, self-management, and transitions between acute and community care. Effective innovation in BC requires a system-level approach that goes beyond pilot projects to deliver sustainable solutions that improve outcomes and strengthen community capacity.
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IHSTS exists to address these challenges by turning promising ideas into evidence-informed, system-embedded solutions that make measurable improvements in health and care across the province.
In BC’s Health system
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​IHSTS complements the work of British Columbia's health authorities, the Ministry of Health, and community partners by bridging the gap between pilot projects and system change, helping promising innovations move beyond time-limited trials and become integrated into everyday care.
By supporting the Province’s broader health innovation priorities, IHSTS emphasizes partnerships and evidence-based practice to improve system sustainability and care quality. Through close collaboration with health authorities, research institutions, non-profits, and community organizations, IHSTS ensures initiatives are aligned with local realities while contributing to shared provincial health goals.​​
Governance
IHSTS operates with a strong commitment to public-interest governance, accountability, and transparency. The organization is guided by experienced leadership and advisory structures that provide strategic oversight, ensure alignment with its mandate, and uphold responsible stewardship of resources.
Governance emphasizes evidence-informed decision-making, ethical partnerships, and clear accountability for outcomes, equity, and system value. Through regular reporting, evaluation, and alignment with provincial health priorities, IHSTS ensures its work remains credible, disciplined, and responsive to the needs of communities and the health system.
Mandate
IHSTS is committed to strengthening the health system of British Columbia and beyond by continuously supporting innovations that improve population health and community care, reduce system fragmentation and cost pressures, and enhance sustainability through evidence-based practice and strategic partnerships.
By acting as a trusted, accountable, and evidence-informed partner, IHSTS helps ensure health innovations deliver measurable, lasting impact across care settings and communities.