The project’s activities are classified within 4 Work Packages (WPs) to systematise and monitor the achievement of the project’s objectives:
• WP1 covered the project's coordination and monitoring of activities.
• WP2 addressed all the activities related to dissemination, communication and the further expansion of the initiative.
• WP3 focused on building dialogue mechanisms between key actors to learn about the opportunities for collaboration around the innovation ecosystems created around the DIHs
• WP4 addressed the process of developing a Joint Action Plan (JAP) to act as a long-term mechanism to define and implement initiatives that can facilitate collaboration between ecosystems.
The work performed during the first phase of the project consisted in a close dialogue and research phase to, on the one hand, deepen the knowledge regarding the opportunities and synergies that exist between health-related activities and digitalisation as a lever to move towards the P4 medicine paradigm, and, on the other hand, to know which are the mechanisms and key aspects that define a successful collaboration between DIHs specialised in health. The work performed was articulated around 3 Task Forces (TFs) with specific thematic focuses that are key to promoting an effective collaboration between DIHs-led innovation ecosystems; and 4 Study Visits to each beneficiary’s region (Lyon/Grenoble, Ljubljana, Cluj-Napoca and Madrid) with the aim to deepen the understanding of the level of digitisation of healthcare systems in each region by gaining first-hand knowledge of specific experiences, activities, needs and success cases of key stakeholders in the field of P4 Medicine of each innovation ecosystem of DIHsP4_Medicine. Altogether, this led to a comprehensive understanding of the main needs that startups, SMEs and other entities have in the development of their activities and innovation in eHealth and of the DIH’s capabilities and domains of expertise that can be useful to help these entities to cover their technological and structural needs. This first phase of the project culminated in an Interregional Seminar which allowed the interaction among partners and international experts.
The work performed during the first phase was drawn up in 3 main reports: Findings about TFs, Findings about SVs and Collaboration Plan.
The second phase of the project was shaped by the first-hand knowledge and valuable insights into the challenges and needs of stakeholders—especially SMEs and start-ups—in different European regions gathered during the first phase. The identification of certain technology gaps and areas where additional support and resources are needed to foster innovation and growth in digital P4 medicine-based healthcare and collaboration between innovation ecosystems formed the basis for the elaboration of the JAP. Thus, based on the EU health priorities and a common set of priorities, challenges and needs of health sector stakeholders identified during the dialogue phase, the JAP includes key strategic lines of work and flagship initiatives that represent specific actions to be implemented with the aim of improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes by promoting digital health and the shift towards a P4 Medicine. To complement the JAP, a Sustainability Plan has also been developed to ensure the long-term sustainability and financial viability of the JAP in order to implement the planned activities and promote sustainable cooperation of the interlinked innovation ecosystems within a five-year perspective. The JAP was reviewed and validated by key stakeholders from the quadruple helix, including public authorities and decision makers. The validated JAP provides a guide for stakeholders involved in the design, management and financing of regional innovation ecosystems to foster collaborative activities in key healthcare areas towards a harmonised EU digital health landscape.
