Therme & The University of Glasgow Global Wellbeing Centre of Excellence (WellEx), Feasibility Study

Acur, N. , Carbajal Pina, C. and Padmanabhan, S. (2022) Therme & The University of Glasgow Global Wellbeing Centre of Excellence (WellEx), Feasibility Study. Project Report. Founded by The Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund- Interface (Project Number is 318334-02), University of Glasgow and Therme Group.

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Abstract

Executive summary: This report assesses the practicality of establishing a Global Wellbeing Centre of Excellence (WellEx) in a collaboration between Therme Group and the University of Glasgow. WellEx is an ambitious initiative to produce state-of-the-art collaborative research, knowledge exchange and impact in the field of wellbeing. The WellEx will bring together the insights and expertise of Therme Group, a leading developer of wellbeing resorts with a social mission to make wellbeing accessible to all, and the University of Glasgow, a global leader in research into population health and community wellbeing, wellbeing technologies, and innovation, to co-create new, actionable insights into what works to improve wellbeing outcomes. The WellEx will combine research, practice and stakeholder engagement to deliver sustained and inclusive growth and wellbeing. In Glasgow, WellEx will benefit from well-developed partnerships with national, regional and local governments, third sector organisations, and local community partners within a national context in Scotland where public health and wellbeing are primary policy priorities. The insights developed in this study considered three sources of data to understand stakeholders’ perspectives and interests. First, we interviewed key informants from the University, Therme, and local communities. Second, we thoroughly analysed published documentation regarding the economic and wellbeing strategies of the national (Scottish Government) and local (Glasgow City Council) levels of government and also UK goverment. Finally, we presided over a consultation forum where the preliminary findings were presented to the key stakeholders to develop the next steps in bringing the WellEx to life. This study identified and documented key stakeholders’ motivations, needs, and challenges following the Quadruple Helix Innovation Model (Academia, Industry, Government, and Civil Society). It identified and explored potential avenues for collaboration where the stakeholders’ interests align. The result is the characterisation of the proposed model for the WellEx, detailing its scope, objectives, and potential outcomes. Then, the study moved to WellEx’s economic projections and expected impact. The final section explores a few relevant challenges and risks that need to be considered for the successful development of the WellEx, and the proposed next steps to engage critical stakeholders, secure funding, and define milestones. Our recommendations in the first instance are to: · Progress Innovation Scouting to bring together stakeholders from all groups, including communities, for initial dialogue to co-identify existing gaps, challenges and opportunities, refining the initial suggestions set out in this report. · Develop a full WellEx business case, highlighting mission, vision, objectives, and governance; · Commence the co-development of the WellEx mission and ecosystem strategy to create an executable WellEx ecosystem engagement plan. · To progress an application to the BEIS Innovation Accelerator programme. This document is divided into five sections. The first section (key stakeholders) briefly introduces the partners leading the collaboration to establish WellEx and the key stakeholders from the government, public sector, and civil society. The second section (The UK & Scottish Policy Context for Wellbeing) offers an overview of relevant wellbeing policies and strategies in the UK and Scotland, where WellEx is expected to be established. The third section (Alignment) describes the alignment between the interests of Therme Group and the capabilities of the University of Glasgow to deliver WellEx. The fourth section (The Global Wellbeing Centre of Excellence) provides further details on the operation, governance, and funding for WellEx. And finally, the last section (Next steps) provides a short and long term roadmap toward establishing WellEx.

Item Type:Research Reports or Papers (Project Report)
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Padmanabhan, Professor Sandosh and Carbajal Pina, Dr Carlos and Acur, Professor Nuran
Authors: Acur, N., Carbajal Pina, C., and Padmanabhan, S.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
College of Social Sciences
College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School
Publisher:Founded by The Scottish Inward Investment Catalyst Fund- Interface (Project Number is 318334-02), University of Glasgow and Therme Group

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