Occupational Medicine & Health Affairs
Open Access

Abstract

In this research program we critically scrutinized an innovation system for innovation in occupational health and safety, which is an area with large external cost to society. The principles of action research were followed in that the researchers both participated in and observed the process. Data collection took place continuously from the presentation of an idea to the launch of a safety product on the market. The aim was to measure the flow of activities and the results of counseling and financial support, and to assess the commercial and health-economic effects.Our underlying supposition that a synthetic problem-solving style would be well suited to work-environment-related innovation was confirmed in the study. After 2-6 years, 134 initial ideas from the period 2000-2004 and 1.8 million SEK in innovation support had resulted in 14 product innovations on the market, which in 2008 had gross sales of 59 million SEK. Further, 30 new jobs had been created. During the period of the prospective study a further 37 ideas emanated from the specialized system, of which nine were out on the market after 2-3 years. Against the background of the high work-environment costs of social insurance and healthcare, the health-economic analysis showed that a reduction in injuries and ergonomic health problems of one percent is equivalent to a saving to society of 80 million SEK.We therefore regard the setting-up of a publicly supported innovation arena in accordance with the suggested criteria � in collaboration between researchers, inventors and market players � as well justified.

Biography

Email: roland@ergotechdesign.se