Osteoarthritis (OA) remains the leading cause of pain and physical disability among older adults, affecting 10–15% of individuals over the age of 60, with a higher prevalence observed in women. Despite the significant societal and economic burden of OA, there is a marked lack of disease-modifying therapies that can halt or slow the progression of the disease, preserve joint function, and provide meaningful symptom relief. Research efforts aiming at improving OA management are fragmented across Europe, with no centralized or coordinated effort to address the full scope of the disease. While various networks touch on OA, the issue remains peripheral in many of their agendas, and progress is hindered by a lack of focused collaboration and resource sharing. The EU-netwOArk initiative seeks to fill this critical gap by bringing together key stakeholders into a collaborative network, promoting knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial innovation, and active involvement of patients as experts in their own care. The initiative will not only facilitate sharing of cutting-edge scientific knowledge but will also empower patients by incorporating their lived experiences and expertise into the research process. By aligning diverse research goals and fostering entrepreneurial thinking, NetwOArk aims to address the critical challenges in OA management, offering new pathways to improving patient outcomes and driving forward the next generation of OA therapies. The development of collaborative networks in the field of OA has underscored the importance of sustained communication and mutual understanding among stakeholders. Previous efforts have highlighted the challenges of engaging patients meaningfully in the research process, particularly in areas that demand innovation and rapid progress. Effective integration of patient expertise into clinical and academic research has been identified as a key driver for more relevant and impactful outcomes. Moreover, the value of entrepreneurship in translating research findings into tangible solutions has been evident, demonstrating the need for close collaboration between academic institutions, industry partners, and healthcare providers. The EU-netwOArk initiative leverages these lessons to build a more cohesive and dynamic network, ensuring that all perspectives—scientific, clinical, and patient-driven—are central to advancing OA management and treatment. This specific lecture will give a quick view about the European Patient Council in Development in NetwOArk, the bumpy road, the same wish, the different perspectives, the current members, the structure of the council, and the purpose of the European Patient Council.
C. Baatenburg de Jong (Mon,) studied this question.