New Nordic model accelerates health data sharing for research, innovation, and better care 

The Value from Nordic Health Data (VALO) project has released a preliminary model to support cross-border sharing and secondary use of health data in the Nordic region. The collaboration model outlines a framework for strengthening Nordic collaboration on health data, facilitating quality research and innovation, and ultimately leading to improved health outcomes. 

Collaboration on secondary use of health data is an important step towards strengthening a unified Nordic health region. Together, Nordic countries can prepare more efficiently for changes in the European regulatory landscape and offer larger data pools to attract research and innovation. 

Nordic strengths support a unified health region

The Nordic region is uniquely positioned for health data collaboration. Common Nordic characteristics include comprehensive population-based health registries, unique personal identification numbers (PINs) for data linkage, strong public trust, and healthcare systems with a shared focus on data protection.  

These advantages have been underutilised due to fragmented regulations for reusing patient health data, long data access timelines, and varying interpretations of GDPR across countries.  

The Nordic model addresses these challenges. It proposes collaboration mechanisms and recommendations while factoring in the implementation of the European Health Data Space (EHDS) in the Nordics. The model development and the entire VALO project have been funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers. 

A collaborative framework to support secondary use of health data

The Nordic model relies on three interconnected areas:  

1. Knowledge sharing on systems and structures 

2. Research collaboration and statistics 

3. Innovation and industry 

The model is coordinated by a central “Driver”, which ensures strategic alignment across all components, optimises resources, and maintains the ethical standards essential for public trust. 

Cross-border and cross-sectoral interaction are a core feature of the model. The Nordic EHDS2 Competence Forum, launched under the VALO project, has already demonstrated the value of knowledge-sharing between health data stakeholders. The forum has e.g. produced a report on harmonised metadata. The model recommends formalisation of cross-border competence forums as a permanent platform for Nordic health data governance and coordination. 

Why it matters 

By supporting the secondary use of health data, the aim is to: 

• Improve health outcomes through evidence-based policy and better care 

• Boost research excellence with access to larger datasets and streamlined processes 

• Strengthen competitiveness by reducing complexity for health technology companies and attracting investment 

“This collaboration model is about turning Nordic strengths into shared value. By coordinating governance and creating practical mechanisms for collaboration, we can unlock the full potential of health data,” says Sigríður Haraldsdóttir Elínardóttir from the Directorate of Health in Iceland. “Next we will keep consulting a variety of Nordic stakeholders and taking steps to turn this model into practice.”  

The Nordic model is described in full in its own report. Further development and work towards implementation of the model continues in the VALO2 project.

For opportunities to contribute to the model and the VALO2 project, join us in Helsinki for the Radical Health Festival in January 19-21^st 2026, where VALO2 project will organize an unconference to discuss the model, or follow the VALO2 project website for more information.