What’s Holding Back Healthcare Innovation? EIT Health Morning Health Talks Offered Practical Answers

No matter how advanced a healthcare innovation may be, its impact depends on successful adoption in clinical settings. This was the central theme of the spring edition of EIT Health Morning Health Talks, held on 28 May in Prague. The event brought together more than 40 representatives from hospitals, insurance companies, the Ministry of Health, universities, startups, and technology firms. Participants explored concrete ways to overcome the gap between innovation development and everyday healthcare practice.

Danish Insights: Implementing Innovation in Public Hospitals

The programme was opened by Brian Holch Kristensen from Bispebjerg Hospital in Denmark. Through practical examples, he demonstrated how public hospitals can systematically implement innovations while collaborating with both patients and technology partners. He also presented the perspective of European investors on healthcare innovations in Central Europe, noting that what often stands in the way is a lack of clear demand and preparedness from healthcare providers.

Identifying Core Obstacles: Insights from Czech Healthcare Leaders

The core of the event was a panel discussion titled “What Does It Take, Besides Money and Grants, for Healthcare Innovations to Be Used in Practice?” The panel featured leading voices from key institutions: Markéta Foldyna Hellová (VoZP), Jakub Fejfar (AGEL Hospital Nový Jičín), Petr Foltýn (National Centre for Electronic Healthcare), Jakub Havlín (DIH DIGI2Health), Adam Gřunděl (Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic), and Jiří Pecina (MEDDI hub). Together, they identified four main obstacles: lack of time, low motivation to change, concerns about the impact on staff, and weak communication between developers and end users.

Emphasizing the Importance of Strong Ideas and Safe Solutions

As Markéta Foldyna Hellová (VoZP) noted, the discussion confirmed that there is indeed space for innovation in the Czech healthcare system: “Starting with innovation makes sense, and there is definitely room for it in the system. Even health insurance providers welcome innovative solutions. What matters is a strong idea and a safe solution that simplifies administration and captures attention.”

Startups as Catalysts: Bridging Innovation and Practice

Tobiáš Vybíral (HTG Medical) emphasized the importance of connecting startups with real-world practice: “Startups have the courage to try a new path, and events like these allow them to connect directly with the healthcare field.” He also stressed the need for collaboration across the system: “Innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. You need to collaborate, understand people and their problems, and know who can help whom. It’s great to see events like this where different levels of the healthcare system can meet, find common ground, and support each other.”

This perspective resonated with many participants, who noted that early-stage companies often bring fresh perspectives and practical agility. However, without structured opportunities to engage with healthcare providers, their innovations can remain disconnected from clinical realities. 

Fostering a Collaborative Environment for Innovation

The positive atmosphere of the event was also appreciated by Jakub Havlín (VTP UPOL / DIH DIGI2Health): “I really liked the friendly atmosphere and the participants, who were communicative and engaged. I was pleasantly surprised by how open the audience was to healthcare innovation. If I had to highlight one thing, it would be the startups. These are young companies with real potential to bring positive change.”

EIT Health Morning Health Talks: A Platform Driving Real Change

Once again, EIT Health Morning Health Talks confirmed their value as a platform that brings together key actors across the system. They help uncover what’s truly preventing innovation from moving beyond slides and pilot projects and into real-life use by doctors, nurses, and patients.