Driving Technological Efficiency in European Healthcare: The Role of Digital Innovation Across EU

Digital innovation reshapes healthcare, offering new solutions to enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. This study explores how emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and Digital Twin models, are being leveraged to optimize energy consumption within healthcare facilities across the European Union (EU). Given the EU's ambitious sustainability targets, the healthcare sector's high energy demand presents a critical area for intervention. Through a comparative analysis of the 27 EU member states, this research examines the extent of digital adoption in healthcare and its impact on energy efficiency. Results indicate significant regional disparities, with Northern European countries showing advanced digital integration compared to their Southern and Eastern counterparts. Findings highlight the potential of digital technologies to contribute meaningfully to energy savings while underscoring barriers such as infrastructure gaps and regulatory challenges. This paper provides insights into strategies for sustainable healthcare transformation, addressing both technological and policy implications for achieving energy-efficient healthcare systems across diverse European contexts.