The recently established eHealth Innovation Center (EIC) aims to encourage the emergence and growth of innovation in the ehealth sector and to become a common platform for related activities which are essential for regional business development.

Founded by the Norrbotten County Council (the northernmost part of Sweden), the Luleå University of Technology (LUT) and the municipalities of Luleå, Boden, and Piteå, the EIC is a link among the scientific community, the society and the economic players of the area. "The centre will be an important asset for research and business development in the health services sector in the county council and the municipalities" said the director of the Norrbotten County Council, Mrs. Elisabeth Holmgren.

The idea behind this initiative is to create an internationally leading research environment for research on home-based healthcare at the LUT; it will thus benefit the patients, the healthcare providers and the businesses in the region, by coordinating applied research in the ehealth field (preventive and patient-focused healthcare) and thus enhance the development of the economy.

The EIC will give the health care providers the opportunity to improve their ability to deliver good care to patients and make it possible for businesses to develop systems and services in the field of ehealth. Furthermore, it creates an attractive environment for researchers as well as for highly specialised personnel in the health care sector.

Mr. Johan Sterte, the Vice-Chancellor of the LUT added: "I am glad we managed to develop cooperation in the region, where our research will be of a real benefit to society, patients, healthcare providers and businesses."

 Further information:

• Original News Article - LuleÃ¥ University of Technology (in Swedish)
• Additional Information on the eHealth Innovation Center (EIC)
• Norrbotten County Council (in Swedish)