The question of procurement is important in order to give room for new innovations in welfare. In a workshop at Karlstad University, DigitalWell's process manager inspired students to procure digital solutions to create a healthier work environment.
The workshop was a part of the course Procurement of IT systems, and was given to students on the programs IT design and Web developer. DigitalWell's process managers Marika Martin and Malthe Vesström had designed exercises where the students were tasked with designing requirements for a digital solution that encouraged physical activity in a workplace, based on a given scenario, to prevent ill health.
- The public sector in Sweden alone procured 683 billion in 2016. This is a large amount that can be used to influence society in a more sustainable and healthier development. Creating early awareness among students about procurement as a means to drive innovation towards a healthier society is therefore a long-term and important task, says Malthe Vesström, process manager for DigitalWell.
In DigitalWell, the focus is on developing digital solutions that respond to the public sector's challenges in welfare. But innovative and creative user-friendly services for the health society of the future also depend on how controlled a procurement is.
- Open requirements in a procurement create greater opportunities for innovation and new thinking, says Marika Martin, process manager at Digitalwell.
Procurement expert on site
Linda Bergkvist, lecturer in informatics, is the course manager and also one of the researchers who is active within DigitalWell. In previous years, both representatives from business and the public sector have been involved in the aspect of procurement. The set-up with a workshop, where the students had to identify requirements for a digital service for increased physical activity and then reflect on what consequences the requirements have for the procurement, was new for this year.
- The arrangement was largely appreciated by the students, with several stating that they thought it was fun and educational to work with a concrete case connected to procurement, says Linda Bergkvist.
Fredrik Persson Jonhed, procurement officer at Karlstad University, also participated in the workshop to contribute expertise and act as a sounding board. A recurring piece of advice he gave was not to focus too much on solutions in procurement, but instead set requirements that address needs and the desired effect. In this case, better health and reduced sickness absence.
- Having an expert present at the workshop turned out to be very successful, especially as it gave the students the opportunity to get direct feedback on questions about procurement as well as concrete advice on procedures, says Linda Bergkvist.
The regional EU project DigitalWell is a collaboration between Compare, Karlstad Municipality, Region Värmland, Karlstad University, County Council in Dalarna, Region Dalarna, Friskvården in Värmland, Almi and Tieto. The project runs between 2017 – 2019.
