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.
