RSU joins the programme of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology

Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) participated in the Health Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS) contest hosted by The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and has become its representative in Latvia (EIT Health Hub Latvia).

The main goal of the EIT Health Regional Innovation Scheme is to promote the development of the healthcare system and increase its capacity in different regions of Europe. It is based on the knowledge triangle elements: a close link between education, research and innovations. There are already 14 EIT representative offices in Europe. This year, RSU joined this programme together with the University of Zagreb (Croatia) and DEX Innovation Centre (Czech Republic).

Within the framework of the Regional Innovation Scheme, RSU will have to promote an innovative healthcare environment in Latvia, engaging partners from different areas. Participation in this European network will allow to use EIT services, programmes and experience. 

RSU has been participating in various EIT activities since the first month. A summit meeting of EIT representatives took place on 5 and 6 December in Lodz, Poland. There, the Director of the RSU International Department Baiba Pētersone introduced European colleagues with the role of RSU in the healthcare system of Latvia.

"Participation in this programme will bring RSU vast opportunities. Firstly, it will allow the university to strengthen its role as an innovation agent in the healthcare system of Latvia. Secondly, it will grant access to different EIT resources – experience and knowledge, contacts and financial programmes. Thirdly, the university will become a part of a European network that will improve the recognisability of RSU in the field of healthcare innovations," explained B. Pētersone.

This week, RSU, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health and the National Health Service, is organising a series of events related to EIT. The attendants will have an opportunity to get to know about the EIT healthcare programmes, as well as to learn design thinking methodology. Students from different Latvian universities will participate in a hackathon, the goal of which is to solve healthcare-related problems.

The EIT initiative is supported by the European Commission. In addition to healthcare, EIT is also promoting innovations in other areas: climate change, digitalisation, energy, nutrition, etc. 

Participation of RSU in EIT activities is organised by the Institute of Public Health, International Department and the Science Administration.