MedTech’s Data Age: Embracing Open Data Flows

MedTech across APAC is generating more health data than ever. The value for patients and health systems depends on whether that data can move securely to where it is needed. Our new report, MedTech’s Data Age: Embracing Open Data Flows for Innovation and Patient Care in APAC, sets out how trusted cross-border data use can unlock research, accelerate innovation, and improve care, without compromising privacy or sovereignty.

Key takeaways

Cross-border data is essential to clinical research, AI-enabled devices, and public health. Yet sector-specific localisation and transfer rules are creating friction across multi-jurisdiction care, slowing research collaboration, raising costs, and limiting the utility of cloud and AI. Across APAC, overlapping general data protection, health or medical and AI rules vary by market, adding complexity. Replacing blanket localisation with strong safeguards can reduce compliance and IT spend, improve interoperability and make health systems more efficient.

Recommendations at a glance

Design fit-for-purpose rules. Adopt risk-based, proportionate frameworks aligned with international best practice. Prioritise technical and contractual safeguards over blanket localisation.
Increase engagement and collaboration. Establish standing channels between data regulators, health agencies, and industry. Enable trusted transfers using common frameworks such as the European Health Data Space (EHDS) and Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR).
Promote best practice in technology and data governance. Encourage privacy-enhancing techniques such as anonymisation and pseudonymisation, and support a cloud-first posture to improve security, cut costs, and boost interoperability.

Why this matters

When data can be accessed and reused responsibly, patients gain faster access to new technologies, researchers can run more and better studies, and health systems operate more resiliently. Smart rules, not rigid data-location mandates, provide stronger protection and better outcomes.

Read the full report to explore our recommendations for a more innovative, efficient and patient-centric healthcare future in APAC.