Partnering with university researchers allows companies to explore new methods and technologies without large investments. Researchers study health and wellness programs to understand what works and often partner on studies. Partnerships range from student employees to opening data for research. Example partnerships found social influence affects weight loss and being on active teams increases physical activity. Additional resources provide information on partnering benefits and research studies.
2. Public/Private Partnerships
• Partnering with university researchers allows
companies to explore new methods and
technologies without investing in new
employees or physical infrastructure
• Many researchers are working to better
understand what works in health and
wellness and are open to partnering on
program studies
• Partnership options range from hiring student
employees, seeking expert technical advice,
or fully opening program data for research
• Analysis provides the ability to show value of
program and areas that can be improved
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3. Examples of Such a Partnership In Action
Research Study Findings
Teammates and Social Influence Healthy behaviors are contagious. Weight
Affect Weight Loss Outcomes in a loss clusters in teams.
Team-Based Weight Loss Competition
A Statewide Intervention Reduces Average ShapeUp participant loses 1.2
BMI in Adults: Shape Up Rhode Island BMI points. Obese population decreases
Results by 26%.
Effect of Teammates on Changes in Team members influence participant
Physical Activity in a Statewide activity. Being on a more active team is
Campaign associated with great increases in activity.
Improving Weight Loss Outcomes of We can exploit social networks for health
Community Interventions by and design interventions to be social with a
Incorporating Behavioral Strategies goal of health improvement.
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4. Additional Resources
• The Benefits of Partnering with US Universities in the Era of Open Innovation
http://www.innovationmanagement.se/2011/10/03/the-benefits-of-partnering-with-us-universities-
in-the-era-of-open-innovation/
• Teammates and Social Influence Affect Weight Loss Outcomes in a Team-Based
Weight Loss Competition
http://www.nature.com/oby/journal/v20/n7/abs/oby201218a.html
• A Statewide Intervention Reduces BMI in Adults: Shape Up Rhode Island Results
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19180068
• Effect of teammates on changes in physical activity in a statewide campaign
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20394768
• Improving weight loss outcomes of community interventions by incorporating
behavioral strategies
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20966375
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