With ever-increasing complexity of novel health technologies, Health Technology Assessment (HTA) methodologies have been evolving rapidly. However, there is now a lack of harmonization on the methodological needs of HTA bodies against the varied methodologies and tools. There is a need for a solution that allows for continuous dialogue between HTA bodies and academia, a solid, unified base for implementation of fit-for-purpose methodologies and long-term upskilling on HTA expertise. SUSTAIN-HTA aims to upskill the pan-European HTA body workforce and harmonise HTA expertise via a robust education and training framework that ensures continuous uptake of novel, need-based HTA methodologies. Aligned to the methodological developments as part of the new EU HTA regulation, the project will set up a mechanism for dialogues and interaction between HTA bodies and academia to regularly assess HTA-bodies’ needs in parallel with a methods observatory that ensures up-to-date knowledge of latest HTA methods. Prioritized methods will be piloted within HTA bodies and, after endorsement, implementation will be supported by a harmonized training and education framework that will be established to upskill the HTA experts. A long-term dissemination and communication structure among all stakeholders will be established to guarantee a feedback loop between HTA needs, methods assessment and associated training needs. Via the collaboration of 5 universities, 7 HTA bodies, 2 SMEs and one non-profit organization, SUSTAIN-HTA brings together extensive experience in (coordinating) previous European funded HTA-related projects including HTx, EHDEN, COMED and GetReEal. With this, SUSTAIN-HTA has the background for establishing sustainable business models that ensures continuity of project outcomes and activities in years beyond the project. SUSTAIN-HTA will support European leadership in the HTA field reach HTA bodies across at least 15 European countries with hundreds of people upskilled.

The novel corona virus causing COVID-19 overwhelmed Europe and the world in just a few weeks’ time. Small and Medium-sized Entrerprises (SMEs are put at very high risk by the slowdown or shutdown of economic life in their countries – exactly those companies who ensure the development of innovative solutions urgently required for counteracting the impacts of COVID-19 and for helping to control possible future outbreaks alike. In view of this situation, accelerated uptake of innovative technologies to tackle COVID-19 is most needed. In order to give an efficient and fast answer to this challenging situation, we propose building an Innovation Hub for the addressed technologies: an innovative open access platform to offer companies and reference laboratories the capabilities, expertise, networks and services required for the assessment, development, prototyping, testing, scaling-up, pilot production and market exploitation of innovative technologies to tackle COVID-19 pandemic. This approach will be based in the Open Innovation Test Beds (OITBs) concept, to incorporate lessons learned from those Innovation Actions, reducing time for putting in place such HUB and ensuring its successful implementation for a swift impact to the current situation. Our approach will include leading applied research and innovation centers in Europe, together with entities specialized in building OITBs, and reference clinical sites. INNO4COV19 will provide funding to third parties to help them achieve the desired objectives. Presence of leading applied research EU institutions in the Consortium will help to obtain a huge impact and to find and attract innovators across Europe to offer new solutions for COVID-19 pandemic and other potential future outbreaks. Europe needs to reinforce its technological leadership and rebuild an industrial sector capable to protect our citizen’s safety and well-being, and INNO4COV-19 will help in catalyzing the change.