This specialization is based on a broad approach to caring for the health and well-being of the inhabitants of the Warmia and Mazury region. The identification of this new smart specialization was grounded in the region’s unique potential of an unpolluted natural environment as well as the presence of distinctive economic entities operating locally and developing in sectors related to medical and health-related services. The concept of the “Healthy Living” smart specialization is founded on the exceptional environmental assets of Warmia and Mazury and on unique regional businesses growing in the field of medical and adjacent services.

At the same time, the role of research and scientific centers in the field of medicine is becoming increasingly strong, specialized healthcare services are developing dynamically, and awareness of quality of life among the region’s residents is steadily rising. The specialization also covers technologies, services, and products aimed at healthcare, disease prevention, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle, as well as technologies, services, and products related to a low-emission economy and the maintenance of high environmental quality.

Examples of elements of the Healthy Living specialization include:

  • Producers and providers of knowledge in the field of healthy living (including research institutions, higher education institutions, science and technology parks, and business support institutions).
  • Manufacturers and distributors of medical equipment and health-related products (including, among others, producers and distributors of medical and health-enhancing equipment, pharmaceuticals and dietary supplements, as well as beekeeping).
  • Providers of medical and health-related services (including outpatient healthcare facilities, medical practices and clinics, general and spa hospitals, and residential, round-the-clock psychiatric care facilities).
  • The ICT sector specialized in healthcare (including activities related to software development).
  • Providers of environmental products and services (including the collection of hazardous waste, electricity generation, processing and disposal of hazardous waste, and the operation of botanical and zoological gardens as well as nature conservation areas and facilities).

Currently, two towns hold spa resort status: Gołdap and Lidzbark Warmiński, while further municipalities are in the process of preparing to obtain spa resort status.