Periodic Reporting for period 2 - DiHECO (Digital Healthcare ECOosystem research and innovation capability building)
Période du rapport: 2022-03-01 au 2023-11-30
There is an urgent need to advance research and innovations on the application of multi-sided platforms (MSP) in digital health care to utilize digital technologies for the sake of value-based Healthcare. Value-based healthcare is of significant importance to society due to better social, clinical and economic outcomes. Digital technologies can create added value in healthcare, e.g. enhancing patient experience, saving transfer costs, and supporting clinical decision-making. However, relevant knowledge and competence are needed. The overall objective of the DiHECO project is to build the capacities of Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) to conduct high-quality research in the field of digital healthcare management and, in particular digital healthcare multi-sided platforms.
DiHECO meets KTU’s needs through five specific objectives:
Objective 1. Implement experience-based learning through carrying out high-quality small-scale research and innovation initiatives in the field of multi-sided platforms of digital healthcare services;
Objective 2. Apply for grants to fund respective digital healthcare management research and collaborative projects involving KTU;
Objective 3. Develop the capacities for research and innovation management and administration at KTU;
Objective 4. Transfer KTU’s research outputs to digital healthcare ecosystem stakeholders;
Objective 5. Build capacities for offering better career prospects to early-stage researchers and step up in gender equality.
DiHECO meets KTU’s needs through five specific objectives:
Objective 1. Implement experience-based learning through carrying out high-quality small-scale research and innovation initiatives in the field of multi-sided platforms of digital healthcare services;
Objective 2. Apply for grants to fund respective digital healthcare management research and collaborative projects involving KTU;
Objective 3. Develop the capacities for research and innovation management and administration at KTU;
Objective 4. Transfer KTU’s research outputs to digital healthcare ecosystem stakeholders;
Objective 5. Build capacities for offering better career prospects to early-stage researchers and step up in gender equality.
During the 2nd reporting period, the DiHeco consortium achieved significant results across various facets of the project:
1. Staff Exchanges and Collaborative Research:
• Successful staff exchanges were conducted at Tampere University, Montpellier University, Lund University, and Kaunas Technology University, fostering academic collaborations and knowledge exchange.
• These exchanges contributed to the development of three small-scale research projects focusing on multi-sided value creation, governance models in healthcare data, and innovative business models in digital healthcare.
2. Research Output and Academic Contributions:
• The consortium developed and prepared eight research papers, addressing topics like remote care value creation, data governance, and digital healthcare platform performance. These papers have been accepted in conference proceedings and submitted to high-impact journals, showcasing the research quality and scope.
3. Grant Applications and Research Funding:
• Several grant applications were submitted, including proposals for sustainable healthcare ecosystems, mental well-being of health workers, adaptive interventions for mental health, and research into wearables. These efforts solidify KTU's position as a leader in digital healthcare research and innovation.
4. Research and Innovation Management:
• A research and innovation management specialist was recruited at KTU, whose proactive approach in identifying and leveraging funding opportunities has significantly advanced the university's research, education, and innovation initiatives.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Ecosystem Linkages:
• KTU strengthened its links with stakeholders in the digital healthcare ecosystem through various events, such as the "Horizon Europe: Connect, Collaborate & Fund" brokerage event and societal outreach sessions. These activities facilitated knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborations, enhancing the project's practical impact.
• Company visits during staff exchanges provided platforms for collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors, further enriching the project's scope.
6. Professional Development of Early-Stage Researchers:
• KTU improved conditions for hiring early-stage researchers, offering them enriching career opportunities. A series of courses and trainings were provided, covering topics like academic career promotion, digital health, research skills, and personal branding. This initiative significantly enhanced the professional development of KTU's early-stage researchers.
7. Dissemination and Exploitation of Project Results:
• The project results were disseminated through events, societal outreach, participation in scientific conferences, and social media channels. These efforts ensured broad reach and impact, with key activities facilitating direct interaction with audiences and stakeholders. The project's findings were also shared through publications in reputable journals, enhancing their accessibility and academic impact.
In summary, these comprehensive efforts demonstrate the successful execution of the project's objectives, contributing significantly to the advancement of digital healthcare research and innovation, and bolstering KTU's international standing in this critical field.
1. Staff Exchanges and Collaborative Research:
• Successful staff exchanges were conducted at Tampere University, Montpellier University, Lund University, and Kaunas Technology University, fostering academic collaborations and knowledge exchange.
• These exchanges contributed to the development of three small-scale research projects focusing on multi-sided value creation, governance models in healthcare data, and innovative business models in digital healthcare.
2. Research Output and Academic Contributions:
• The consortium developed and prepared eight research papers, addressing topics like remote care value creation, data governance, and digital healthcare platform performance. These papers have been accepted in conference proceedings and submitted to high-impact journals, showcasing the research quality and scope.
3. Grant Applications and Research Funding:
• Several grant applications were submitted, including proposals for sustainable healthcare ecosystems, mental well-being of health workers, adaptive interventions for mental health, and research into wearables. These efforts solidify KTU's position as a leader in digital healthcare research and innovation.
4. Research and Innovation Management:
• A research and innovation management specialist was recruited at KTU, whose proactive approach in identifying and leveraging funding opportunities has significantly advanced the university's research, education, and innovation initiatives.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Ecosystem Linkages:
• KTU strengthened its links with stakeholders in the digital healthcare ecosystem through various events, such as the "Horizon Europe: Connect, Collaborate & Fund" brokerage event and societal outreach sessions. These activities facilitated knowledge sharing, networking, and collaborations, enhancing the project's practical impact.
• Company visits during staff exchanges provided platforms for collaboration between the academic and industrial sectors, further enriching the project's scope.
6. Professional Development of Early-Stage Researchers:
• KTU improved conditions for hiring early-stage researchers, offering them enriching career opportunities. A series of courses and trainings were provided, covering topics like academic career promotion, digital health, research skills, and personal branding. This initiative significantly enhanced the professional development of KTU's early-stage researchers.
7. Dissemination and Exploitation of Project Results:
• The project results were disseminated through events, societal outreach, participation in scientific conferences, and social media channels. These efforts ensured broad reach and impact, with key activities facilitating direct interaction with audiences and stakeholders. The project's findings were also shared through publications in reputable journals, enhancing their accessibility and academic impact.
In summary, these comprehensive efforts demonstrate the successful execution of the project's objectives, contributing significantly to the advancement of digital healthcare research and innovation, and bolstering KTU's international standing in this critical field.
The DiHeco project, implemented at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU), has yielded substantial impacts, particularly in the realms of research excellence, academic growth, and international networking within the field of digital healthcare management and innovations. This summary encapsulates the multifaceted outcomes of the project, showcasing its influence on various facets of the academic environment at KTU.
The first notable impact lies in the heightened research skills and excellence at KTU. Through active participation in international research networks, collaborative ventures with partner institutions, and engagement in training activities and internships, over 15 early-stage researchers at KTU have significantly enhanced their capabilities and expanded their career prospects. Noteworthy recognition has been accorded to two young researchers in 2022 and 2023, exemplifying the project's role in nurturing doctoral students' academic growth.
The DiHeco consortium's contribution to the research profile of KTU's School of Economics and Business is highlighted, particularly in the domain of digital healthcare. This elevation is expected to contribute to the AACSB accreditation of the school. Joint paper-writing efforts within the consortium have resulted in open-access publications in high-impact journals, underscoring KTU's commitment to research quality and academic prestige.
Internationally, KTU has witnessed increased visibility and networking opportunities. Strategic interactions with policymakers, collaboration with leading international research groups, and active participation in COST action proposals have strengthened KTU's position on the global stage. Engagements with key figures in the digital healthcare field have solidified relationships and broadened KTU's influence in the sector.
The "Horizon Europe: Connect, Collaborate & Fund" Brokerage Event, hosted as part of the 3rd IEEE-TEMS International Conference in 2021 and 2023, exemplifies KTU's role as a facilitator of connections and collaborations in digital health. The event's success in attracting diverse participants underscores KTU's influence in the digital healthcare sector.
Furthermore, the project has significantly improved KTU's capability to secure competitive research funding. The engagement of the DiHeco consortium in pursuing and securing research grants has positioned KTU as a formidable player in digital healthcare research and innovation.
The first notable impact lies in the heightened research skills and excellence at KTU. Through active participation in international research networks, collaborative ventures with partner institutions, and engagement in training activities and internships, over 15 early-stage researchers at KTU have significantly enhanced their capabilities and expanded their career prospects. Noteworthy recognition has been accorded to two young researchers in 2022 and 2023, exemplifying the project's role in nurturing doctoral students' academic growth.
The DiHeco consortium's contribution to the research profile of KTU's School of Economics and Business is highlighted, particularly in the domain of digital healthcare. This elevation is expected to contribute to the AACSB accreditation of the school. Joint paper-writing efforts within the consortium have resulted in open-access publications in high-impact journals, underscoring KTU's commitment to research quality and academic prestige.
Internationally, KTU has witnessed increased visibility and networking opportunities. Strategic interactions with policymakers, collaboration with leading international research groups, and active participation in COST action proposals have strengthened KTU's position on the global stage. Engagements with key figures in the digital healthcare field have solidified relationships and broadened KTU's influence in the sector.
The "Horizon Europe: Connect, Collaborate & Fund" Brokerage Event, hosted as part of the 3rd IEEE-TEMS International Conference in 2021 and 2023, exemplifies KTU's role as a facilitator of connections and collaborations in digital health. The event's success in attracting diverse participants underscores KTU's influence in the digital healthcare sector.
Furthermore, the project has significantly improved KTU's capability to secure competitive research funding. The engagement of the DiHeco consortium in pursuing and securing research grants has positioned KTU as a formidable player in digital healthcare research and innovation.