Susanne Eriksen defends her PhD thesis

Link to the dissertation in the National Research Archive

eHealth solutions are often highlighted as an important measure for addressing demographic challenges related to an aging population and a shortage of healthcare personnel. Despite clear policy directives promoting the use of eHealth, experience shows that implementing such solutions can be challenging. Existing research has largely focused on static lists of factors that facilitate or hinder implementation. However, fewer studies have examined the more complex and interdependent relationships among actors that influence these processes.

The dissertation has two main objectives. The first objective is to identify and theorize the mechanisms that influence innovation processes in the public sector. The second objective is to provide empirical insights into how the dynamic interplay between context and actors affects the implementation and sustained use of eHealth solutions.

Three mechanisms facilitate innovation processes

The study is based on a qualitative multiple-case study design, including cases from three organizations in the healthcare services in Norway and Denmark. The analysis draws on realist evaluation, symbolic interactionism, and bricolage as theoretical perspectives. Data have been collected through interviews, focus groups, participant observation, and document analysis.

The findings show that innovation processes are driven by three key and interdependent mechanisms: learning in everyday work practices, interaction among actors, and bricolage – that is, the creative use and adaptation of available resources. These processes are influenced both by organizational structures and by the opportunities actors have to act.

The study demonstrates that successful implementation requires more than formal training. It also depends on informal learning, insights into how work is actually carried out “behind the scenes” and ongoing, flexible adaptations. Key actors are individuals who serve as brokers, such as superusers, project managers, middle managers and IT support staff. They contribute by adjusting work processes and using resources in new ways when unforeseen challenges arise.

The dissertation contributes new knowledge by combining different theoretical perspectives, providing a more comprehensive understanding of how innovation takes

place in healthcare services. It also highlights the importance of recognizing informal work practices, facilitating collaboration across organizational boundaries, and providing employees with room for action to develop practical solutions.

Biography

Susanne Eriksen holds a bachelor’s degree in physiotherapy from Copenhagen University College and a master’s degree in sport and health from the University of Southern Denmark. She has work experience from Denmark as both a private practicing physiotherapist and as a physiotherapist in the healthcare industry.

She has been a PhD candidate at the Department of Health and Caring Sciences at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. The dissertation is part of the PhD program in Responsible Innovation and Regional Development at HVL.

Trial Lecture

The trial lecture will take place on June 4, 2026, at 10:00 at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Haugesund, Auditorium B.

Title of the trial lecture:

“How can workplace learning in innovation processes be conceptualized from critical realist, socio-cultural, and practice-based approaches?”

Public Defence

The public defence will take place on June 4, 2026, at 12:00 at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Campus Haugesund, Auditorium B.

Title of the dissertation:

“The contextual and social dynamics in innovation processes implementing and sustaining eHealth solutions in healthcare.”

Evaluation Committee

Chair: Professor Gudmund Ågotnes, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences

Opponents: Associate Professor Janne Dugstad, University of South-Eastern Norway Professor Kasper Elmholdt Trolle, Aalborg University, Denmark

Supervisors

Pro-Rector for Research Christine Øye, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (main supervisor) Professor Anne Marie Dahler, UCL University College, Denmark (co-supervisor)

Chair of the Defense

Associate Dean for Research Marjolein Memelink Iversen

Streaming

The trial lecture and public defense will be streamed via Zoom: https://hvl.zoom.us/j/66018211819?pwd=LjeEH0yIbkR06JiZSdZZiJ19FZMj4l.1&from=addon

Passcode: 979928