A Recap of the 3-Day Research Event Training: Insights, Learnings, and Collaboration
How can digital technologies enhance human skills in healthcare? This key question guided the recent 3-day research training for the TechConnect project, organized by Mälardalen University (MDU) and held from February 26th to 28th, 2025, in Västerås, Sweden. Bringing together international researchers from Spain, Ireland, Sweden, and the Netherlands, the event marked a pivotal moment in the project’s mission to explore the intersection of advanced digital technologies and human skills in real-world healthcare environments. The training saw the participation of universities such as the Tallaght University Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, and Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, alongside MDU. Together, they aim to develop 12 case studies across four European hospitals, with a focus on Human-Tech Skill Complementarity.
Day 1: Laying the Groundwork
The event opened with an introduction to the project by Professor Anette Hallin and Dr. Christoffer Andersson. Researchers shared their expectations and started building a shared understanding of the research methods, especially ethnographic observations and interviews. Attendees also participated in icebreakers to foster collaboration. A keynote lecture by Professor Attila Bruni highlighted the role of ethnography in studying human-tech integration, setting the stage for the hands-on workshops later in the event.
Day 2: Immersive Learning
Day 2 focused on practical fieldwork preparation. Mr. Christofer Papinski provided insights into the healthcare landscape in Sweden and Europe, while Professor Chris Ivory led a session on studying work and technology. A visit to Västerås Hospital gave attendees a firsthand look at ethnographic research in action, observing healthcare professionals using new technologies in real time. This experience gave researchers valuable insights into how technology impacts workflow and human skills.
Day 3: Wrapping up
The final day was dedicated to planning the next steps of the TechConnect project. Researchers reviewed key takeaways and discussed the fieldwork process for the upcoming case studies. Professor Hallin and Dr. Andersson outlined the next steps and provided a final reflection on the fieldwork in the TechConnect project.
With the training complete, researchers are now conducting on-site studies to observe how healthcare professionals engage with new technologies in real time. The findings will contribute to a Human-Tech Skill Complementarity Index, a Stakeholder Toolkit, and actionable insights to optimize technology adoption across industries.
Key Insights
- Transdisciplinary Approach: Professor Anette Hallin highlighted the need to integrate technology development, HR management, and social sciences. “Our goal is to explore how new tools can truly complement and enhance human skills,” she said.
- Methodological Alignment: Researchers agreed on methodologies like ethnographic observations and technology-in-use analysis to assess technology’s impact on work processes.
- Collaborative Research: The session fostered a collaborative environment, setting the stage for effective fieldwork.
Why It Matters
Automation and AI offer both opportunities and challenges. While they can boost efficiency and healthcare outcomes, poor integration can cause inefficiencies. TechConnect aims to bridge this gap with data-driven solutions that enhance human-tech collaboration.
—
About TechConnect
The TechConnect project aims to deepen the understanding of how advanced digital technologies impact human skills by focusing on Human-Tech Skill Complementarity. Through desk research, industry surveys, and case studies in healthcare, TechConnect explores how human skills and technology interact in real-world contexts. The project develops a systemic framework to address the gap between intended and actual technology use, offering practical guidelines for technology procurement, development, and training. By providing tools to enhance human-tech integration, TechConnect aims to boost productivity and employment across industries, driving greater alignment between technology and human skills.
Stay updated on the project’s progress and learn more about its impact by visiting: https://horizontechconnect.eu/