In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic clearly revealed that viral diseases recognize no political or geographical boundaries. It also underscored a growing belief within the European Union that a unified approach to healthcare was not only necessary, but achievable. In a recent conversation with Markus Kalliola, Programme Director at the Finnish Innovation Fund Sitra, we explored how the European Health Data Space regulation is paving the way for a single market in healthcare, and how Finland’s pioneering use of health data offers a valuable opportunity for Finnish companies.
What is EHDS?
The European Health Data Space is an ambitious EU regulation with three main aims: 1) ensuring citizens can easily access their health records for primary care, whether at home or abroad, 2) streamlining secondary use of health data for research and policymaking and 3) fostering the single market of electronic health record systems. By standardizing and harmonizing how health data is exchanged and processed, EHDS will open vast possibilities for innovation in public health and personalized medicine. As Markus Kalliola noted, “in addition to providing new opportunities for individuals to get treatment in other countries, the EHDS will also create a new internal markets and help researchers to find new treatments and improve healthcare systems.”
By focusing on the secondary use of health data, where breakthroughs can really be driven, EHDS supports not only immediate clinical needs but can help solve the wicked problems of rising healthcare costs and the increasing disease burden of an aging European population.
“In Finland, it’s not just the legislation, it’s also the history of how we have used the data. That brings us advantages, and when you start the process from scratch, it takes a lot of time to build that capacity”
– Markus Kalliola, Programme Director at Sitra
How does EHDS develop the European Union’s Single Market?
EHDS aims to develop the EU’s single market by removing the administrative and technical barriers between member states’ health systems, while simultaneously retaining strict, European-standard privacy protections. The implementation of the legislation will facilitate cross-border healthcare and research collaborations by creating common standards for health data and secure access, ultimately boosting economic competitiveness.
As former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta’s report to the EU Commission on the status and development on the European single market highlights, integrated digital infrastructures, including health data systems, are essential for the growth of a cohesive market.
How is Finland a leader in the use of health data?
Finland has a longstanding tradition of harnessing data to improve healthcare outcomes and shape public policy. Robust national registers, pioneering projects, and innovative data governance have consistently positioned Finland among the top countries in Europe for the effective use and integration of health data. Finland was the first country within Europe to establish legislation for the secondary use of health data— and this leadership is exemplified by the role of the Finnish Innovation fund Sitra in EHDS implementation.
Following the successful Isaacus project—which laid the groundwork for the Finnish data authority Findata—the EU Commission recognized Finland’s expertise by entrusting Sitra to lead the preparatory phase for EHDS in the TEHDAS project. Following the passage of the regulation, the Sitra-led TEHDAS2 project will now lead Europe in the implementation of EHDS by creating concrete guidelines and technical specifications for the secondary use of health data for innovation, research, and policymaking.
“in addition to providing new opportunities for individuals to get treatment in other countries, the EHDS will also create a new internal markets and help researchers to find new treatments and improve healthcare systems.”
– Markus Kalliola, Programme Director at Sitra
How Finnish expertise can be an opportunity for Finnish companies
The Finnish health data ecosystem not only benefits public health at home—it also creates significant export opportunities for Finnish companies. As Kalliola noted, “EHDS will level the playing field a bit with the rest of Europe, because in some ways EHDS has taken inspiration from the Finnish legislation on secondary health data use.” Yet the existing expertise in Finland could present a large opportunity for Finnish firms: “In Finland, it’s not just the legislation, it’s also the history of how we have used the data. That brings us advantages, and when you start the process from scratch, it takes a lot of time to build that capacity,” said Kalliola.
As health data has become integrated into the lives of citizens and in policymaking, Finnish firms have developed robust IT systems, sophisticated consulting services, and innovative data analytics solutions tailored to health data applications. As member states work to implement EHDS standards for the betterment of their citizens, these companies are uniquely positioned to offer their expertise in overcoming challenges related to interoperability, data security, and regulatory compliance.
As EHDS continues to reshape healthcare across Europe, Finland’s leadership and expertise stand as a shining example of how data-driven innovation can enhance patient care and drive economic growth. Finnish companies are well-prepared to export their know-how, contributing to a more integrated and efficient European healthcare landscape that benefits all citizens.
Have questions about the EHDS and its implication for your business? Contact VEIL.AI today to discover how we can help you.
