INNOVAID

Innovation Procurementto Accelerate the Implementationof DigitalHealth in Sparsely Populated Areas of Northern Sweden: Support for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and “Good and Accessible Care”

Introduction

How can innovative digital health solutions reach patients more quickly, especially in rural areas where healthcare challenges are greatest? INNOVAID addresses this issue by bringing together healthcare providers, policymakers, innovation support organizations, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the medical technology sector to develop more innovation-friendly procurement methods and reimbursement models. The project aims to accelerate the implementation of digital health innovations that support the transition to “Good and Local Care” and “Precision Health” in the sparsely populated areas of northern Sweden.

About the Project

The INNOVAID project addresses critical barriers that medical technology SMEs face when implementing and commercializing innovative healthcare solutions. Traditional processes, standards, and regulations for procurement and reimbursement significantly limit companies’ ability to effectively implement digital health innovations, particularly in the context of healthcare in sparsely populated areas. This project is led by an interdisciplinary team specializing in entrepreneurship, innovation, and physical therapy. The team applies a practical, action-oriented approach using a “Co-Creation Sprint” methodology to collaboratively develop practical guidelines for innovation procurement.

The project is based on an ecosystem perspective. By using Curest AB as a case study (use case) and involving a broader group of medical technology small and medium-sized enterprises in Norrland, public and private healthcare providers (management teams and clinics), innovation offices, politicians/decision-makers, and collaborative organizations such as the Center for Health in Rural Areas (formerly the Center for Rural Medicine, GMC), INNOVAID aims to improve innovation procurement methods in practice.

“Precision health” and “high-quality, accessible care” are key concepts in the current Swedish healthcare system. At the same time, healthcare delivery in sparsely populated areas such as Norrland faces unique challenges, including geographic isolation, a lack of resources, an aging population, and recruitment difficulties. Small and medium-sized medical technology companies often develop solutions that can effectively address these challenges. However, their potential is limited by traditional procurement systems that are primarily designed for conventional, rather than innovative, solutions.

This project is fully in line with the national recommendations from Sweden’s Innovation Procurement Inquiry (2010), which emphasizes the significant impact that innovation procurement can have on driving economic efficiency in healthcare.

Benefits and Relevance for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

Expected results include improved competitiveness for small and medium-sized enterprises, faster implementation of digital health solutions, and improved healthcare delivery in line with the Swedish healthcare visions “Precision Health” and “Good and Accessible Care.”

Short-term benefits for companies include clearer and more innovation-friendly processes for procurement and healthcare reimbursement, opportunities for direct dialogue with healthcare procurement officers, and increased knowledge of how to position and present their solutions. These outcomes contribute to better market readiness and faster adoption.

Long-term effects include the sustainable and lasting implementation of innovations, improved health outcomes in rural areas, and greater regional economic resilience. By integrating small and medium-sized enterprises into a co-creative, solution-oriented process alongside public sector actors, trust and mutual understanding are strengthened—key factors for long-term business development.

Project Objectives

• To promote sustainable methods for innovation procurement as well as reimbursement processes, standards, and regulations within healthcare in sparsely populated areas, enabling the ongoing adoption of digital solutions driven by small and medium-sized enterprises.
  
  
• Strengthen regional innovation capacity and economic growth by making public procurement and reimbursement more accessible and innovation-friendly for smaller companies.