We participate in the THCS annual conference in Brussels: one more step towards the transformation of health systems

Biosistemak, together with the BIOEF Foundation, presents the Basque health research ecosystem at the event.

On 28 and 29 November, Brussels hosted the annual THCS (Transforming Health & Care Systems) conference, a key event that brought together experts, policy makers and actors in the field of health to discuss the transformation of health systems. The meeting, held at the European Committee of the Regions, provided a space for reflection on how to improve health care from different perspectives: institutional, academic, professional and, fundamentally, that of the patient.

In this context, the Basque Country, together with BIOEF ( Basque Foundation for Health Research and Innovation), has presented the Basque health research ecosystem.  Regina Sauto Arce, technician at the BIOEF scientific coordination unit, shared the joint work of local and regional institutions, underlining the importance of research and development as essential drivers for the transformation of health systems.

Key themes and conclusions of the event

The conference was structured in four main sessions that addressed the challenges and opportunities in health and care systems transformation. Among the highlights, the following issues were discussed:

  1. Understanding health and care systems transformation: In this session, Dimitra Panteli, from the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies, highlighted the need to overcome the complexity of health systems. The importance of enabling innovation through research and knowledge to promote change was underlined.
  2. The role of local and regional authorities: Moderated by Maddalena Illario, co-chair of the THCS advisory board, this panel explored how regional administrations play a crucial role in fostering innovation and funding health R&D.
  3. JTC 2023 funded projects: In this session, four projects funded by the Joint Transnational Call (JTC) 2023 were presented as examples of how research contributes to the improvement of health and care systems.
  4. Synergies between EU-funded health partnerships: In this final session, the value of collaboration between EU-funded initiatives was discussed, highlighting the importance of strategic alliances in addressing global health challenges.

Next steps for health transformation

The conference culminated with the announcement of the new Joint Transnational Call (JTC 2025), focusing on ‘Better Care Close to Home: Improving Primary and Community Care’. This call will involve 34 funding agencies, including the Department of Health of the Basque Government, with a budget of €350,000.

The next edition of the THCS annual conference will be held in Helsinki in November 2025, in the framework of the European Public Health Congress.

More information on the partnership, here.