A great innovation capacity – meet Trine from the Danish Technological Institute

Trine Rolighed Thomsen is rightly recognized as a leading expert in health innovation. With nearly 30 years in the field, she has experience in a variety of areas, including research, commercialization, teaching, large international projects, fundraising, and development.

We asked her three key questions to gain insights into the role of innovation in the transformation of the healthcare sector, how innovation is approached at the Danish Technological Institute, and which overlooked potentials exist for innovation in healthcare, according to Trine.

How do you work with health innovation at the Danish Technological Institute?

At the Danish Technological Institute, we work with health innovation across disciplines with a holistic approach. We collaborate closely with the research community, industry, and the healthcare sector – both in Denmark and internationally.

We help develop new methods for diagnostics and treatment, using modern technologies such as smartphone apps, web portals, and data science to streamline and enhance processes. At the same time, we always focus on user needs and apply user-centered design to ensure that solutions are practical and meaningful. The goal is to free up time for healthcare professionals and make treatments more effective.

What role does innovation play in the development of the healthcare sector?

Innovation is a crucial factor in the future of healthcare. It enables faster and more precise diagnostics, better treatment options through personalized medicine, and more efficient workflows, ultimately reducing hospital stays.

New technologies also allow us to make data-driven decisions, monitor patients around the clock, and provide greater security for both patients and healthcare professionals. Additionally, innovation is key to better prevention and stronger collaboration across the healthcare sector, contributing to a more sustainable healthcare system.

What overlooked potentials exist for innovation in healthcare?

Although innovation already plays a significant role, there are still many untapped opportunities. For example, we could make much better use of real-time patient data and citizen-generated data from wearables and mobile devices. This would provide valuable insights into disease progression and enable more targeted treatment.

In the area of prevention, technology could also make a major difference – but we are not fully leveraging its potential yet. Furthermore, there is immense potential in strengthening collaboration between public and private stakeholders to create better and more individualized treatment pathways.

Finally, we need to improve patient involvement in their own treatment through technology. This would not only enhance treatment quality but also provide patients with a greater sense of security and control over their own health.

Are you curious to learn more about how Trine and her colleagues at the Danish Technological Institute work with health innovation? Read more about them here.