Jan Pons

Jan Pons is a Researcher at the Business Innovation Knowledge Centre of Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences, specializing in the value assessment of digital healthcare and involved in the Digital Business research group. With a background in analytical chemistry and extensive professional experience in business, technology, and healthcare innovation, he focuses on implementing and scaling digital solutions in healthcare settings.

His educational background includes training as an analytical chemist at the Van 't Hoff Institute in Rotterdam, along with specialized training in finance, governance, and health innovation. Pons has held various roles including laboratory work, sales and marketing for an international software manufacturer, business plan assessment at KPN Multimedia, and running his own online marketing company which he sold in 2011.

• Research Interests

Jan Pons specializes in the value assessment of healthcare innovations using Health Technology Assessment principles, examining medical, social, ethical and economic implications. His work focuses on implementation challenges in healthcare and welfare organizations, particularly regarding independent living at home. He co-founded the Rotterdam eHealth Agenda foundation in 2019 to promote sustainable connections between healthcare organizations for sharing knowledge about e-health implementation. Since 2022, his primary focus has been on value assessment of healthcare innovations, and in October 2023 he began working as a social domain expert for 'transformation agenda' and 'value assessment' teams at Digizo.nu.

His research shows that healthcare innovations often fail because values are insufficiently assessed from all stakeholder perspectives - patients, professionals, healthcare organizations, and financiers. His approach expresses value through qualitative and quantitative indicators to support decision-making and successful implementation.

• Scientific Contributions

Jan Pons has contributed significantly to understanding digital transformation in healthcare and SMEs. His publications examine digital innovation gaps, manufacturing industry automation, smart industry implementation challenges, and SME digitalization strategies. His work with the Responsible AI for SMEs project (2023-2025) investigates how small and medium enterprises can responsibly implement AI technologies.

• Professional Activities

As one of the four driving forces behind the Transitie010 movement, Pons works with regional partnerships strengthened by a network of leaders, experts, and experienced professionals across all sectors of welfare and healthcare. In 2016, he co-founded an online therapy platform for aphasia treatment, and in 2017 co-initiated the Rotterdam eHealth Agenda foundation. Between 2014-2017, he developed the 'Home Technology' arrangement for the municipality in the IJsselmonde area, resulting in a Home Technology Guide for consumers and professionals.