Efficiency, Innovation, and Sustainability in Healthcare Systems

Healthcare systems are a cornerstone of social infrastructure, providing safe, effective, and high-quality services while responding to demographic, economic, technological, and environmental challenges. Their long-term sustainability is increasingly threatened by population aging, the growing burden of chronic diseases, rising healthcare expenditures, workforce shortages, administrative and cybersecurity challenges, and public health emergencies. Efficiency, innovation, and sustainability are closely interconnected dimensions of healthcare system performance. The effective use of human, financial, material, informational, and energy resources is essential for resilient healthcare systems. Innovation—including digital transformation, data analytics, new models of care, and organizational change—enhances performance and supports the healthcare-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Policymakers, healthcare organizations, and researchers must balance cost containment with quality, equity, resilience, and environmental responsibility. This Special Issue brings together original research and review articles that advance understanding of these themes. The contributions address the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework in healthcare, efficient resource allocation, health equity, sustainable healthcare financing, digital health, big data analytics, and other approaches supporting resilient and sustainable healthcare systems.