Design Principles for Complementary Business Models - An Action Design Research Study on Public Interest in the European Health Data Space

Abstract

Complementary platform business models often prioritize individual profits over the public interest. This can be detrimental, as it neglects broader societal benefits. To address this issue, European policymakers reached an agreement on the European Health Data Space (EHDS) regulation, which requires complementors to align their business models with the public interest, emphasizing user-centricity and data sovereignty. However, it is unclear how complementors can translate these abstract requirements into economically viable and EHDS-compliant business models. To explore this, we conducted an Action Design Research project in a consortium that develops a health data space and integrates multiple complementors. By supporting the development of 25 complementary business models, we contribute four design principles that guide complementors to design platform-based business models that (1) create public value, (2) promote the empowerment of citizens and patients, (3) build on federated health data architectures, and (4) facilitate participatory value networks.