How Invest4Health transforms care services with sustainable strategies
In an era where healthcare funding faces increasing constraints, the European Union’s Invest4Health (I4H) project is trying to redefine healthcare financing. This Horizon Europe initiative, coordinated by Region Skåne in Sweden, aims to transition from traditional hospital-centric care to a more proactive approach through Smart Capacitating Investment (SCI), fostering sustainable returns and localized benefits. With a total budget of €4,468,658.69, fully funded by the EU, the project brings together 18 participants and partners, including four regional testbeds in Germany, Spain, Sweden, and Wales. These testbeds are designed to challenge traditional methods of financing health promotion and disease prevention, emphasizing community-centered approaches and linking health outcomes to broader economic and social benefits.
A transformative vision
At its core, Invest4Health redefines health as a long-term investment rather than a cost. By introducing innovative strategies such as SCI, social franchising, and new governance mechanisms involving citizens, the project seeks to create sustainable, impactful solutions to health challenges. Over its first 18 months, I4H has laid a solid foundation, focusing on evidence-based practices, community engagement, and the development of scalable business and financial models.ù
The project is structured around five key objectives. First, it focuses on evidence-based framing, leveraging existing research to communicate and implement SCI models effectively. Second, it conducts readiness assessments to prepare regional testbeds for piloting these models, with plans for future expansion. Third, it develops business models compatible with SCI, ensuring alignment with state-of-the-art solutions. Fourth, it tests finance models to create adaptable financial strategies that can scale and replicate successful interventions. Finally, it establishes a collaborative platform for governance, involving local communities to foster equitable healthcare delivery.
Progress and challenges
According to the Mid-Term Workshop Summary Report (December 2024), Invest4Health has made significant strides in its initial phase. The project has successfully engaged communities in its testbeds, developed preliminary SCI frameworks, and initiated pilot programs to assess the feasibility of its models. However, challenges remain, including the complexity of collaborative governance and the limited availability of existing examples to guide implementation.
One of the project’s standout achievements is its emphasis on participatory decision-making. By involving citizens through the Citizen Patient Advisory Group, I4H ensures that its solutions are not only innovative but also equitable and inclusive. This approach has been particularly effective in addressing health disparities and ensuring that vulnerable populations benefit from the project’s initiatives.
In addition to Region Skåne, the project is supported by a consortium of leading organizations. Erasmus Universiteit Rotterdam in the Netherlands brings expertise in health economics and policy analysis, while SINTEF AS in Norway contributes cutting-edge research on innovation and technology. EuroHealthNet, a Belgium-based organization, plays a crucial role in promoting health equity and social inclusion across Europe. Together, these partners are driving the development of SCI models and ensuring their alignment with real-world healthcare needs.
Looking ahead
As Invest4Health enters its next phase, the focus will shift to scaling successful interventions and refining its business and financial models. The project’s Mid-Term Workshop in Brussels marked a pivotal moment, bringing together partners, testbed representatives, and citizen advisors to discuss progress and future directions. The workshop highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and adaptability in achieving the project’s goals.
Invest4Health exemplifies the EU’s commitment to proactive healthcare, blending innovation with community engagement to drive meaningful change. By addressing global health challenges – including those related to climate change and health equity – the project aims to set a new standard for healthcare financing and delivery across Europe and beyond.
