South DENMARKeHealthECOsystem

A member of the ECHAlliance International Network of Ecosystems


Contents

Strategy “South DENMARK ECOsystem”

Priorities

Governance Structure

Partners

Ecosystem meetings

Advantages of South DENMARK ECOsystem

For more information

Appendix A. Principles of Working Together ECHAlliance

Principles of Working Together

Introduction

What is an ECHAlliance Connected Health Ecosystem?

Communication between Ecosystems within the ECHAlliance network

Ecosystem Principles

ECHAlliance Contacts

Strategy “South DENMARK ECOsystem”

On April 24th 2017, the South DENAMRK ECOsystem was established to strengthen the collaboration between stakeholders and promoting and exchange ideas, and as a vihicle to implement common strategi priorities,at a founding meeting in Odense, Denmark. The South DENMARK ECOsystem is based on the principles of European Connected Health Alliance (see appendix A) and is a defined geographical region encompassing the Region of Southern Denmark.

Even though it is a geographical area as South Denmark, the partnership can also include organisations from outside the region.

Priorities

The establishment of the South DENMARK ECOsystem and the membership of ECHAlliance follows the appointment of the Region of Southern Denmark as a four star Reference Site in the European Partnership for active and healthy ageing in Europe (EIP on AHA) and Welfare Techs status as Gold Label Cluster by the European Commission’s quality assurance system, European Cluster Excellence Initiative, which is the highest award a European cluster organisation can receive for excellent performance in terms of management, promoting innovation, development and implementation.

In the South DENMARK ECOsystem priorities are:

  • Active and Healthy Ageing
  • Digital Health and
  • Public Private Partnerships (PPP)

While the scope of the priorities is broad, the South DENMARK ECOsystem acknowledges that for each partner meeting, the priority will be further coordinate and connect activities, promote common focus and agendas, create synergies, and strengthen collaboration, knowledge sharing and evaluation within the focus areas.

Through the facilitation of the South DENMARK ECOsystemby ECHAlliance the aim is to strengthen international collaboration and sharing of knowledge to drive sustainable change in the delivery of health and social care.

Governance Structure

Governance of the South DENMARK ECOsystem is through the establishment of an Ecosystem Working Group (WG) which guides the direction of the ecosystem and provides executive support and backing to the partner organisations, in the form of senior leadership from the Ecosystem WG.

The work with the South DENMARK ECOsystem will be coordinated in collaboration between these two organisations:

  • WelfareTech
  • Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark

Monthly meetings of the Ecosystem WG will be held virtually or on location in Science Park Odense.

Partners

Key organisations within the focus aerahave been invited and expressed an interest in participating in further meetings in South DENMARK ECOsystem.

The partners of the ecosystem meet on a regular basis, minimum four times a year, to consider specific priorities and common objectives.

The following organisations have been invited:

  • Odense University Hospital
  • MedCom
  • Danish Technological Institute
  • City of Odense (Odense Municipality)
  • MORE partners MISSING

Ecosystem meetings

The ecosystem meetings are open for all participants, not only the partners in the ecosystem.The ecosystem meetings will be held as events where the partners set the agenda andinvite other stakeholders (both national and international) to attend.

The meetings can very well be already planned meetings where the South DENMARK ECOsystem can bring in the extra adding edge to the event.

Advantages of South DENMARK ECOsystem

  • International awareness
  • Access to knowledge sharing
  • Network in export markets
  • Closer collaboration
  • Highlight capability and capacity in South Denmark

For more information

Companies, research institutions and other organisations who wish to know more about the South DENMARK ECOsystem are welcome to contact Lene Vistesen, SeniorConsultant in Welfare Tech, +45 3176 4331, .

Appendix A. Principles of Working Together ECHAlliance

The European Connected Health Alliance, (ECHAlliance), is a non-profit organisation, registered as a Community Interest Company in the UK, with members in 40+ countries and connecting 25+ecosystem networks across Europe, North America and Asia. The network of ecosystems is unparalleled and facilitate multi-stakeholder connections, to create and strengthen partnerships committed to driving sustainable change in the delivery of health and social care.

The Danish membership of ECHAlliance and the creation of a South DENMARK ECOsystemis initiated by Welfare Tech and Health Innovation Centre of Southern Denmark, part of Region of Southern Denmark. The Ecosystemis based on a defined geographical region and builds on existing and already established networks and project collaborations in Welfare Tech and the Region. The collaboration and membership of ECHAlliance will strengthen the Regions and Welfare Techs network and position in Europe and foster new opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing with other ecosystems in the ECHAlliance.

In the following the Principles of Working together in anInternational Network of Permanent Connected Health Ecosystems is presented. However, always check with newest version on the web pages of

Principles of Working Together

Note the following is direct copy/paste from ECHAlliance and the principles for working together. Please refer to website for newest edition. In the following “our” refers to ECHAlliance.

Introduction

The European Connected Health Alliance (ECHAlliance), with our membership comprising of industry, public and private health and social care providers, patient groups, research institutions, voluntary and government organisations throughout Europe and beyond, has developed a practical response to the opportunities and challenges generated by connected health[1].

Our response has been to establish the ECHAlliance International Network of Permanent Connected Health Ecosystems (the International Network). The main goal of setting up a regional or local Ecosystem is to bring together a community of stakeholders interested in developing a joint health agenda aiming to address and find common solutions to challenges facing that specific region. The main benefit of working together in an Ecosystem is the multiplier effect of collaborating in an International Network of Ecosystems.

This document serves as an information source for regions aspiring to set up an Ecosystem. Specifically, it sets out the principles to which an Ecosystem must sign up in order to be considered for membership of the International Network. This is an important pre-condition in order to protect the quality and reputation of the ECHAlliance and other members of the Network.

What is an ECHAlliance Connected Health Ecosystem?

An ECHAlliance Connected Health Ecosystem brings together stakeholders from health and social care, research, patient groups and industry within a specific geographical area, committed to accelerating the adoption of Connected Health solutions; at scale on commercial terms.

The goal of an ECHAlliance Connected Health Ecosystem is to create ‘permanent’mutually beneficial partnerships, which improves the delivery of health and social care at the same time as providing economic benefits.

A Permanent Ecosystem means that the network is ongoing, is not just a ‘project’ or a time limited initiative but rather it is an integral part of the regional approach to its use and adoption of connected health solutions.

The Ecosystem achieves this by:

  • Facilitating collaboration between stakeholders
  • Promoting exchange of ideas, lessons learned and opportunities
  • Providing a vehicle to implement strategic priorities
  • Providing regular opportunities to meet face to face

Patients/citizens must be at the centre of the Ecosystem as the users of connected health services. Patients help to drive the design and innovation in connected health services and in doing so take more control over their conditions for better health and quality of life.

Working together within the International Network

The International Network facilitates sharing of challenges, opportunities, solutions and best practice between Ecosystems. The collaboration and working method is open, transparent, and democratic, with everyone contributing in an equal manner while respecting peoples’ resources and time.

The section on principles provides information for regions aspiring to establish an ECHAlliance Ecosystem and sets out the principles to which an Ecosystem must agree in order to be considered for membership of the Network.

This is an important precondition, as the principles will ensure that:

  • New and existing Ecosystems operate under a common framework which fosters collaboration effectively within the International Network – this collaboration and cooperation is essential for the effectiveness of the Network and reflects the spirit in which it has been established
  • Ecosystems are designed for success and are committed to a shared approach to working with the International Network
  • New and existing Ecosystems establish and maintain quality standards so that being a member of the International Network infers the highest standards of governance and quality, and will be accepted as a stamp of approval by the European Commission and others
  • It is a requirement that new and existing Ecosystems agree to the principles of working together, in order to become a member of the International Network

Role of European Connected Health Alliance (ECHAlliance)

The ECHAlliance coordinates the International Network and facilitates sharing and cooperation between Ecosystems, through regular communication with regional Ecosystem coordinators, and networking opportunities between Ecosystems.

ECHAlliance, through a proven Ecosystem methodology, works with all interested parties to support the development of effective ecosystems based on a geographic region.

A representative from ECHAlliance sits on the Ecosystem Working Group (WG) for each Ecosystem and provides guidance and support as needed. Importantly, the ECHAlliance representative maintains the link between the Ecosystem, the ECHAlliance and the wider International Network. Their role is crucial in identifying synergies, seeking solutions, facilitating the sharing of experiences and lessons learned through the Network. In addition, the ECHAlliance also facilitates partnering of Ecosystems within the International Network to make collaborative responses to EU calls or tenders, public consultations and healthcare policy enquiries.

Each Ecosystem appoints a representative to work with the ECHAlliance coordinator and other ECHAlliance representatives on a regular basis, and agrees to keep the ECHAlliance informed of their priorities, emerging themes, opportunities, challenges, solutions and events.

Communications within the Ecosystem

The ECHAlliance Connector platform ( is the primary communication channel for all Ecosystems within the International Network, and provides a portal for communication within and between Ecosystems.

The Connector facilitates cross fertilisation of challenges, solutions and progress and supports the spirit of collaboration, cooperation and communication within the International Network. Each Ecosystem has their own section within Connector, within which they can upload information on events (agenda, slides), forum, blogs, progress updates and news items.

Communication between Ecosystems within the ECHAlliance network

The ECHAlliance facilitates communication and networking between Ecosystems in the International Network through regular virtual meetings, written communications, introductions and face to face events.

Each Ecosystem gathering should provide in the agenda an opportunity for a short update on the International Ecosystem Network.

Ecosystem Principles

Geographical and political alignment

Ecosystems are based on a defined geographical region. The ECHAlliance acknowledges that each Ecosystem has priorities specific to its own region and recognises that Ecosystems across the International Network differ in these priorities. When identifying the regional boundaries for the Ecosystem, the following factors should be taken into consideration:

  • Alignment with health and social care boundaries
  • Alignment with local / regional or national government boundaries
  • Links to universities and research institutions involved in connected health
  • The extent of existing industry activity present
  • Links to local/ regional or national strategic priorities to provide a platform for the Ecosystem and access to potential funding sources
  • The extent of existing activity presents by public health and social care providers.

Governance through an Ecosystem Working Group

Governance of the Ecosystem is through the establishment of an Ecosystem Working Group (WG) which guides the direction of the Ecosystem and provides executive support and backing, in the form of senior leadership from Ecosystem partner organisations.

The ECHAlliance acknowledges that each Ecosystem has priorities specific to its own region, and has the regional expertise to know what is best for their Ecosystem. The WG should consist of representatives from the following stakeholder groups who become the

Ecosystem ‘Partners’:

  • Regional health authority/ department of health
  • Patient groups
  • Health and social care providers – at both a strategic and service delivery level e.g. managers and clinicians
  • Health and social care commissioners/ purchasers
  • Academic and research institutions
  • Local, regional or national municipalities/councils
  • Regional trade and industry organisations
  • Industry (from large corporations to SMEs)
  • Voluntary and Charitable organisations

ECHAlliance

The ECHAlliance representative provides guidance, support and maintains the link between the Ecosystem, the ECHAlliance and the wider International Network.

The WG meets on a regular basis (either online, conference calls, in person) and considers the specific regional priorities to be addressed through the Ecosystem, key Ecosystem objectives, a calendar of events, development of roundtable sessions, input from industry, ‘meet the buyer’ opportunities for Ecosystem members, opportunities to collaborate and co-operate with other Ecosystems within the International Network.

Executive support and funding

It is important to the success of the Ecosystem that it receives support and if possible funding. Funding could come from the regional health authority / government departments and regional trade and industry bodies. This support provides strategic direction for the Ecosystem, as well as credibility and standing with the other key players required to operate an effective Ecosystem, E.g. Health & Social Care providers, industry, academia / research, patient groups, policy makers.

Ecosystem events are free for delegates to attend, however funding is required to cover events costs e.g. venue, catering. Financial support or donations in kind from regional health authorities / departments and regional trade and industry bodies assists with this aspect. We suggest that the WG search for other organisations that may act as a ‘ecosystem host’. The ‘hosting’ approach has proved very successful and the host covers the provision of meeting room(s), AV equipment, the catering and printing therefore helping to spread the costs.

Ecosystem participants

For the Ecosystem to be successful and to benefit from the range of skills and experience across the Connected Health spectrum, participation from the following range of stakeholders is essential:

  • Health and social care commissioners/ purchasers
  • Patient, Carer and Patient Advocate groups
  • Public, private and not-for-profit providers of health and social care
  • Universities and research organisations
  • Industry (from large corporations to SMEs)
  • Regional development agencies
  • Policy makers
  • All others interested in participating
  • Ecosystems extend an open invitation to participants, as well as to ECHAlliance members from other regions.

Ecosystem Meeting Format

Core to the success of the Ecosystem are regular events and working meetings to implement the Ecosystem’s strategic aims, which bring Ecosystem participants together for networking, to share challenges, explore opportunities and deploy connected health. These events could include:

  • Initial awareness raising forum – prior to the establishment of the Ecosystem an awareness raising forum aims to engage potential participants and assess interest, this could act as the launch meeting
  • Quarterly Ecosystem meetings, dates publicized in advance with an agenda and theme
  • Roundtable sessions (can be held on dates between the quarterly meeting) on topics of specific interest to the Ecosystem - with invitations extended to thought leaders/interested parties. This method enables participants to make a full contribution to discussions on issues of shared concern and to generate ideas for action.

Ecosystems should consider and plan who hosts and finances events. Existing Ecosystems rotate this responsibility between Ecosystem partners, therefore sharing costs. It is recommended to make an inventory of already planned events in order to assign some of them as quarterly Ecosystem meetings. ECHAlliance can support the development of agendas and also identification of speakers.

Branding

It is very important that ECHAlliance actively promote the Ecosystem´s connection to the International Network. Ecosystems within the International Network adopt branding stating they are a member of the International Network, as well as use of the ECHAlliance logo.

Ecosystem Legal Form

Each Ecosystem is structured to reflect the health and social system in that region. Accordingly, the exact legal form, if any, is flexible. In most cases Ecosystems operate without any legal form and manage as an informal gathering of interested parties.

ECHAlliance Contacts

Mikaela Nordenfelt, International Ecosystem Coordinator,

Email:

Mobile: +32 473 921694

Damian O’Connor, COO,

Mobile/Whatsapp 0044 7801 245935

Address:

European Connected Health Alliance

Innovation Centre, Catalyst Inc.

Queen's Road, Belfast BT3 9DT

Northern Ireland

1

[1]Connected health is an umbrella term which includes eHealth, mHealth, telehealth, telecare, pHealth, digital health and other terms which promote the use of technology in health care.