Sport & Health IQ Mehtimäki - Smart Data, Competitive Edge and Impact on the Field

In the Sport & Health IQ Mehtimäki group project, the development platform built in the previous Mehtimäki project will be taken to the next stage by creating a permanent and impactful operating model for RDI (Research, Development and Innovation) activities in sports, physical activity, and rehabilitation at Mehtimäki in Joensuu. The project integrates research, education, technology, competence development, and business. The aim is to activate and strengthen the RDI stakeholder network formed in the area, systematically supporting the utilization of expertise and the development of new solutions based on regional strengths.

The project brings together providers of coaching and expert services, companies in the sports and wellbeing sector, sports clubs, as well as research and educational institutions. The objective is to strengthen and leverage an impactful competence community and development platform that generates new expertise, services, and business. The project builds on and continues the development platform and partnerships created in the Mehtimäki Wellbeing and Sports Testing Center project.

The project supports the City of Joensuu’s Strategy 2025–2030 and the shared objectives of the Liikkuva Joensuu network, particularly from the perspectives of regional vitality and sporting success. It contributes to the Renewing and Skilled Finland 2021–2027 programme and the Innovative Finland priority axis 1.1. The project also supports the implementation of North Karelia’s Smart Specialisation Strategy through practical RDI activities.

As a result of the project, a shared and systematic operating model will be implemented for the sports, physical activity, and rehabilitation RDI community operating at Mehtimäki, guiding and supporting joint RDI activities among stakeholders. Development themes identified in previous projects—based on strengths, development needs, and potential—will be implemented through RDI pilot projects.

Through the transfer of expertise and research knowledge and through networking, the project strengthens regional competence and innovation capacity. The RDI pilots carried out in the project support the development of processes based on research evidence and proven knowledge. The project introduces and develops new co-creation practices, operating models, and tools, including a new impact assessment tool.

The RDI competence of regional stakeholders and their capacity to utilize research knowledge and technology will improve. Through pilots and the transfer of expertise, the project supports the development of services and business activities. The project strengthens data-driven decision-making by developing models for data management and sharing, anonymised data management processes, and impact monitoring.