Introduction, evaluation and implementation of health-associated technologies into municipalities : A situation analysis targeting municipalities, companies and end-users’ perspectives in Sweden

Abstract: Research questions: I: What are the key steps to introduce, evaluate and implement health-associated technologies into different Swedish municipalities? II: Which are the main challenges and opportunities to introduce, evaluate and implement health-associated technologies into different Swedish municipalities? Purpose: The aim of the project has been to conduct a situation analysis on how different Swedish municipalities introduce, evaluate and implement existing health-associated technologies into their organization. To conduct this study, key steps and main challenges in these processes have been identified by interviewing different stakeholders involved from the public and private sector as well as end users. Methodology: This master thesis is an abductive case study. Primary data has been collected through interviews and internal documents from organizations. Secondary data collection was collected through research papers and literature review. Findings: The main findings of this study show that regarding the introduction procedure some municipalities are further in the process of developing formal procedures for organizations and end users to approach them with their products or needs. The evaluation as part of the procurement process has been considered a big obstacle for the three stakeholders groups interviewed since the criteria established doesn’t consider the different aspect of the technology as its value to the municipality and end user. Implementation procedures do not exist and were not under development from any of the three municipalities interviewed. Keywords: Innovation process, municipalities, healthcare, technology, public sector, private sector, end-users.