Responsible diffusion of digital healthcare innovation

Abstract

Digital healthcare is an area, which is opening up for business opportunities. However, there has been a lot of research here from a long time. The involvement of stakeholders in the innovation process is increasing and with this situation, the diffusion of such healthcare innovation in market is evolving. To explain the effect of stakeholder’s involvement in the innovation process on the diffusion of innovation in market, this research is organized. The master thesis aims to answer the research question “ how a digital healthcare innovation can be diffused responsibly in Norway”. In order to answer this main questions, three main questions are answered by the innovation study, market study and business plan. To elaborate the study, a case of digital healthcare innovation “Helseboka” is utilized in this thesis. Helseboka is a mobile application that provides a holistic package of advance communication, data access and sharing and management features for patients and healthcare providers. This application is currently developed in Norway and passed the high procurement standards. The idea of the application initiated from the owners that are practicing doctors when they realized the problem of patients follow-up and communication gap between patients and doctors. The initiators have the vision to enable patients and doctors work as a team. The idea developed with the help of innovation Norway and the innovation process of this application matches the process of responsible research innovation. Thus, this case suited the context of research question and utilized further in this thesis. The thesis consists of four chapters: introduction, innovation study, market study and business plan. Research question is presented in the introduction chapter; the theoretical frameworks and methodology that are utilized to answer the research question are explained in this chapter. The innovation study aims to define the innovative position and its impact on the healthcare system of Norway that is crucial for the next chapter, market study. The possible potential customers, competitors and market opportunities are discussed in the market study chapter by analyzing the internal and external environment of the selected project. A possible marketing strategy that comprises marketing objectives and activities is developed to ensure the responsible diffusion of Helseboka in Norway and international market. Finally the last part, business plan that includes business model, financial and project plans elaborates the business decisions comprehensively to ensure the successful launch and diffusion of Helseboka in Norway and international market.