Duration: 01.12.2024 – 31.05.2028

Total budget: €5,009,480

Total ERDF budget allocated: €4,007,584

EU Cohesion Policy objective: Bringing Europe closer to citizens

Project Description:

Priority: Harnessing Talent in Cities with Declining Population

The CARE-GET project aims to transform Haskovo into a hub for healthcare, wellness and innovation, addressing key challenges such as population decline, youth unemployment and the lack of skilled professionals.

The project lays the foundations for an ecosystem where talent is developed, businesses grow and healthcare services are improved by leveraging the city’s existing strengths in culture, education and the medical sector.

The project is establishing a MedTech Hub that integrates healthcare, digitalisation and education. This hub will improve access to healthcare, especially in rural areas, through telemedicine and wellness services. It also provides a co-working space for professionals, students and entrepreneurs to drive innovation.

In addition, specially designed training programs will align education with industry needs, ensuring that people acquire essential skills in healthcare and digitalization. The project will also foster start-ups by providing mentoring, digital tools and business incubation support.

CARE-GET foresees a comprehensive analysis of the labor market in Haskovo to develop strategies to address local gaps in workforce development. Initiatives will be implemented that align education with industry needs and support start-ups through digital transformation. The MedTech Hub provides an opportunity to pilot test innovative healthcare solutions, wellness services and nature-based approaches.

Key Challenges

Haskovo faces significant challenges, including population decline, youth unemployment and a lack of skilled labor due to brain drain and limited job opportunities. These issues are leading to an aging population and increased pressure on the healthcare system. The mismatch between the skills of the workforce and the needs of the labor market is hindering local economic growth. It is essential to address these challenges to revitalize the city’s economy and improve the quality of life.

– Population decline and brain drain: Young people are leaving Haskovo due to limited education and employment opportunities, leading to an aging population and a shrinking workforce, putting pressure on healthcare and the economy.

– Youth unemployment and skills shortages: Young people in Haskovo are struggling to find jobs that match their skills. The mismatch between the skills of the workforce and market demands is hindering sustainable employment and economic growth.

– Access to healthcare and skills shortages: An aging population is increasing the demand for healthcare services, while the lack of qualified healthcare professionals is limiting the ability of local authorities to meet these needs, especially in rural areas.

Proposed solutions from the project:

The CARE-GET project offers a comprehensive solution by establishing a MedTech Hub in Haskovo. This hub integrates healthcare, digital innovation and education to address the workforce shortage, improve healthcare services and stimulate local economic growth. By offering specialized training, telemedicine services, and support for start-ups, CARE-GET helps the city attract, retain, and develop talent, while promoting sustainable development in both urban and rural areas.

– Creation of a MedTech Hub and Wellness Center in the former orphanage: With wellness services and a digital corner for telemedicine, the hub encourages collaboration between professionals and students to drive innovation in healthcare and improve access to services.

– Digital skills and training programs: Specially designed training programs align education with industry needs, providing skills in digital healthcare and technology, preparing young professionals for the labor market.

– Business incubation and support for start-ups: By offering mentoring, digital tools and business incubation support, the project supports start-ups in healthcare and technology, stimulates local entrepreneurship and creates new opportunities for young innovators.

Project stages

Implementation of telemedicine

01 – 31 August 2027

Personal telemedicine devices and stations will be installed at key locations in various villages in Haskovo Municipality.

Renovation of the former orphanage (future MedTech Hub)

deadline: 01 – 30 September 2027

The main investment will be directed towards the transformation of the former orphanage into a MedTech Hub.

Business Plan for MedTech Hub

Deadline: 01 – 31 October 2027

The plan will provide a roadmap for the success and sustainability of the hub.

Creating a community of startups in the MedTech sector

Deadline: 01 – 30 November 2027

Creating a dynamic network of entrepreneurs and innovators in the field of healthcare technologies.

Partnership

Lead Partner: Municipality of Haskovo, Bulgaria

Transfer Partners:

Transfer Partners are local authorities that join the EUI-Innovative Action project to monitor and learn from the project experience. Their main goal is to improve the adaptability of the project solutions to different urban contexts within the EU. They play a key role in facilitating the exchange of knowledge between European cities and promoting innovation. Transfer partners are from different EU Member States, other than the country of the main partner, and are involved during the implementation of the project. Each project usually involves three such partners. Their participation is essential to ensure that the innovative solutions of the project are effectively adaptable and applicable in different contexts within the EU.

Transfer Partner 1 – Municipality of Druskininkai, Lithuania

Transfer Partner 2 – Municipality of Komotini, Greece

Transfer Partner 3 – Municipality of Siena, Italy

Project Implementing Partners:

Implementing partners are organisations selected for their expertise and experience to help design and implement specific parts of the project. Their role is to carry out specific tasks, produce results and manage part of the project budget. They are essential to bring knowledge and skills that increase the overall value of the project.

In the CARE-GET project they are:

– URBASOFIA

– Bulgarian Economic Forum

– LIP TRADE OOD

– Thracian University – Stara Zagora

– Haskovo Hospital

– Alliance for Regional Cooperation and Development