Over two days of discussions, leaders across health systems, technology, policy, and research came together for the Global Health Connector Digital Summit 2025 (previously known as the Digital Health Society Summit — now presented for the first time under its renewed name), our fully virtual flagship event.
Participants shared a unified message: data, AI, CollaborAction, and cultural change will define the future of healthcare. Here are the most compelling takeaways — and how we should approach the road ahead.
One of the most striking figures came from the cancer and AI session:
‘’30% of the world’s data is health data, yet we use less than 5% of it’’ — Eric Sutherland
Speakers argued that the biggest opportunity ahead is not collecting more data, but learning how to access, link, and apply what already exists. The public is more likely to distrust health systems when we do not use the data that has already been digitalised—challenging the traditional narrative around privacy fears.
A shift toward protecting patients by using data, rather than protecting data itself, is needed.
The conversation on the European Health Data Space (EHDS) reinforced that this is not merely an EU regulation—it’s a shared global effort. Similar initiatives are emerging worldwide, including Africa and Asia.
But challenges remain. Two concerns stood out:
The conversation on the European Health Data Space (EHDS) reinforced that this is not merely an EU regulation—it’s a shared global effort. Similar initiatives are emerging worldwide, including Africa and Asia.
But challenges remain. Two concerns stood out:
The overarching message: international alignment will be essential for EHDS to thrive.
The session on 5G and private networks provided an eye-opening look into the future of hospital connectivity.
From holographic surgical guidance to remote support for clinicians in low-income countries, 5G is already enabling next-generation care.
A key insight: hospitals do not need massive tech teams. One Singapore hospital implemented a full private network with just five people. The message for global health systems was clear—
5G is more powerful for healthcare than Wi-Fi, and the time to explore it is now.
“You don’t need a huge team of technologists to revolutionise healthcare delivery — the goal is to build a collaborative community that moves together.” — Dr. Yujia Gao
Most health professionals still are not familiar with mechanisms like pre-commercial procurement (PCP) or public procurement of innovation (PPI)—yet these models are unlocking new ways to bring solutions into health systems.
The session encouraged professionals to explore innovationsupport.eu for practical tools, training, and opportunities. As healthcare needs become more complex, procurement innovation will become mainstream.
New data from the McKinsey Health Institute shows the massive return on investment from improving healthy ageing, though it requires upfront investment.
Speakers emphasised the need to see older adults as contributors—not dependents. This mirrors broader conversations on equity in women’s health and cancer care.
Healthy ageing is not only a clinical priority but also a societal and cultural one.
“We need to empower people as they age to take their health seriously through digital tools and virtual care.” — Jon Warner
On Day 2, discussions turned to how real-world data (RWD) can accelerate pathways for life-changing treatments. The shift is clear:
Health should be viewed as an investment, not merely a cost.
Structured reimbursement models supported by data will be critical for ensuring equitable access.
Speakers stressed that inequalities persist due to:
Women’s health needs sustained commitment, better datasets, and stronger global advocacy. The message was simple: closing the gender health gap is essential for global progress.
“The global system was not designed for women’s health— and that’s why global collaboration through Global Health Connector is essential.” — Lynne Van Poelgeest-Pomfret
Across sessions, a clear message emerged: digital innovation is meaningful only when it genuinely improves the experience of patients, communities, and clinicians. Successful tools must be co-created with end users, embedded into real clinical pathways, and designed to support—not complicate—care, with user-centred design as a non-negotiable principle.
AI’s impact depends on effective regulation, workforce skills, and honesty about risks. Trust, transparency, governance, and collaboration are essential to integrate AI as a true partner to clinicians, while building capacity and basic AI literacy ensures benefits outweigh risks at scale.
“Will AI reinforce the system we already have, or help us build the system we actually need?” — Eric Thraikill
While demand for digital upskilling is rising, major gaps persist—particularly the lack of a unified competency framework. Speakers agreed that successful technology adoption requires cultural change, strong change management, and sustained investment in teams and training.
Technical skill alone will not transform healthcare; people and culture will.
This shift is already visible in Africa, where strong leadership and a wealth of young innovators are shaping models the rest of the world can learn from. Unlocking this potential requires shared expertise, mobilised resources, and stronger systems for sustainable innovation.
