Technology and Collaboration for Humane Care September 24, 2025
Healthcare is under increasing pressure. Due to an aging population, staff shortages, and a rising demand for care, accessibility and quality are at risk. At the same time, technological advancements offer opportunities to organize care in smarter and more human-centered ways. It is from these challenges and opportunities that the national, eight-year research program SPIRIT was born. More than fifty partners — including the Digital Life research group at the Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (HvA) — are joining forces to develop sustainable, practice-oriented solutions that will keep healthcare future-proof and feasible.
The Power of Collaboration
SPIRIT stands for Collaboration for Practice-Based Innovation Research in Regional Infrastructures for Technology. The program is working toward a national infrastructure in which technological and social innovations are sustainably embedded in healthcare. Its strength lies in the combination of technological and social innovation, supported by a broad network of universities of applied sciences, healthcare organizations, and companies.
From Theory to Practice
SPIRIT is developing a shared methodology for design, implementation, and evaluation research. Thanks to a human-centered approach, short development cycles, and close collaboration with healthcare professionals and clients, innovations are better aligned with real-world practice. Students and researchers work directly within care settings to help improve processes and implement new technologies.
The Role of the Digital Life Research Group
The Digital Life research group is one of SPIRIT’s partners. Somaya Ben Allouch, Professor of Digital Life, explains the group’s role:
“At Digital Life, we conduct research into data-driven systems and digital applications that support people’s quality of life. We use creative design methods to uncover the needs, requirements, and wishes of the end user — the person at the center of it all. Our Living Lab Amsterdam serves as a testing ground where we co-design, test, and implement innovations together with healthcare professionals, clients, and companies. This way, we ensure that new technologies not only work but also truly contribute to health and wellbeing.”
Official Launch
On September 23, 2025, the official launch took place during a kick-off meeting for all consortium partners. The program is made possible through funding from the National Taskforce for Practice-Based Research SIA.
Want to Learn More?
Find all information about this project and contact details on the website of lead partner Windesheim.