19th March 2025

New infrastructure to support Health and Social Care innovation in Wales

Health and Social Care Innovation Wales (HSCIW) is a range of new innovation infrastructure launched on 12th March 2025. HSCIW has been developed by leaders across the health and social care community in Wales, funded by Welsh Government.

HSCIW brings together people, networks and resources from across the innovation ecosystem, enabling NHS Wales and Social Care staff to find the support they need to develop and implement innovation in priority areas, helping to improve patient outcomes and deliver better value.

The Innovation Framework

At the centre of the HSCIW infrastructure is the Innovation Framework, developed as a specific commitment made in Wales Innovates: the Welsh Government’s 2023 Innovation Strategy for Wales.

Shaped by the experience of NHS Wales innovation teams over the past decade, the framework draws on international best practice, including the ISO56000: International Standard on Innovation Management, technology readiness levels, and design thinking.

Connecting Innovators to the right support

The central network supporting HSCIW is the NHS Wales Innovation Leads Group, which brings together innovation teams and lead from across NHS Wales, Social Care Wales Academia and Government.

These experts provide strategic advice and connections while maintaining strong links with partners across Wales, the UK, and internationally. HSCIW is aligned with Life Sciences Hub Wales, the Bevan Commission and the Innovation and Transformation Intensive Learning Academy amongst many others, ensuring key partners are engaged at the right stage of the framework.

HSCIW resources also complement Ymlaen: The Social Care Wales Research, Innovation and Improvement strategy, whilst recognising there are some important differences between how NHS Wales and Social Care staff will use the Innovation Framework and HSCIW resources.

Building a sustainable innovation culture across health and social care

Developed in response to the evolving needs of the sector, HSCIW is part of the 2024 NHS Wales Planning Framework. By improving access to existing expertise and resources, HSCIW aims to create the foundation for sustainable innovation across Wales. As HSCIW evolves, new tools and resources will be introduced, shaped by ongoing user feedback and real-world testing.

www.hsciw.wales launches on the 12th March 2025.

An online workshop showcasing the HSCIW resources will be hosted by the NHS Wales Innovation Leads group, at 1pm on Thursday 27th March 2025.

Book a place at our online event Health and Social Care Innovation Wales Website Webinar Tickets, Thu 27 Mar 2025 at 13:00 | Eventbrite