In the ever-evolving landscape of global health and biotechnology, collaboration and knowledge exchange play an important role in fostering innovation. The BRIGHT project, an initiative aimed at promoting cross-border collaboration in the fields of eHealth, health, and biotech, embarked on a series of Cluster Study Visits across Europe. The project highlighted the vibrant ecosystems in Estonia, Sweden, the UK, Spain, and France, showcasing the diverse expertise and innovative spirit that defines each region.
August 2022: Estonia - Tartu
The BRIGHT project kicked off its Cluster Study Visits in Estonia, immersing participants in the dynamic Tartu ecosystem. Estonia is renowned for its advanced eHealth infrastructure, and participants had the opportunity to explore the local health and biotech scene. Meetings with entrepreneurs in the eHealth and health tech sectors, as well as local government representatives, provided valuable insights. Networking activities within the sTARTUp Day 2022 festival program facilitated connections and collaborations, setting the stage for the journey ahead.
October 2022: Sweden - Uppsala
The journey continued to Uppsala, Sweden, where the focus shifted to academia and industry collaboration. Participants familiarized themselves with the Uppsala ecosystem, exploring opportunities for partnerships and collaborations. Uppsala LIFE 2022 served as a platform for introducing the BRIGHT project to a large audience, fostering networking, and uncovering potential collaboration opportunities that span borders.
January 2023: UK - London
As the BRIGHT project made its way to the UK, London became the hub for exploring the complex digital health ecosystem. Participants delved into the intricacies of the UK's health and biotech sector, taking into consideration the impact of Brexit on life sciences. The visit provided a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the UK's innovative landscape.
February 2023: Spain - Barcelona
The collaboration took centre stage as BRIGHT joined forces with other projects, including ClusterXchange with Ukrainian Clusters, during the visit to Barcelona, Spain. The presentation of the BioRegion Report 2022 and participation in the Barcelona Health Innovation Week underscored the commitment to knowledge sharing and global collaboration. The visit showcased the rich tapestry of the Spanish health and biotech ecosystem.
March 2023: France - Lille
The final leg of the Cluster Study Visits brought the BRIGHT project to Lille, France, offering participants an introduction to the functioning and dynamics of the local ecosystem. Visits to laboratories, meetings with researchers, and engagement with companies of Eurasanté enhanced the understanding of the diverse facets of the French health and biotech landscape.
Key Outcomes
The BRIGHT Cluster Study Visits provided participants with a number of experiences and insights, contributing to the overall goals of the project:
Best Practices in Cluster Management: The visits promoted the exchange of best practices in cluster management, facilitating the sharing of successful strategies for fostering innovation and collaboration.
Knowledge Transfer and Networking: The study visits served as platforms for extensive knowledge transfer and networking, fostering collaborations that transcend geographical boundaries and contribute to the global advancement of health and biotechnology.
Alignment with Digital Transformation Goals: The experiences garnered during the Cluster Study Visits aligned with the digital transformation goals of the BRIGHT project, ensuring that innovative technologies and approaches are integrated into the cluster development process.
Conclusion
The BRIGHT project's Cluster Study Visits provided a unique opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the vibrant health and biotech ecosystems of Estonia, Sweden, the UK, Spain, and France. Through collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and networking, the project has contributed to the advancement of cluster management practices and the promotion of innovation across borders. The experiences gained will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the participants and further strengthen the foundation for future cross-border collaborations in the dynamic fields of eHealth, health, and biotechnology.