POLiN: the POlitical conditions of Interoperability in European digital health policies

ongoing

The POLiN project’s aim is to explore the political condition of interoperability in European digital health policies. ‘Interoperability’ refers to the ability of computer systems to work together, even if they are created by different business or state organizations. Interoperability standards are key to the creation of efficient digital health infrastructures, in particular at the European level. For instance, Electronic Health Records are expected to be available everywhere in the European Union, flowing within a harmonized ‘European Health Data Space’. If the technical conditions of interoperability have been extensively explored, little is known about the political conditions under which various actors pursuing complex agendas may be willing to adopt common standards. Indeed, standard selection in digital health is guided by many different industrial, medical, political, legal, and ethical considerations. Therefore, the aim of this project is to explore the political conditions favoring or impeding the adoption of interoperability standards in EU digital health. As digital cooperation marks a turning point for the future of EU integration, this proposal will contribute to open a new research agenda, aiming to explore how the EU is able to govern through project cooperation. Furthermore, interoperability choices reflect highly sensitive and political decisions which are not trivial and are likely to deeply transform the lives of EU citizens. This project therefore intends to contribute to the adoption of better, inclusive digital health standards. This MSC fellowship will be key in strengthening my skills in European studies, as I will be guided by a renowned expert in European decision-making processes, Prof. Stephanie Novak. In addition, the host institution, Ca’ Foscari University, will provide me with many opportunities to acquire new transferrable skills and to develop the interdisciplinary aspect of my research.