Value-based healthcare in healthcare companies: digital innovation as a driver of organizational and managerial change

This thesis examines the profound transformations affecting the social, demographic, and technological landscape of the 21st century and their impact on the healthcare system. Major demographic changes in Italy—including population aging, declining birth rates, and a shrinking workforce—pose serious risks to the sustainability of the pension system and the National Health Service (NHS), which is already underfunded compared to other European countries. The growing demand for care among the elderly and individuals with chronic conditions requires a thorough revision of healthcare management models. In this context, digitalization and technological innovation—supported by the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR)—emerge as essential tools for addressing future challenges. Telemedicine, eHealth, and artificial intelligence are progressively reshaping care pathways, improving accessibility, efficiency, and predictive capabilities in health resource management. The thesis is structured into three chapters: 1. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: This chapter explores how the global health crisis accelerated the adoption of digital technologies and artificial intelligence in healthcare systems, enhancing resilience and emergency response capabilities. 2. AI Startups in Healthcare: It analyzes the business models of AI startups, highlighting the challenges of creating sustainable value in a strategic yet emerging sector. 3. Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare: This section addresses greenhouse gas emissions and waste generated by the healthcare sector, introducing the concept of "green leadership" and the integration of ecological transition with digital innovation. The thesis thus proposes an integrated vision to make healthcare systems more resilient, sustainable, and innovative, grounded in a preventive and technologically advanced approach that responds to the evolving needs of the population.