“It has to somehow permeate to the public”: expert views on the solidaristic potential of Israel’s National genomic biobank initiative

Abstract The 2018 Digital Health Initiative (DHI) implemented by Israel included the establishment of a national biobank. Establishing a national biobank was clouded in ample rhetoric of solidarity promising scientific and economic progress, and financial benefits. To assess the potential of these promises, we conducted 15 semi-structured interviews with experts with a management, health or political background from Israel over a one-year period. Applying a data solidarity framework to the insights gained from the interviews, we concluded that a national biobank indeed offers great potential for medical progress under the condition that data use is transparent and mechanisms for access are clear. In contrast, we estimate that claims on economic and financial benefits are less certain and depend on controversial ideas like the trickle-down effect. To strengthen the beneficial effects of a national biobank, we recommend policymakers adhere to data solidarity to avoid misappropriating solidarity.