GDI: D2.6 - Evaluation of the possible funding sources

This deliverable aims to provide a first evaluation of the possible funding sources for the costs determined in Task 2.1 Deliverable 2.1 (First analysis of cost elements for the setup of 1+MG infrastructure) Input from relevant sustainable structures (RIs, Joint actions) are taken into account.

In this deliverable we start to explore some of the potential funding sources within the context of the EDIC as the model currently selected for the implementation and building in the work already carried out in the context of GDI Pillar I

• Member states 

• European Commission

• Industry

• RIs

• International organisations

• Other 

We will introduce the concept of Business Model Canvas (BMC), a very high level overview over the critical components of an entity’s key business parameters. The BMC model has been applied to infrastructures comparable to the Genome EDIC, and shows its potential as a way to discuss and pinpoint key components..

The potential funding sources should be seen as an overview, and a first iteration. More information will be added, as more clarification can be obtained - specifically on the details of the next European framework programme for research and for the Digital Europe programme, and as more BMC’s from other health infrastructures can be obtained.

The deliverable presents key aspects regarding member state funding: how to scale the infrastructure and get buy-in from a multitude of stakeholders, to whom a secure, scalable and federated processing platform will have immense value. The real question on a national level is not from where the funding should come, but who would be interested in contributing, thus establishing a stronger long term sustainable platform and distributing the financial liability of the investments more broadly over EHDS, research and healthcare.

An overall look at potential funding streams through the European Commission is presented. It describes the ambition, tools and purposes of the different funding schemes - both those that could directly support the EDIC and those that could indirectly support it through funding partnerships and communities. 

Finally, we have listed a series of findings and points for further reflection and recommendations on actions to mobilise the different funding sources. For the Genome EDIC it is critical that the legal vehicle chosen for the implementation of Genome-EDIC is indeed the EDIC regulation - In order to access targeted funding for implementing the infrastructure itself.  

• The Genome-EDIC should accommodate the needs of the formalised European health and life science partnerships, 

• There is only limited outside funding available for the direct support of the infrastructure operations.

• There are opportunities for combining national investments on digital health infrastructure with EU funding.    

• Understanding what the EDIC can offer at any given time, is critically important to manage expectations with funders and users. There is still a substantial difference in perspective across the pillars of the GDI project, in what is assumed to be achievable.

• It is urgently critical to condense the very high level use cases and user stories developed in Pillar III into actionable services that comply with legislation, and can be handled with the available data sources and technical capability. 

• The Business Model Canvas presented in this report, needs to trigger discussions across the GDI project and will hopefully establish a clear path towards implementation of a business model and towards long term sustainability. 

• To effectively bridge health and research stakeholders, we need to understand the various perspectives and expectations for this infrastructure. Taking this all into account, establish (develop) a viable business model and governance framework at both: European and national level.

• The GDI must identify and engage with relevant EHDS partners on interoperability of platform modules, to ensure the interoperability of the Genome EDIC SPE and the 1+MG catalogue with EHDS and to align activities and development of key features for user management and citizen engagement; e.g. Authentication tools and citizen/consent management platform. 

• Engagement is needed with key Digital Europe projects, including EUCAIM, on the interoperability of federated learning services.

• Genome EDIC needs to engage with established EU level health partnerships - not least Innovative Health Initiative.