Porto, Portugal – The EIT Health Hub at the University of Porto recently hosted an influential event titled "Fostering Open Innovation in Portugal: Assessing the Landscape and Charting the Path Forward." Held on May 21, 2024, at the Circulo Universitário do Porto, this hybrid event brought together key stakeholders from academia, industry, and the public sector to explore the current state and future directions of open innovation in the healthcare sector.

Event Highlights

George Tsekouras – Greenwich University

Topic: “Open Innovation for Start-ups – The INSPIRE project”

George Tsekouras emphasized the critical role of start-ups in driving innovation within the healthcare sector. He discussed the INSPIRE project, highlighting how open innovation frameworks can support start-ups in addressing complex healthcare challenges through collaborative efforts.

Ricardo Valente – Porto City Council

Topic: “Porto: A Hub for Innovation”

Ricardo Valente underscored Porto’s rapid development as a digital health ecosystem. He highlighted the city’s significant investments in health R&D, its strong collaboration between key partners, and its supportive environment for startups. Ricardo outlined Porto’s ambition to become a leading health tech centre, leveraging its unique strengths and substantial resources.

Filipa Fixe – KPMG Healthcare

Topic: “The Role of Industry in Open Innovation”

Filipa Fixe discussed the transition from closed to open innovation in healthcare, highlighting the necessity of a strategic approach and leadership within institutions. She showcased how EIT Health programs are effectively connecting stakeholders and supporting open innovation, emphasizing the vast potential of modern technology to revolutionize healthcare.

Rita Rocha – Nova Medical School

Topic: “How to open up a medical school to innovation?”

Rita Rocha shared insights on how Nova Medical School is fostering innovation by partnering with hospitals and co-founding a clinical centre dedicated to co-creation and collaborative innovation. She stressed the importance of clear regulatory pathways and platforms for regulatory support to accelerate the development of transformative health technologies.

Joana Carrilho – University of Porto

Topic: “The case for collaborative ecosystems: the INOV4LIFE project”

Joana Carrilho highlighted the importance of creating sustainable, user-centered healthcare solutions. She discussed the INOV4LIFE project, which focuses on developing a transborder living lab for digital health solutions, and emphasized the need for user validation to ensure the practicality and acceptance of new technologies.

Key Takeaways from the Open Discussion Session

Collaboration is Key: Enhancing collaboration among industry, academia, and the public sector is essential for driving innovation.

Funding and Regulations: Addressing funding challenges and streamlining regulatory processes are crucial for fostering a more conducive environment for innovation.

Cultural Shifts: Adopting new technologies requires cultural and structural changes within academic and clinical settings.

Role of SMEs and Startups: Supporting SMEs and startups is pivotal for advancing healthcare innovation.

User-Centric Solutions: Developing user-friendly technological solutions based on real-world challenges and validated by end-users is essential for successful implementation.

Porto’s Ecosystem: Porto’s supportive environment for startups, significant R&D investments, and strong academic-industry partnerships are key strengths in fostering innovation.

Educational Initiatives: Institutions like University of Porto and Nova Medical School play a crucial role in fostering innovation through collaborations and clear regulatory pathways.

Impact of COVID-19: The pandemic has accelerated open innovation, demonstrating the potential of collaborative efforts in addressing urgent healthcare needs.

Conclusion:

Open innovation is a vital strategy for transforming healthcare, fostering collaboration, and leveraging diverse expertise. This approach promotes problem-led solutions and ensures technological advancements are user-friendly and validated by end-users. By overcoming regulatory and funding barriers and promoting an innovative culture, open innovation can significantly enhance healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.

Quotes from Speakers:

George Tsekouras: "Problem-led innovation within open innovation frameworks harnesses diverse insights and expertise, driving more effective and impactful solutions.”

Filipa Fixe: "The power in our smartphones today highlights the immense potential of modern technology to revolutionize healthcare if leveraged effectively."

Joana Carrilho: "Technology solutions must be based on real-world challenges and be user-friendly to ensure adherence and acceptance by users."

For more information about the event and future initiatives, visit EIT Health Hub Porto.