On September 17, 2025, CIOs, partners, and healthcare leaders gathered in the stunning Hamburg offices of Asklepios Healthcare Group for an exclusive event hosted by Asklepios and organized by CIOmove. The event focused on the pivotal role of digital transformation in healthcare, with inspiring keynotes and discussions centered on the future of the industry. From digital systems to AI-driven processes, Asklepios provided a compelling insight into their journey and vision for the future.
An inspiring kick-off with Asklepios’ CIO Henning Schneider
The afternoon kicked off with a warm welcome from Volker Martens and Horst Ellermann, followed by Henning Schneider, CIO of Asklepios. Henning emphasized that the digital transformation at Asklepios is not a goal in itself but the backbone of patient- and employee-centered processes. He underlined that the digital shift in healthcare is now inevitable – organizations that fail to embrace digital systems for connecting providers and patients will be left behind. AI will be the catalyst for this transformation, driving the speed and scalability of healthcare systems.
Key insights from the day
- The digital imperative in healthcare
The healthcare industry is at a critical turning point. The future of healthcare will be shaped by digital change, where interconnected digital systems for providers and patients become the norm. For market leaders, scalable platforms are key. Those who fail to adapt risk losing their competitive edge. Data-driven business models are emerging, with data at the center of everything. The speed of change is intense, and while not all systems are in place yet, training and action must begin now. - The role of AI in healthcare: Not just hype
Thomas Koschmieder, Head of Administrative Processes at Asklepios, presented the “Health Data Hub” (HDH) project. The initiative aims to leverage data for better decision-making by doctors. But as Koschmieder stressed, AI and digital tools can only be effective if they are built on high-quality, structured, and interconnected data. Without this foundation, AI remains a hollow promise. The importance of data quality cannot be overstated in realizing the full potential of AI in healthcare. - Collaboration is key: Beyond the organization
A key takeaway from the event was the emphasis on collaboration – not just within Asklepios but across healthcare providers, sectors, and even organizations. Henning Schneider shared that Asklepios is working towards a networked healthcare system, collaborating with partners beyond their own borders in Hamburg to drive data and AI adoption across the entire healthcare ecosystem. The goal is a seamless, connected healthcare network that benefits both providers and patients.
How to drive digital transformation in healthcare
The event showcased several critical lessons learned from Asklepios’ ongoing digital journey:
- Change competence: It is crucial to rapidly move beyond paper-based processes and embrace digital-first approaches.
- Innovation power: IT must follow the process, and innovation should be at the heart of all digital initiatives.
- Domain expertise: Both IT systems and digital processes must be co-developed and continuously trained by clinical staff. This collaboration ensures that the technology meets the needs of the professionals using it.
- Data competence: Simply digitizing processes is not enough; processes must be rethought, data-driven, and measurable.
The path forward: A unified approach to healthcare data
The event concluded with a clear call to action: digital transformation in healthcare can only succeed when organizations work together. The need for structured, connectable data is paramount, and AI’s potential hinges on the quality of the data it processes. As Asklepios continues to innovate, they are also advocating for sector-wide collaboration to create a more connected and efficient healthcare system.
With the rapid pace of technological advancements, healthcare organizations that do not prioritize digitalization risk falling behind. But with strong collaboration, clear data strategies, and a focus on patient-centered care, the digital future of healthcare is bright.
What’s next for CIOmove
The conversation around digital transformation in healthcare is far from over. As we look ahead, the next CIOmove will take us to Gartner on November 9, 2025, where we will explore the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of IT. Later in December, we will visit Bosch on December 4, 2025, for another exciting discussion.
Big thanks to Henning Schneider, Katrin Binke, Thomas Koschmieder, Achim Rutsch and all the Asklepios team for their insights and hospitality! We look forward to continuing this vital conversation at future events.