The research and innovation climate for medical technology in the Stockholm-Uppsala region

Purpose and goal

The aim of the initiative in this phase was to write a proposal for a Vinnväxt Center for biomedical engineering in Stockholm-Uppsala. Joint projects in the triple/quadruple-helix create economic growth and jobs in the functional region and boost the region´s R&D climate for technology and services and streamline the innovation system to meet the challenges and the requirements for change that health care is facing. An application for a Vinnväxt center was submitted in May, along with letters of recommendation from several key players in the region.

Results and expected effects

Discussions during the project focussed on interdisciplinary areas that are of strategic importance to the business community and in line with the regional, institutional actors´ priorities. This creates opportunities for strategic, long-term, substantial ventures involving both capacity building and concrete solutions as well as growth for the region. The combination of parties within Stockholm MED-X allows for supporting projects all the way from early exploratory, high-risk concepts to testing, implementation, and commercialisation.

Approach and implementation

The planning phase included workshops, interviews and strategy meetings with the constituting steering committee. Approx 60 people participated in the workshops and about 30 interviews were conducted. These laid the ground for discussions and reflections and were a basis for Stockholm MED-X´s strategy as manifested during six steering meetings. Thirty letters of intent and encouragement from various stakeholders in academia, industry and health care show broad support for the application submitted in May, which was further presented during an interview at VINNOVA in June.