Context:

Address the societal challenge of an ageing society and demonstrate that thermalism could be, by introducing innovative cures and care solutions, a sector having a huge potential in making healthcare more efficient.

Objective:

Improve policies aiming at supporting knowledge transfer and strengthening opportunities for open innovation between the triple helix partners in the field of preventative health and thermalism in order to accelerate the launch on the market of innovative solutions for developing a healthy lifestyle.

Partnership:

Eight partners (one Association, three Universities, three Regional Development Agencies, one Innovation centre) from eight countries (France, Hungary, Latvia, Poland, Romania, Lithuania, Portugal, and Slovenia). When relevant, authorities in charge of targeted policies are committed to provide their support (e.g. Portugal – CCDR-N). Relevant stakeholders within each region will be strongly involved in the exchange of experience at interregional level and planned adaptation of policy instruments (ten stakeholders accepted collaboration with FMUP – Portugal).

Budget:

Activities:

Three-step approach in Phase 1 (2.5 years). Interregional exchange of experiences, best practices, SWOT analysis and field trips to all regions to analyse, in practice, what can be done to improve each one as regards thermalism. Subsequent introduction into the regional policies of innovative health solutions for thermal spa regions (the final purpose of Phase 2 – two years). One policy instrument is addressed per region, related to structural funds programmes.

Expected results:

At least 16 good practices identified, eight targeted policy instruments improved, 16 staff members will transfer new capacities in their intervention fields, 50 involved stakeholders with increased skills and knowledge from exchange of experiences.

Activities:

Three-step approach in Phase 1 (2.5 years). Interregional exchange of experiences, best practices, SWOT analysis and field trips to all regions to analyse, in practice, what can be done to improve each one as regards thermalism. Subsequent introduction into the regional policies of innovative health solutions for thermal spa regions (the final purpose of Phase 2 – two years). One policy instrument is addressed per region, related to structural funds programmes.

Policy instrument tackled within the project (FMUP):

Norte 2020 is composed of an integrated set of priorities and funding instruments addressing the main challenges and opportunities of Portugal's Norte region. As regards the Life and Health Sciences priority, the goal is to strengthen the articulation between, on the one hand, regional research on tissue engineering, cancer, neuroscience and surgical techniques and, on the other hand, industries and services in the health sector (e.g. pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health services, health and wellness tourism, and cosmetics). Improved policies and facilitation of triple-helix cooperation will promote the creation and development of innovative startups, health prevention, new products and services. Encouraging smart investments in health care and thermalism will also facilitate the improvement in the health industry.

Duration of the project:

4.5 years.