Is Poland ready for the European health data space?

• Researchers applied a novel dynamic SWOT methodology to assess Poland’s readiness for EHDS implementation based on expert interviews and policy review. • Key strengths include experience in large e-health projects with developing digital health resources and data analytics capacity, while infrastructure and standardization gaps remain major barriers. • Opportunities related to EU funding, international research collaboration, and data-driven policymaking focus offer critical leverage points for accelerating EHDS adoption. • Findings emphasize the urgent need for strategic investment, stakeholder engagement, and public trust to fully realize the potential and benefit from EHDS in Poland. The European Health Data Space (EHDS) aims to enhance cross-border data sharing across the EU for care continuity and innovation. This research aims to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats related to effective EHDS implementation, considering perspectives of researchers, IT, and health experts. A narrative literature review and expert interviews with eight Polish stakeholders from diverse sectors were conducted. Findings were synthesized using a dynamic SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis supported by MAXQDA-assisted qualitative coding. Strengths included Poland’s experience in large e-health projects linked to digital health resources, stakeholder awareness of standards, and research capabilities. Major weaknesses involved infrastructural gaps, fragmented standards, and resistance to change. Opportunities related to funding and international collaboration, while threats involved regulatory uncertainty, cybersecurity, and lack of public trust. The dynamic SWOT analysis revealed that strengths significantly outweigh weaknesses and improve readiness for EHDS. However, infrastructural limitations and funding risks remain highly influential negative factors. Poland shows strong potential for EHDS implementation, particularly through leveraging e-health experience and data analytics. Addressing internal limitations and increasing public trust are essential for maximizing EHDS benefits and mitigating risks.