In this program healthcare organisations, knowledge institutions and technology companies from South Holland are brought together around the central question how labor-saving and -relieving technology can be optimized and deployed to ensure the quality and accessibility of care with fewer personnel.
Care-innovation programme WorkTech
In this programme, the regional partnership Medical Delta, the regional development company InnovationQuarter, and the employers' association ZWconnect bring together healthcare organisations, knowledge institutions and technology companies from South Holland around the central question how labor-saving and -relieving technology can be optimized and deployed to ensure the quality and accessibility of care with fewer personnel.
The healthcare system is under pressure. While in recent years the focus has been on affordability as the primary issue, it is becoming increasingly clear that the staff shortage due to an ageing population is just as significant a challenge. The demand for healthcare staff has been rising for years, and it is estimated that by 2060, more than one in three Dutch people would need to work in healthcare if no changes occur. This is neither realistic nor desirable for the broader economy or other public sectors. Staffing pressures are not limited to formal healthcare. The demand for informal care, including caregiving, is also increasing with the ageing population. South Holland is no exception; labor market shortages are rising sharply, and the potential for informal care is halving in much of the province.
Technological solutions play a vital role in improving, making healthcare affordable, and ensuring it remains manageable. Collaborations between healthcare institutions and SMEs can help develop innovations tailored to everyday practice, gather necessary evidence and scientific backing, and accelerate the implementation process. This program focuses on specific knowledge needs from healthcare organizations where labor-saving technology can offer a solution. Existing technological innovations (technology readiness level 4-7) will be further developed in transdisciplinary consortia towards sustainable implementation in daily practice.
The program team invites project consortia, consisting of at least one knowledge institution, one technology company, one healthcare organization, and an end user, to submit their innovative and challenging project ideas. More information about this PPP program and the project conditions can be found here.