Funded Projects 2014-2020
Project IMPROVE
| Project Acronym | IMPROVE |
|---|---|
| Project Title | Involving the coMmunity to co-PROduce public serVicEs |
| Project Website |
Summary
IMPROVE aims to increase the level of innovation in six NPA peripheral regions in the field of technology-driven public service solutions. It adapts a novel living labs-driven approach to maximise knowledge transfers between regions and stakeholders. Real communities will demonstrate the approach by using it to co-produce six services, and develop tools and methodologies for use by other regions to implement the results of the project.
Objectives
1. Improve the design of public services by using a transboundary open innovation/living labs approach to their development
2. Define a methodology suitable for co-production of sustainable public services in peripheral and sparsely populated areas
3. Test the effectivness of the co-production methodology and open innovation/living labs approach, working in combination, to produce high quality and reduced cost innovative public services
Impacts
Tangible
| Improved access to services: | The use of technology in the delivery of the telecare/eHealth services opens new ways of providing care and health services in peripheral and sparsely populated areas. New services include welfare technologies in health care, e-health technologies for dependent older people and home care employees, and e-Care communication services. Online participatory planning services allow citizens to remotely participate in planning issues and co-produce spatial services in communities. |
|---|---|
| Time saving: | In rural areas, home care workers travel around 9 hours a night, regardless of weather conditions, to check if elderly people living on their own are safe. Using the telecare/eHealth services such as night cameras or key-free locks reduces travel time and subsequently also CO2 emissions. The time saved in commuting can then be used to provide more quality care for the patients. |
Intangible
| Influencing policies: | IMPROVE has served to introduce the concept of co-production in the participating partner regions. In Sweden, it has allowed a better coordination among 7 municipalities at top level and it has also served to include eHealth in these municipalities’ agendas. In Northern Ireland, Derry City & Strabane District Council involved its citizens in the development of the Local Development Plan. |
|---|
Lead Partner
- European Regions Network for the Application of Communications Technology (ERNACT)
Ireland
Jose Manuel San Emeterio
phone +353 74 9168212
e-mail: jsanemeterio@ernact.eu
Partners
- Bifröst University
Iceland - Derry City Council
Northern Ireland - Donegal County Council
Ireland - Karelia University of Applied Sciences Ltd.
Finland - Municipality of Borgarbyggð
Iceland - Regional Council of North Karelia
Finland - The Association of Local Authorities in Västernorrland
Sweden - Western Norway Research Institute
Norway
Project Info
| Theme Governmental, community, urban-rural development |
| Priority 1 Innovation |
| Objective 1.2 Increased innovation in public service provision |
| Project duration 30-04-15 to 29-04-18 |
| Total budget 1 431 388 EUR |
| NPA co-financing 895 174 EUR |
| Target groups local public authority interest groups including NGOs higher education and research enterprise, including SME General public |
| Joint Secretariat Desk Officer Kirsti Mijnhijmer |