Data mesh as a governance model for the european health data space: Potential benefits and trade-offs

Abstract

Current Digital Health technologies generate and capture large amounts of data at unprecedented speeds and in various formats. Advances in technology have enabled precise data collection, increased storage capacity, and greater processing power. As a result of this technological breakthrough, new applications in healthcare, such as summarising consultations and medical data, providing diagnostic support, and advancing drug discovery and research, have begun to emerge. However, strict restrictions on access and sharing remain due to the high sensitivity and heavy regulation of health data. To improve sharing and data reuse while safeguarding current data protection laws, the European Union member states will implement the European Health Data Space. This rules-based ecosystem will enable member states and institutions to make data available for research and public health decision-making without infringing data protection regulations. During the implementation and adoption phases of the EHDS, a clear and streamlined collaboration system is required to define roles and responsibilities and enhance efficiency. To this end, Data Mesh as a governance model is a strong candidate to promote efficiency within multilateral teams.