Open innovation led to the ToDej app

Between 2017 and 2023, Skellefteå Science City, Piteå Science Park and RISE jointly ran the Intersective Innovation project. The goal was to strengthen innovation capacity in northern Sweden through open innovation. Instead of each organisation developing solutions independently, companies, users, researchers and public sector actors were invited to collaborate.

“For us, the key was and still is the power of diverse perspectives. We also wanted to bring large companies’ approaches to innovation and make them accessible to smaller businesses in our region,” says Anna Marklund, Business Development Manager at Skellefteå Science City.

Users at the centre

When Skellefteå Municipality’s Support and Services department connected with Skellefteå Science City, they had already been in dialogue with people living with cognitive disabilities. There was a shared desire to live more independently with the help of digital tools.

“We saw enormous curiosity within the target group. Everyone from people receiving round the clock personal assistance to those living more independently wanted to understand how technology could support them in everyday life,” says Carina Norman, Development Manager at Skellefteå Municipality.

The challenge was clear. There was no ready made solution available on the market. It was also uncertain how the municipality should proceed, as traditional procurement methods were not sufficient.

The solution was a two day workshop in spring 2018, organised by Skellefteå Science City and RISE. Participants included individuals from the target group, their support staff, researchers, municipal representatives and seven local IT companies. Here, users were invited to act as experts and share their needs directly.

“We wanted every voice to be heard and for users to participate on their own terms. It was incredible to see how they stretched their abilities to contribute as much as possible. These meetings remain some of the most memorable moments of my professional life,” says Carina Norman.

From workshop to five prototypes

During two intensive days, ideas, needs and solutions began to take shape. The users themselves prioritised which functions would create the greatest value. Developers assessed what was technically and commercially feasible.

The process generated more than 120 ideas, five prototypes and a solid foundation for an innovation friendly functional procurement.

With this groundwork in place, the municipality was able to approach the market for ideas and input ahead of an innovative procurement process. The response was overwhelming.

Transforming both daily life and ways of working

In 2019, agreements were signed, and in January 2020 the first version of ToDej was launched. The app helps users plan their day, create structure and track their wellbeing.

For Skellefteå Municipality, the journey was just as valuable as the final product. The project has reshaped how the municipality views procurement, innovation and citizen engagement.

“We have learned a great deal. About the power of open innovation, about using Requests for Information as a tool, and about the importance of working closely with both the target group and suppliers throughout the entire process,” says Carina Norman.

Skellefteå Science City contributed both as a strategic partner and as hands on support throughout the project. By creating meeting spaces and leading the process, they enabled the municipality to realise an idea without having to manage the entire innovation journey alone.

“Opening up and sharing is the foundation of open innovation. This case shows that it works, even in the public sector. For us, the greatest value was seeing the target group placed at the centre of digitalisation as active experts rather than passive recipients,” says Anna Marklund.