How will the HDA contribute to research and innovation?

The Belgian Health Data Agency (HDA) strives for a quality, data-driven healthcare system, where health (care) data and health (care) related data, are available for secondary use in a uniform, transparent and secure way. In doing so, the HDA focuses on the following objectives: 

1. Facilitating the availability of health (care) data and health (care) related data;

2. Developing secure and reliable methods to exchange health data, with a focus on cybersecurity; 

3. Developing and implementing a policy strategy about health (care) data and health (care) related data; 

4. Promoting innovation, scientific research and policy support research that can contribute to higher quality, affordable, preventive and targeted healthcare for every citizen and patient;

5. Ensuring the trust of citizens and patients by emphasising transparency and security around the re-use of health data, while respecting the rights and obligations of the parties involved.    

A valid question is how will the HDA achieve this vision of stimulating research and innovation. This paper is an attempt to address this question.