Multi-Sectoral Collaboration and the Role of the Private Sector in Extending Healthy Life Expectancy: A Case of Frailty Prevention

This study addresses Japan's ageing demographic and the escalating issue of frailty from the viewpoint of social innovation. Although frailty control is essential for reducing the burden of care and controlling national health expenditure, adopting effective products and services for this purpose has been limited due to the absence of established health economic evidence. This study explored the role of the private sector and a collaboration process model to simultaneously promote preventive healthcare and public expenditure. We conducted a case study involving a startup's transition from manufacturing smart toys for children to providing ageing healthcare services, revealing a strategic method within the industrial sector to produce evidence through innovative approaches, including intermediaries. These intermediaries provide essential resources, facilitate industry connections, and integrate products and services, effectively assuming the role of product providers. The findings provide significant insights for various industries seeking entry into the healthcare sector, offering a strategic approach for integrating Information and Communication Technology in preventive healthcare.