Imagine a world where new medical robots reach the patients who need them more quickly. A world where ideas are not lost at national borders, and where researchers, hospitals and companies work together as a single community. This is the vision behind Trans-Belt MRC.
The project builds a bridge between Denmark and Germany to facilitate the development and testing of medical robots. Although our two countries are similar, differences in working practices, regulations and culture can slow down good ideas. This is where Trans-Belt MRC creates a shortcut. We are pooling our resources in a joint innovation hub with strong centres in Odense and Lübeck – places where some of the best experts and state-of-the-art testing facilities are already located.
In this innovation hub, companies can work closely with researchers and hospitals. They gain access to realistic testing environments where robots can be tested, further developed and made safer for staff and patients. The aim is to bring better solutions into practice more quickly.
The project also examines why some innovations pass through the system smoothly, whilst others get bogged down. Two specific case studies help us to understand the barriers – one where the technology is almost ready for deployment, and one where the idea is still at an early stage. The findings are compiled as ‘best practices’ that businesses across the region can put to immediate use.
These challenges require a joint initiative across the border – and together, the Trans-Belt region can strengthen its innovative capacity, create new opportunities for businesses and ensure better services for citizens in both countries.
The project aims to achieve the following outcomes:
