How can you use technology for issues in healthcare, welfare and Social Support Act? This question was the focus of Meeting the Market on 4 February. 50 entrepreneurs, care partners and employees of the municipality of The Hague brainstormed together about the use of technology to tackle current challenges in the social domain. A unique and successful meeting that leaves you wanting more.

From encounter to collaboration

During Meeting the Market, unique conversations arose between the tech sector (entrepreneurs) and the social domain (care partners and social domain officials). That is exactly why the municipality of The Hague has organized this edition of Meeting the Market.

The social domain and the tech sector still meet too little. While they desperately need each other. The social domain needs the tech sector to solve challenges in care, welfare and Wmo; the tech sector needs the social domain to properly tailor products to customer needs. With Meeting the Market, the first step towards more cooperation has been taken.

Concrete issues

In interactive sessions, the participants discussed technological solutions for a concrete issue from the social domain. What exactly does the issue entail? What problem do we want to solve? How do I view it from my field of expertise? What opportunities do we see? In all sessions an open exchange of views and a lively discussion ensued. There were 4 issues on the table:

What is the best way to give parents with a (youth) request for help access to the municipality?
How can we make public buildings more accessible and welcoming to people with disabilities?
How do we reduce the language barrier between client and professional, from the first personal contact?
How can residents of The Hague experience what care technology at home can mean for them without visiting the iZi experience home?

Innovative ideas

The sessions led to a rich harvest of inspiring and innovative ideas. A nice mix of technological and non-technological solutions, such as a digital platform, a chatbot, a translation app, software with AI or the use of an ambassador.

It was clear from all sessions that:

the needs of users must always be central
technology should not lead to stigmatization
solutions must contribute to people's self-reliance
tailor-made offer is needed for different target groups

Questions (v) hour

Meeting the Market concluded with a Q&A hour. Entrepreneurs and care partners put their own burning questions to the municipality. They loved doing this! A number of insights were confirmed:

Innovation is not optional, but a pure necessity to keep care and welfare feasible and affordable.
Technological innovation is not an end in itself, but a means to support professionals in their work and in mutual cooperation.
Innovation in the social domain can only come about through cooperation between care providers, entrepreneurs and the municipality.
The municipality must facilitate and stimulate innovation through regulations, tendering procedures and financing instruments.

And now on!

The participants of Meeting the Market indicate that they have experienced the digital event as very positive and more than 80% of the participants have indicated that they want to participate again in a next edition. The municipality will continue its efforts to connect the tech sector and the social domain. Keep the municipal social media channels and our website www.technologievoorthuis.nl Stay tuned to stay tuned for what else we have in store!