IMPROVE aims to increase the level of innovation in six NPA peripheral regions in the field of technology-driven public service solutions. It adapts a novel living labs-driven approach to maximise knowledge transfers between regions and stakeholders. Real communities will demonstrate the approach by using it to co-produce six services, and develop tools and methodologies for use by other regions to implement the results of the project.

The common challenge facing the six areas is how to sustainably deliver quality public services in remote areas due to the long distances over which services must be delivered, shortage of skilled staff to operate services in many cases, high cost per head of developing and maintining service (relative to urban areas) and lack of access to latest solutions due to innovation restrictions.

The increase, or expected change, will be measured using a Regional Awareness Scoreboard with the baseline score changing from average/good to good/highacross the participating regions as a result of the project.

While the use of technology in public service provision has been been a trend for some years now, its use in combination with a public services  co-production model and with open innovation and living labs is a new novel approach to public services development for local authorities, communities and their citizens and businesses.