The innovation system for a hospital - understanding opportunities and difficulties for hospital care innovation
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Högskolan i Skövde - Institutionen för handel och företagande |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 991 705 |
| Project duration | November 2019 - March 2022 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovation management - research for increased innovation capability |
| Call | Innovation management - research for increased innovation capability, 2019 |
Important results from the project
Aim and objective of the project was to describe the innovation system for a hospital by mapping needs, opportunities and obstacles for innovation and internal/external actors and their relationships. By studying four cases of successful innovation work at a hospital, we have identified what needs they have acted on, what opportunities and obstacles they have experienced. We have also identified which internal/external actors/competencies have been central. It has enabled us to describe the innovation system for a hospital and how it can be mobilized by needs and opportunities.
Expected long term effects
In terms of research, the project has resulted in three manuscripts for scientific journals that are currently being reviewed for publication by Journal of Health Organization and Management (2) and Journal of Innovation Management (1). For practice, it has resulted in a dialogue tool that will help units within a hospital to map, understand and develop their innovation system. In addition, it has resulted in practical benefits for Skaraborg Hospital in how they organized their new FOUUI department and for the Innovation Platform in their regional strategy work.
Approach and implementation
The project was carried out via four case studies of successful innovation work at a hospital. Bergek et al.´s (2008) model The innovation system´s functions was used as analytical tool. Comparisons were made about how the different functions were mobilized and played a role in the different cases. Three articles were written based on this analysis. The analysis also formed the basis for the creation of a dialogue tool for practitioners to be able to map, understand and develop the innovation system. The pandemic has affected the interaction with practice, but it has still worked.