The first steps (WP2) have focused in the methodological aspects and processes gathering the main actions and processes conducted and defined by all inDemand roles -challengers, funders and supporters-, in the three partner regions (Murcia, Oulu and Paris) with a view to launch the first iteration of the inDemand model, by describing all the steps of the process, as well as the calendar and, finally, the regional variations. There is also a description of the deviations compared to the process described in the Description of Action (DoA). Also, the work has defined the overall goal for validation to ensure the effectiveness and impact of InDemand model and to produce high level scientific publications that answer why inDemand as a demand-driven innovation co-creation model is better than previous ones in answering the needs of every stakeholders.
Regarding the implementation of the inDemand model in the 3 regions, the first phase (WP3) focused on the need identification by the Challenger (Healthcare organisation). In order to achieve this objective, the challenger launches a call for challenges to identify the unmet need in the healthcare organisation and, through a process of evaluation and selection, 4 challenges will be selected in each region. The work undertaken envisages the methodology elaborated and followed to select the best challenges in the 3 regions involved in the Project, including the actions implemented to launch challenges calls in each of the regions and the evaluation process.
Once the Challenger (Healthcare organisation) has selected the challenges, the local Funder oversees the identification of the best Solvers to co-create a solution with healthcare professionals (WP4). For this selection, the Funder launches a public, competitive call. The Funders have received a financial contribution from the European Commission in the form of cascade funding to be transferred to the awarding Solvers for each Challenge in the two interactions. The calls are aligned with the requirements and internal procedures of those ones regularly launched at local level -e.g. eligibility criteria, % of funding, etc.- in order to assess the model under real-world conditions to maximize the chances of adoption after project end.
As third step, the co-creation and business support activities (WP5) start with the awarded companies. Both activities have been running in parallel.
Also, the first step for the inDemand Community have been given by organising an informative webinar and launching the call for regions. Through a detailed and well planned communication plan, partners have ensured a sound and impacting communication strategy, mainly based on the identification of key; use of the partners networks to disseminate the findings and outcomes on a regular basis; involvement of all stakeholders, from policy makers, to citizens as final users of the tools.
