On May 13, Work Package 4 took the next step in defining the circular healthcare ecosystem through a co-creation process. Building on the key stakeholders identified during the session of 11 February, they explored their roles, activities, and characteristics, as well as what they would need to successfully transition to a circular ecosystem.

A particular focus was placed on the issue of data exchange, such as the importance of being able to track product usage throughout their lifecycle, along with their environmental impacts across all stakeholders in the hospital supply chain. This traceability would not only enhance transparency but also empower stakeholders to make more responsible and informed decisions.

In addition to these practical considerations, the session also raised a fundamental philosophical question: 

Are we still thinking within the boundaries of the existing paradigm, or is a completely new way of thinking required to truly transform the system? 

This reflection challenged all attendees to consider whether incremental changes are enough, or whether systemic innovation demands a deeper shift in mindset, values, and collaboration methods.

To conclude the session, all attendees enjoyed a short tour of the TU Eindhoven Innovation Space. The TU/e Innovation Space is the university’s center of expertise for Challenge-Based Learning (CBL) and student entrepreneurship. It serves as a hub for educational innovation and an open community where students, researchers, industry, and societal organizations come together to exchange knowledge and develop innovative solutions to real-world challenges.