The third era of Tissue Engineering: reversing the innovation drivers.

Ever since the introduction of the concept of Tissue Engineering, the field has developed and matured from a hype to a proper scientific discipline. Recently, the field is witnessing a reversal of the innovation drivers as it has started to move from a technology-driven science-focused field towards a patient-driven manufacturing-focused one. This evolution is made possible through innovations at the interface between biology and technology, including robust biological building blocks, precise biomanufacturing technologies, in-depth characterization methods and in silico models. Combining this with novel insights in TE-related regulatory sciences and business strategies, the field is ready to meet the grand challenge of designing, developing and delivering living implants with the accuracy and robustness expected from inanimate implants, leading to sustainable, predictable and vastly superior biological and clinical results.