DigitalWell Arena is now taking the next step in its long-term commitment to digital health innovation in Värmland. After several years focused on establishing a platform for research and collaboration, the work is now shifting towards the large-scale implementation and practical use of digital solutions.
Research at Karlstad University has been a central driving force behind DigitalWell Arena since its launch in 2019. By bringing together around 60 researchers from six research groups and disciplines such as computer science, nursing, psychology, service research and gender studies, the university has built an interdisciplinary research environment for digital health innovation.
To date, this work has resulted in nearly 100 scientific publications and has created new arenas for collaboration with companies, municipalities and regions – where researchers contribute evidence, quality assurance and test environments for digital health services.
“We have built a strong research infrastructure where academia and practice meet regularly, and where new initiatives and research questions emerge,” says Erik Wästlund, professor of psychology and coordinator of the research group within DigitalWell Arena and the Academy for Smart Specialisation at Karlstad University. “Now the links between research, innovation, procurement and implementation will be strengthened, enabling research-based solutions to be adopted to a greater extent.”
A Growing Ecosystem with Värmland at Its Core
Over the coming three-year period, efforts to strengthen regional collaboration will continue in alignment with the Värmland Strategy. At the same time, cooperation with national and international initiatives will be further developed. DigitalWell Arena is, among other things, part of Health Data Sweden (EDIH), which connects Swedish and European initiatives in digital health and data-driven innovation.
“For digital solutions to be widely adopted, a well-functioning innovation system is needed at local, national and international levels,” says Erik Wästlund. “The continued work therefore focuses on reducing barriers that slow down development, such as unclear standards, complex regulatory frameworks and procurement processes that do not fully support innovation.”
Collaboration for Better Health
The need for new health solutions is growing. Mental ill health, lifestyle-related diseases and unequal living conditions affect both individuals and society as a whole. Digital technology can play an important supporting role, but for solutions to have real impact, collaboration between the public sector, industry and academia is essential.
“We need to develop new forms of collaboration that make it easier for municipalities and regions to demand innovation, and for companies to develop solutions that are used in practice,” says Erik Wästlund. “The goal of DigitalWell Arena is to develop and implement digital services that strengthen people’s health and wellbeing, while giving the public sector better conditions to meet future needs.”
About DigitalWell Arena
DigitalWell Arena is co-funded by Vinnova, Region Värmland and Karlstad University. The initiative has brought together more than 900 stakeholders, including around 400 companies, and has resulted in new services, prototypes and meeting places where research and practice come together.
