Ecosystem supporting the commercialization of digital health innovations

Authors

• Pauliina Tryykilä School of Data Engineering and AI Technologies, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku
• Elina Kontio School of Data Engineering and AI Technologies, Turku University of Applied Sciences, Turku

DOI: https://doi.org/10.23996/fjhw.154958

Keywords:

digital health, agile methods, innovation, ecosystem

Abstract

Digitalization has significantly impacted various industries; however, its full potential in healthcare remains unrealized. Despite the promise of digital health solutions to modernize healthcare and benefit the population at scale, their adoption and scalability lag behind other sectors due to ethical, regulatory, economic, and technological challenges. This article examines the barriers to commercializing digital health solutions and proposes a systematic approach to accelerate growth in this sector, presenting a preliminary commercialization roadmap.
In Finland, numerous wellbeing services counties, higher education institutes, and cities support testbed activities, offering real-world testing environments for health and wellbeing product developers. However, these activities face challenges such as resource uncertainty, funding issues, and lack of a unified national model.
This study utilized thematic interviews and a structured survey to gather insights from stakeholders in the digital health ecosystem. Key challenges identified include the ethical unsustainability of applying agile software development methods in healthcare, the complex and often prohibitive regulatory environment, and the lack of industry-specific funding and competence. The study also highlights the need for interdisciplinary collaboration and effective commercialization pathways.
The findings suggest that national coordination of testbed activities and a comprehensive understanding of the digital health innovation pathway are crucial for fostering innovation. Enhanced funding mechanisms, clear regulatory strategies, and platforms for interdisciplinary dialogue are recommended to support the commercialization of digital health solutions. A preliminary model illustrating the development pathway of digital health innovations is proposed, aiming to address identified challenges and streamline the commercialization process.