Technology Transfer Through Intersectoral Partnerships: The Case of Digitalization in the German Health Sector

The various players in the health sector, such as health insurance funds, hospitals, and doctors, are aware of the challenges they face due to digitalization. But, it is ambiguous how changes will enfold and how they can be dealt with strategically. Due to the sector-specific high level of regulation in recent decades, which has predetermined the actors’ activities within narrow limits, they are used to ground their actions in causation logic. Now, decision-makers are confronted with a revolution that no longer allows them to use their beloved routines and processes. But how can we test technologies in the health sector and derive strategic implications? Based on various research results, this conceptual study shows that in an increasing dynamic and unpredictable environment the decision logic of effectuation is better suited for decision-makers. It becomes clear, that in order to cope with the revolutionary effects of digitalization the involved stakeholders need to work in intersectoral partnerships that live up to the challenge. The Digital Innovation Campus Health DICH GmbH, an institutionalized, intersectoral partnership, is a promising approach to enable digital technology transfer into the German health sector.