Innovation 4 WelfareTurning welfare challenges into business opportunities

Six partner regions – eight subprojects

Welfare challenges Across Europe economic and demographic development pose new challenges in health related issues: a general tendency to prioritize on health and safety, the strong increase in welfare-related diseases and the increased need for (home) care for the ageing population, are causing health care costs to increase rapidly. Innovative solutions are necessary to meet these challenges and to avoid health care becoming unaffordable.

About Innovation 4 Welfare Changing health needs are also an opportunity. It is an attractive target area for developing innovative new technologies

and applications. Innovation 4 Welfare aims to stimulate the development of health related innovations. It is a four year mini-programme co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (Interreg IV C) and has six partners throughout Europe. These partner regions exchange good practices, execute new innovation projects and try to influence regional policies by stimulating innovation in the field of health and safety.

Partner regions Innovation 4 Welfare involves partners representing organizations from six regions across Europe.

Catalonia – Spain ACC1ó

Lombardy – Italy CESTEC

North Brabant – the Netherlands Province of North Brabant

Upper Austria – Austria TMG

Tartu Science Park – Estonia Tartu Science Park

South West Bohemia – Czech Republic RERA

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Eight subprojects The six regions cooperate in eight subprojects. Organizations like universities, hospitals, interme-diary organizations and technology centers have identified good practices and will execute and implement regional pilots across the regions involved. In each subproject at least three partners from three different regions are participating.

1. FITREHAB Fitness and rehabilitation at home under expert planning

2. FoBoS Sharing molecular techniques for food-borne pathogen detection

3. HaS PASSPORT Benchmarking of regional health and social institutions especially in rural areas

4. MNEMOSYNE Teleassistance services for elderly patients with dementia syndrome, Alzheimer and their family

5. MRH Mechatronics based rehabilitation at home

6. PICKFIBER Platform for international collaborative knowledge on food improvement, based on ecological resources

7. ROBO M.D. Home care robot for monitoring and detection of critical situations

8. TIAM Toolkits for hazard identification, risk assessment and prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders based on a collaborative platform

Innovation 4 Welfare is co-funded by the Interreg IVC ProgrammeThe INTERREG IVC Programme is part of the European Territorial Cooperation Objective. It is a EU programme that helps regions of Europe work together to share their knowledge and experience. Launched in 2007, the programme will run until 2013.

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SUBPROjECT - FITREHABFITNESS AND REHABILITATION AT HOME UNDER ExPERT PLANNING

The FITREHAB project will integrate and field test a new and innovative virtual reality based rehabilita-tion and training platform. This will allow patients and medical discharged people to perform physical exercise at home under remote expert planning and monitoring.

MAIN OBjECTIVES • performafieldtestofarehabilitationandtrainingplatform • toassestheclinicalefficacyofarehabilitationandtrainingplatform • todeployaprocedurewithintheexistinginfrastructureofhospitals • toassesthebenefitsofarehabilitationandtrainingplatformforthenationalhealthsystems

in terms of costs and performanceACTIVITY The rehabilitation and training platform will consist of two integrated stations. One station will

be used at hospitals by the medical staff to schedule a customized program of exercises. The other station will be used by the patient at home to do fitness with a virtual environment as a trainer. The movements of the patient will be tracked by several sensors attached to a smart shirt. An avatar will mimic the movements of the patient in the virtual environment. Biological sensors will monitor heart rate, temperature and breathing effort. This information will be sent back to the station in the hospital to be reviewed by the medical staff. If needed they can adapt the scheduled programme.

LEAD PARTICIPANT • UniversityofMilan(DepartmentofComputerScience–LaboratoryofAppliedIntelligentSystems AIS Lab) - Lombardy (I)

PARTICIPANTS • PrivateFoundationBarcelonaDigitalTechnologyCentre-Catalonia(ES) • FoundationofDeWever-NorthBrabant(NL) • PrivateFoundationCETEMMSA-Catalonia(ES) • ViljandiHospitalFoundation-Tartu(EST) • ASLofBresciaProvince-Lombardy(I) • UpperAustriaUniversityofAppliedSciencesResearch(Ltd)-UpperAustria(A)COMPANY • Ab.Acussrl-Lombardy(I) CONTACT University of Milan, Mr. Alberto Borghese, E: borghese@dsi.unimi.it

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Although European regions have different experiences they also have a lot of common challenges towards health issues.

SUBPROjECT - FOBOSSHARING MOLECULAR TECHNIqUES FOR FOOD-BORNE PATHOGEN DETECTION

FoBoS, coordinated by the University of Milan and developed in the food thematic area, aims to ad-dress the improvement of the quality of life by developing and implementing a good practice for food-borne pathogen early detection.

MAIN OBjECTIVE To analyze, implement and transfer a DNA-array based protocol in order to improve the effectiveness of regional food safety policies.

ACTIVITY In order to improve the quality of life, a good practice for food-borne pathogen early detection will be developed and implemented. Due to food-borne diseases people can develop life-threatening diseases, especially infants and elderly people. Therefore a balanced team of three university research groups and five private companies will blend to analyze, implement and transfer a DNA-based protocol. At first the protocol will be customized to food-born detection and to several kinds of food matrices, including milk, cheese and meat. In the second phase, the procedure will be implemented in an industrial context. After validation of the protocol, it will be transferred to the agro-food and meal distribution companies, as well as to other relevant and interested stakeholders. They can implement it in their Hazard Analyses and Critical Control Points (HACCP) and other food-chain critical points.

LEAD PARTICIPANT • UniversityofMilan(DepartmentofAnimalPathology,HygieneandVeterinaryPublicHealth)- Lombardy (I)

PARTICIPANTS • AutonomousUniversityofBarcelona(DepartmentofAnimalandFoodscience)-Catalonia(ES) • EstonianUniversityofLifeSciences(Dept.Foodsciencesandhygiene,InstituteofVeterinary

medicine and Animal sciences) - Tartu (EST)COMPANIES • NopriTalumeiereiOÜ-Tartu(EST) • ArrigoniBattistas.p.a.-Lombardy(I) • Italattes.p.a.-Lombardy(I) • Labuaqsrl-Lombardy(I) • MilanoRistorazione-Lombardy(I)

CONTACT University of Milan, Mr. Fabrizio Ceciliani, E: fabrizio.ceciliani@unimi.it 5Although European regions have different experiences they also have a lot of common challenges towards health issues.

SUBPROjECT - HAS PASSPORTBENCHMARKING OF REGIONAL HEALTH AND SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS ESPECIALLY IN RURAL AREAS

HaS Passport aims to stimulate innovation in regional health and social services, especially in rural areas. For regional services a ‘passport’ will be created in order to organize exchange of experience and to create a good practice book.

MAIN OBjECTIVES • Toprovidebetterunderstandingoftherelevanceofhealthandsocialservicesinruralareas • Tocomparetheservicesoftheprovidersinvolvedwithsimilarorganizations(benchmark) • Tomakerecommendationsforfuturedevelopmentofnewservicesbasedonresearch

outcome • Tocreatea‘GoodPracticeBook’basedonthepassportsoftheserviceprovidersinvolved • Todisseminatetheoutcomestoserviceprovidersandotherrelevantexpertsbyorganizingan

Exchange of Experience seminarACTIVITY All information gained through the benchmark is to be analyzed at a general level. The outcomes

will be compiled in a Benchmarking Study and Policy Recommendation. The benchmarking process is to be supported by relevant policy decision makers in each region. As a result it will bring valuable information usable in regional policies and strategies for social and health service development and supporting investments in innovations.

LEADPARTICIPANT • UniversityofEconomicsofPrague,FacultyofManagement-SouthWestBohemia(CZ)PARTICIPANTS • Alintec-Lombardy(I) • ProMenteUpperAustria-UpperAustria(A)

CONTACT University of Economics, Prague, Faculty of Management, Mr. Rudolf Stritecky, E: striteru@fm.vse.cz

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Innovation 4 Welfare is a European generator for new solutions promoting health and welfare.

SUBPROjECT - MNEMOSYNETELEASSISTANCESERVICESFORELDERLyPATIENTSWITHDEMENTIASyNDROME,ALZHEIMERANDTHEIR FAMILY

The Mnemosyne project is conceived to design an online-based platform of health and social care ser-vices for individuals with dementia syndrome and Alzheimer, and their relatives.

MAIN OBjECTIVES • Todesignanefficientandinnovativesystemthatwillincreasethequalityoflifeforfamilies,carers and patients

• Todesignasystemthatwillcomplementtheservicesprovidedbyhealthinstitutionsandprofessional carers

• Toproducea‘whitepaper’onpolicyrecommendationstobeusedasaguidelinebyhealthadministrations

ACTIVITY The online-based platform will provide innovative means of emotional and informational support for relatives and carers of Alzheimer and dementia patients. It also provides tools for the remote assistance and monitoring of the patients and educational appliances for cognitive stimulation. By conducting a pilot test, the validity of teleassistance home care services for remote therapeutic treatment of dementia and Alzheimer will be researched. The outcomes will give partners the opportunity to draw a picture of the state-of-the-art of the sector and to identify the most pressing needs to be addressed.

LEADPARTICIPANT • SocialandHealthServicesFoundationofManresa–Catalonia(ES)PARTICIPANTS • ProMenteUpperAustria–UpperAustria(A) • UpperAustriaUniversityofAppliedSciencesResearch&Development–UpperAustria(A) • FoundationofDeWever–NorthBrabant(NL) • TartuCityGovernmentDepartmentofSocialWelfare–Tartu(EST) • PolytecnicofMilan-METIDCentre–Lombardy(I)

CONTACT Social and Health Services Foundation of Manresa, Ms. Teresa Arbués, E: marbues@fub.edu

7Innovation 4 Welfare is a European generator for new solutions promoting health and welfare.

SUBPROjECT - MRHMECHATRONICS BASED REHABILITATION AT HOME

With the leadership of Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Eindhoven (NL) the MRH project aims to develop a ‘white book’ on the different aspects of rehabilitation at home based on mechatronics. The input for this white book will be obtained by consultation and by own research, and will be made available for regional policymakers, companies and authorities providing health and social care.

MAIN OBjECTIVE To compose a ‘white book’ on the different aspects of mechatronics based rehabilitation at home. ACTIVITY The MRH project will focus on five main issues: 1. The present developments in rehabilitation 2. The success factors of a MRH application 3. The business opportunities for a MRH application 4. The design and development of MRH applications 5. The steps to be taken to make MRH applications a success At least five pilot applications will be developed to demonstrate the results of the studies. The

results will be presented and discussed at five international meetings. The overall results will be used to compose a ‘white book’ on the MRH concept.

LEADPARTICIPANT • FontysUniversityofAppliedSciences(SchoolofEngineering,MechatronicsDepartment)-North Brabant (NL)

PARTICIPANTS • IndustrialDevelopmentEquipmentDesignCenter(CDEI)-UPCBarcelonaTech-Catalonia(ES) • UniversityofBrescia(LaboratoryofMechatronics,FacultyofEngineering)–Lombardy(I) • UniversityofWestBohemia(Facultyofappliedsciences,DepartmentofCybernetics,

AutomaticControlsection)-SouthWestBohemia(CZ) • UpperAustriaUniversityofAppliedSciencesResearch&Development–UpperAustria(A)COMPANIES • FOCALMeditechB.V.–NorthBrabant(NL) • Fitland-NorthBrabant(NL) • ZuidzorgFoundation-NorthBrabant(NL) • CityHospitalPilsen,PRIVAMEDInc.–SouthWestBohemia(CZ)

CONTACT Fontys University of Applied Sciences, Mr. johan Vlugter, E: j.vlugter@fontys.nl

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Eight subprojects will execute and implement regional pilots across the six regions involved.

SUBPROjECT - PICKFIBERPLATFORM FOR INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE KNOWLEDGE ON FOOD IMPROVEMENT, BASED ON ECOLOGICAL RESOURCES

PICKFIBER is an international platform of experts on the development, testing and data managing of novel food components based on ecological/organic fibers with specific properties to fight obesity and associated conditions.

MAIN OBjECTIVE To produce a reference scientific handbook for the scientific advisors of the European Safety Food Authority and innovative agro-food companies.

ACTIVITY The expert platform will consist of protocols for the evaluation of ecological/organic sources for food components with high hydration, satiety and signalling properties. It also consists of a guideline of laboratory and clinical protocols for Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) in health-related properties of foods containing fibers from ecological/biological products. The guideline will establish the appropriate in-vitro and in-vivo assays to scientifically validate the effects on health of possible bioactive component candidates. Within the GCP a pilot-testing environment with obese patients will be created to serve research institutes and companies in getting better claims for the products. Last but not least an e-knowledge base, stucturing and managing data from different sources with the purpose of supporting the analysis and quantification of the effects of health food(ingredients) on the subject state. The expert platform will also disseminate the outcomes and make them available to local food companies, food producers and laboratories.

LEADPARTICIPANT • UniversityofLleida(Nutren-Nutrigenomics)–Catalonia(ES)PARTICIPANTS • EstonianUniversityofLifeSciences–Tartu(EST) • BrabantDevelopmentAgency(BOM)–NorthBrabant(NL) • InstituteofMolecularBioimagingandPhysiology–CNR–Lombardy(I) • InstituteforConstructionTechnologies–Lombardy(I) • PolitecnicodiMilano(departmentofbioengineering)–Lombardy(I) • LaSelvaCounty-Catalonia(ES) • UniversityofSouthBohemia(InstituteofPhysicalBiology)–SouthWestBohemia(CZ)COMPANY • DSMedicas.r.l.–Lombardy(I)

CONTACT University of Lleida – Catalonia, Mr. David De Lorenzo, E: david.delorenzo@cmb.udl.cat 9Eight subprojects will execute and implement regional pilots across the six regions involved.

SUBPROjECT - ROBO M.D.HOME CARE ROBOT FOR MONITORING AND DETECTION OF CRITICAL SITUATIONS

ROBO M.D. is a home care robot which monitors and detects critical situations which need prompt medical attention for eldery people or people with cardiovascular diseases.

MAIN OBjECTIVES • Toincreasepatients’servicesviawirelessICTtechnology • Toofferaservicetooltobeneficiaries • TohelptodecreasethecostofregionalhomecaresystemsACTIVITY The participants will investigate by interaction with its targeted benificiaries, the best results of

remote care for patients and public and private organizations and operators. ROBO M.D. favours the exchange of experience, putting together groups with different expertise e.g. combining specialists in physiological modelling, medical and clinical expertise, human pattern recognition, statistical data analysis and prototype building.

LEADPARTICIPANT • JohannesKeplerUniversity(Institutefordesignandcontrolofmechatronicalsystems)–Upper Austria (A)

PARTICIPANTS • InstituteofElectronic,InformationandCommunicationTechnologies(IEIIT)MilanoBranch(MI) – Lombardy (I)

• FontysUniversityofAppliedSciences–NorthBrabant(NL) • UniversityofSouthBohemiaCB(Pedagogicalfaculty,departmentofPhysics)–SouthWest

Bohemia(CZ) • UniversityofTartu(Bioinformatics,AlgorithmicsandDataMiningGroup,departmentof

Computer Sciences) - Tartu (EST)

CONTACT johannes Kepler University, Mr. Harald Kirchsteiger, E: harald.kirchsteiger@jku.at

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By means of interregional cooperation, Innovation 4 Welfare builds new coalitions of economic and social actors and will, by doing so, renew the regional policy agendas.

SUBPROjECT - TIAMTOOLKITSFORHAZARDIDENTIFICATION,RISKASSESSMENTANDPREVENTIONOFWORKRELATEDMUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS

The TIAM project aims to develop a tookit to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The toolkit will contain guidelines, information on processes, checklists and templates for the purpose of hazard identification and risk assessment of WMSDs and injuries.

MAIN OBjECTIVES • Tocollateexistingtoolsandmethods,succesfulexperiences,innovationsandgoodpracticesof ergonomic interventions

• Toimprovetoolsandmethods,guidelines,checklistsandtemplatesforhazardidentificationand risk assessment by adapting and applying them to new applications

• Todeveloptoolkitsbasedonacollaborativeplatformforhazardidentificationandriskassessment for WMSDs and injury prevention

• Todisseminateimprovedtoolkitsthroughaspecialwebsiteinordertopromotebestpracticesin WMSDs and injury prevention

• Toproduceareportwithrecommendationsforlocalandregionalauthoritiesonhowtostimulate good practices in WMSDs prevention

ACTIVITY A WMDS toolkit will be developed with - besides tools and methods - guidelines, an overview of processes, checklists and templates for the purpose of hazard identification and risk assesment of WMSDs and injuries. Combined with the toolkit guidelines, the use of templates will ensure that a procedure is complete and that key activities in the process are completed correctly. Good practices and succesful experiences and innovations in WMSDs prevention will be collated and uploaded onto a website for sharing knowledge and promoting good practices in WMSDs prevention.

LEADPARTICIPANT • ResearchCentreforCorporateInnovation(CERPIE)-UPCBarcelonaTech-Catalonia(ES)PARTICIPANTS • FoundationIRCCS“MajorHospital”PoliclinicoMangiagalliReginaElena–Lombardy(I) • UniversityofWestBohemia(Newtechnologies–ResearchCentre)–SouthWestBohemia(CZ) • TechnologyCenterPERG–UpperAustria(A) • UniversityofTallinn(DepartmentofWorkEnvironmentandSafety/InstituteofBusiness Administration, Faculty of Economics/Laboratory of Ergonomics) – Tartu (EST)

CONTACT Technical University of Catalonia, Mr. Enrique Álvarez, E: enrique.alvarez@upc.edu 11By means of interregional cooperation, Innovation 4 Welfare builds new coalitions of economic and social actors and will, by doing so, renew the regional policy agendas.

Contact CATALONIA ACC1Ó Mariona Sanz, msanza@cidem.gencat.cat Phone: +34 93 476 7210LOMBARDY CESTEC S.p.A. - Centro per lo sviluppo

tecnologico, l’energia e la competitività delle piccole e medie imprese lombarde

Silvia Corbetta, corbetta@cestec.it Phone: +39 02 66737320.NORTH BRABANT Province of Noord-Brabant Lieke van Alphen, lvalphen@brabant.nl Phone: +31 73 680 88 52SOUTH WEST BOHEMIA Regional Development Agency of South

Bohemia RERA Nad’a Eiblová, eiblova@rera.cz Phone: +420 386 720 858UPPER AUSTRIA TMG – Upper Austrian Technology and

Marketing Company Herbert Reitmann, herbert.reitmann@tmg.at Phone: +43 732 79810 5045TARTU Tartu Science Park Seren Eilmann, seren.eilmann@sciencepark.ee Phone: +372 7475455

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DISCLAIMER The content of this brochure reflects the author’s views. The managing authority is not liable for any use that may be made of the information contained herin.

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