Collaboration hub; enchancing the knowledge transfer in GoCo health innovation city

Abstract

This thesis explores the convergence of healthcare architecture, knowledge exchange, and participatory design within the innovative ecosystem of GoCo Health Innovation City in Mölndal, Sweden. It specifically addresses the necessity and potential form of a healthcare facility integrated with a collaborative hub for education and innovation on the GoCo site. The primary research question investigates the requirements for such a facility, focusing on its design, functionalities, and the role it plays in facilitating knowledge transfer among clinicians, academics, and industry professionals. Through the lens of knowledge creation and inter-organizational collaboration, alongside principles of participatory design in healthcare, this study examines how architecture can bridge gaps between different professional groups and enhance their egnagement. The research methodology incorporates spatial analysis of the GoCo and surrounding Gothenburg area, considering accessibility to existing medical facilities, transportation, and architectural functions, such as the neighbouring housing and home for elderly, offices, clinics and laboratories. this part also includes interviews with GoCo partners, healthcare workers, researchers, and students to assess current and anticipated needs, exploring ways to integrate academia and public healthcare into the industry-driven environment at GoCo. This approach ensures that the proposed facility not only meets industry preferences but also takes into the consideration entirety of the triple helix environment. Conclusions from the interview with GoCo partners were that they need a place to test their medical products in cooperation with patients and public healthcare sector. The conversations with the researchers and students gave the idea for the space in which they could collaborate and get to know startups, current trends within the industry and see the medical products and devices. The outcome of the design part is a primary health center - a basic function that is heavily related to the neighbouring housing area, elderly housing, and that answers GoCo founders needs for testing their medical products in dialogue with doctors and patients. Conclusions fom the dialogue with researchers and students is conveyed into the form of a Collaboration Hub - knowledge-sharing facility adjecent to the primary health centre, host activities such as workshops and lectures between patients, industry, medical professionals and university students, which can result in an increase in exchange of knowledge and human potential.