Client:

Public Health Authority of the Slovak Republic

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Challenge

Slovakia's public health system faced significant investment debt accumulated over decades. Fragmented data sources, manual processes, and limited analytical capacity made it difficult to shift from procedure-based compliance to outcome-driven health protection. The system needed to move beyond paperwork toward evidence-based prevention.

Beyond infrastructure, the challenge was transforming organizational culture. Regional health offices operated with inconsistent approaches, while collaboration with ministries, research institutions, and the private sector remained underdeveloped. Building an "experimental organization" mindset required rethinking how public health generates and applies knowledge.

Approach

We worked with national stakeholders to design a two-phase modernization strategy. The first phase focused on process optimization and digitalization; the second introduced innovation through predictive analytics, precision public health, and smart surveillance systems. Through international benchmarking and stakeholder workshops, we identified enablers ranging from genetic biobanks to IoT sensor networks.

The strategy transforms abstract technological possibilities into a practical roadmap with concrete projects, governance models, and measurable outcomes. It introduces the concept of "Regulation 2.0" — dynamic, data-driven oversight that reduces administrative burden while improving health protection through real-time risk assessment.

Outcome

The resulting Conception and Strategy for Public Health Development became a foundational policy document positioning Slovakia's public health system for the 2030 horizon. It defines priorities across prevention programs, laboratory modernization, data infrastructure, and crisis management — with a project portfolio valued at over €300 million aligned with EU Recovery Plan funding.

Its impact extends beyond technology — it reshapes how public health authorities collaborate with citizens, how preventive programs are designed and evaluated, and how data drives smarter decisions for population health. The vision positions Slovakia's public health system as an "AI factory" capable of transforming information into better health outcomes for all.

Explore the full case

If you like to explore the full scope of this case study, the complete Innovation and Development Strategy for Public Health System is available for download (dokument Koncepcia a stratégia rozvoja a inovácií verejného zdravotníctva.pdf).