Driving Healthcare Innovation in the EU

The recent roundtable at the European Parliament on “Digital Technologies for Better Healthcare in the EU” brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and healthcare advocates to explore how digital solutions could transform healthcare systems across Europe. The discussions painted a vivid picture of both the promise and the challenges of integrating advanced technologies into patient care.

One key theme was the immense potential of digital tools to ease the workload on medical professionals and improve patient outcomes. Jaanika Merilo from Estonia’s Ministry of Social Affairs championed the idea of person-centric healthcare, where robust data systems support personalized treatment. The ultimate goal, she noted, is seamless cross-border integration—a challenge that Europe must tackle to harness the benefits of digitalization fully.

Innovation was another focal point, exemplified by Australia’s groundbreaking child cancer screening program, highlighted by Oracle’s Robert Dossin. This program has saved lives and cut healthcare costs by hundreds of millions annually, offering a blueprint for how preventive measures can drive both health and economic benefits.

Yet, the enthusiasm for technological advances was tempered by the need for trust and safety. Sara Roda of CPME expressed the reservations many doctors feel about AI tools, despite their potential to reduce administrative burdens. The fear of misuse or failure still looms large, underscoring the importance of ensuring that digital tools enhance, rather than undermine, healthcare delivery. Patients share similar concerns, as Milana Trucl from the European Patients’ Forum explained, particularly when it comes to biases in data or the fear of being reduced to mere statistics. Her words were a reminder that technology should never overshadow the human element in healthcare.

The role of regulation was another hot topic, especially with the looming implementation of the EU’s AI Act. Guillaume Martin from Synapse Medicine questioned the need for full algorithmic transparency for devices that have already undergone rigorous clinical trials. He likened it to questioning the safety of a commonly used drug without understanding its chemical makeup—an interesting perspective on how regulation and innovation must find a middle ground.

Meanwhile, concerns about maintaining momentum in innovation echoed through the room. MEP Tomislav Sokol warned that healthcare is still politically undervalued despite its heightened importance in a post-COVID world. He cautioned that the EU must act decisively to avoid missing a critical window of opportunity.

In addition, MEP Brando Benifei reminded the audience of the broader context in which these technologies exist. He highlighted how healthcare intersects with social, industrial, and trade dimensions, making it a public service and a cornerstone of society. Benifei emphasized the importance of protecting patients while fostering innovation and ensuring companies’ perspectives are considered. He argued that the right balance between national sovereignty and progress is essential to making healthcare a transformative force for good.

The need for interoperability also featured heavily in the discussion. Camille Vaziaga of Doctolib stressed that systems must work together seamlessly, while Zeno Cappucci from DocPlanner celebrated the European Health Data Space initiative as a step toward saving lives through better data sharing. Still, the risk of overregulation stifling innovation loomed large, particularly for startups navigating the complex landscape of compliance.

The urgency of reform was perhaps best articulated by Thomas Hellebrand from the Dutch Ministry of Health. Without systemic change, he warned, healthcare systems could face untenable workforce shortages. His call for greater transparency, particularly in how health data is managed, was a sobering reminder that the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Ultimately, the roundtable revealed a shared vision: a future where technology and human care work in harmony to deliver better outcomes for patients. But achieving this balance will require not just innovation, but careful consideration of safety, trust, and the diverse needs of all stakeholders. As the EHDS moves toward implementation, the task ahead is clear: to turn the promise of digital healthcare into a reality that works for everyone.