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Commitments | Governance, Ethics, and Impact: The HCI Trust Framework

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  • Commitments | Governance, Ethics, and Impact: The HCI Trust Framework

Building a Trusted HealthTech Ecosystem

At HealthCare Innovation (HCI), we believe that trust is the currency of innovation. As we accelerate the integration of Artificial Intelligence and biotechnology into the Tunisian and African healthcare systems, we recognize that our responsibility extends beyond technology. It encompasses the ethical management of data, the protection of vulnerable populations, and the promotion of equity. This section details the regulatory frameworks, ethical standards, and transparency mechanisms that govern our cluster. These policies are designed to align the T

unisian HealthTech ecosystem with the rigorous requirements of the European Research Area (ERA), Horizon Europe, and global investment standards.

Cookie & Data Protection Policy

2.1 What are Cookies Cookies are small text files placed on your device (computer, tablet, mobile) when you visit our website. They help store information such as your browsing session, preferences and usage. We and our third-parties use cookies to improve website functionality, measure usage, personalise content, and (if permitted) for marketing. (See guidance on best-practice cookie policies). (General Data Protection Regulation)

2.2 Types of Cookies We Use We categorise cookies as follows:

  • Strictly Necessary Cookies: Required for the website to function (e.g., login, site navigation).
  • Functional Cookies: Enable enhanced functionality (e.g., language choices, user preferences).
  • Performance / Analytical Cookies: Collect anonymised data about how users interact with the site (e.g., pages visited, bounce rate).
  • Targeting / Marketing Cookies: Used to deliver adverts relevant to you or measure cross-site campaign effectiveness.

2.3 Third-Party Cookies We may allow third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics, social media plugins) to set cookies via our site. These third parties may collect data about your online activities across different websites and over time. We disclose these affiliations to ensure transparency. (Cytrio).

2.4 Legal Basis & Consent For non-essential cookies (functional, performance, marketing) we require active informed consent from you before placing them on your device. You may also withdraw your consent at any time via the cookie preference centre on our website. For strictly necessary cookies, we rely on legitimate interest to maintain website operations.

2.5 How to Manage/Withdraw Cookies You may manage your cookie preferences via the “Cookie Settings” link at the footer of our website, or via your browser/device settings (e.g., disable third-party cookies, delete stored cookies). For full guidance on how to manage cookies in your browser, please see: [Insert link].

2.6 Data Protection & Confidentiality All data collected via cookies and web usage is subject to our broader Data Protection policy (see Section 3). We implement administrative, physical and technical safeguards to protect personal data from unauthorised access, loss or alteration.
2.7 International Considerations As we operate globally, our cookie/data processes comply not only with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) but also other relevant jurisdictional rules (e.g., UK GDPR, California CCPA, Tunisia personal data protection law, MENA region regulations).
2.8 Policy Review We will review this cookie/data policy at least annually or following a significant change in legislation, technology or our web usage.

Our Strategic Pillars of Compliance

Status: Strict Gender Equality Plan (GEP) We are dismantling the structural barriers to female leadership in science. Our GEP is a strategic roadmap to close the “leaky pipeline” in the Tunisian bio-economy, ensuring parity in decision-making and integrating the gender dimension into medical R&D.

  • Key Framework: European Commission Horizon Europe Eligibility Criterion.

Status: Aligned with UN SDGs & ICARS Mission We view environmental sustainability as a health determinant. Our Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) policy outlines how we combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) as an environmental threat and how we drive “Green Health” innovation in North Africa.

  • Key Framework: UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 3 & 13).

Status: Public Transparency A comprehensive audit of our impact. Review our key performance indicators (KPIs), financial transparency, and the specific outcomes of our “Startup Studio” and “Health4Farming” programs.

  • Key Framework: Cluster Excellence Metrics.

Status: Zero Tolerance Our policy on the Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH). We enforce a strict code of conduct to protect our staff, startup founders, and the patients we serve, ensuring a safe environment free from abuse of power.

  • Key Framework: IASC Six Core Principles (Inter-Agency Standing Committee).

Status: Binding for Members & Experts Operating at the intersection of public health and private enterprise requires unimpeachable integrity. This policy details our management of Conflict of Interest (COI), anti-corruption measures, and scientific integrity standards.

  • Key Framework: The Bogotá Principles (Medical Device Sector) & Tunisian Code of Medical Deontology.

Status: INPDP & GDPR Compliant We protect the most sensitive asset in our ecosystem: health data. Learn about your rights and our technical measures to secure data sovereignty in compliance with Tunisian and European law.

  • Key Framework: Organic Law n° 2004-63 (Tunisia) & GDPR (EU Regulation 2016/679).

Regulatory Alignment & References

Our governance architecture is built upon the following national and international legal instruments:

  • Data Privacy:
  • Tunisia: Organic Law n° 2004-63 of July 27, 2004, on the protection of personal data.
  • Europe: Regulation (EU) 2016/679 (General Data Protection Regulation – GDPR).
  • Authority: National Authority for Protection of Personal Data (INPDP).
  • Research & Funding:
  • Horizon Europe: Gender Equality Plan (GEP) eligibility criteria (European Commission).
  • Development: UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  • Humanitarian & Ethics:
  • IASC: Inter-Agency Standing Committee Principles on PSEA.
  • MedTech: The Bogotá Principles for Ethical Interactions in the Medical Technology Sector.

Contact Our Governance Team

For specific inquiries regarding our compliance status or to report an ethical concern:

  • General Governance: contact@healthcareinnovation.tn
  • Data Protection Officer (DPO): dpo@healthcareinnovation.tn
  • Ethics & Grievance Channel: grievance@healthcareinnovation.tn