Keynote Výskum a inovácie ako základný pilier moderného zdravotníctva

Research, development, and innovation are the foundation of modern healthcare, yet in Slovakia they have long been sidelined. The lecture points out that without systematic support we cannot catch up with countries that build functioning and accessible health services on data and innovation. It therefore calls for clear priorities, continuity, and funding.

Why innovation and research

Research and innovation bring patients better diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, and improve follow-up care. Digital ideas, often inexpensive and quick to implement, can optimize processes, shorten waiting times, and make staff work easier. Better communication is also key – between patients and healthcare professionals, but also between hospitals, which must share data efficiently. The funds invested pay off in the form of lower costs and better facility management, which benefits the entire system.

Five pillars and the innovation ecosystem

The framework for innovation in healthcare stands on five pillars: quality, costs, safety, efficiency, and outcomes. Quality means patient-centered care – listening to their needs and evaluating outcomes through the patient's eyes. Efficiency is underpinned by digital and information technologies that enable more economical operation of the system. Safety must be present in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

For this to work, we need an innovation ecosystem that governs innovation, creates continuity and partnerships, and stabilizes human resources. The goal is to keep talent at home: today, a large share of the highest-performing scientists work abroad. The ecosystem also supports building infrastructure and alleviates the investment backlog that burdens healthcare. Without such an environment, good ideas will not translate into practice.

International examples, Slovak reality, and the challenge

The world is already carrying out healthcare transformation: transformation labs, centers, and academies are emerging (e.g., in the USA, Australia, and Europe), and the topic resonates at major conferences. Slovakia has joined an international partnership for the transformation of healthcare, where 62 European countries have joined forces, but its utilization is still weak. There is a lack of staffing capacity and consistent implementation of proven solutions. We should not be reinventing what others have already worked out; we should be applying it in practice.

The indicators are alarming: in the healthcare innovation ranking we are 28th out of 32 countries, we lag in intellectual property as well, and in crisis preparedness we finished completely last. A positive is the engagement of people who help through initiatives such as the mission Zdravie or the smart specialization strategy in the domain Zdravá spoločnosť. However, the system suffers from instability – just last year the ministry had four ministers – and clear governance is missing. Integrating research among the key priorities, strengthening leadership, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration, and funding innovation systematically is essential if we want better care as well as economic benefits for the country.

Keynote "Research and innovation as a basic pillar of modern healthcare"

Why innovation and research

Five pillars and the innovation ecosystem

International examples, Slovak reality, and the challenge

Martina Antošová

Keynote "Research and innovation as a basic pillar of modern healthcare"

Why innovation and research

Five pillars and the innovation ecosystem

International examples, Slovak reality, and the challenge

Martina Antošová

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