ESG Policy

ESG Policy – HealthCare Innovation (HCI)

At HealthCare Innovation (HCI), we believe that responsible innovation in health requires strong Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. Our ESG commitments guide how we work with startups, clinicians, hospitals, universities, industry, public institutions, and international partners across Tunisia, the MENA region, and the Euro-Mediterranean ecosystem.

This policy applies to all HCI staff, board members, volunteers, suppliers, and collaborators.

1. Environmental Responsibility (E)

HCI is committed to minimizing the environmental footprint of health innovation and promoting sustainable practices across our activities, projects, and events.

1.1. Resource Efficiency

We actively reduce consumption of energy, water, and materials by:

• Prioritizing digital tools over paper
  
• Using energy-efficient IT equipment and cloud infrastructure
  
• Reducing single-use plastics in events and offices
  
• Optimizing physical travel by promoting hybrid and online formats 

1.2. Sustainable Operations & Procurement

We ensure that the equipment, services, and vendors we select follow sustainable principles, including:

• Environmentally responsible manufacturing
  
• Low-impact logistics and packaging
  
• Preference for local suppliers when possible 

1.3. Waste & E-Waste Management

HCI complies with Tunisian environmental laws, including Law 96-41 and national standards managed by ANGeD, ensuring:

• Responsible disposal of e-waste and IT equipment
  
• Safe handling of lab-related and medical-adjacent materials
  
• Waste reduction and recycling practices across all activities 

1.4. Climate-Smart Health Innovation

We support and promote initiatives that reduce the environmental impact of healthcare systems, including:

• Digital health platforms that limit patient travel
  
• Energy-efficient practices in hospitals and health institutions
  
• Climate-resilient health innovation and green technology 

2. Social Responsibility (S)

Social impact, inclusion, and community empowerment are at the core of HCI’s mission.

2.1. Equity & Access to Innovation

We ensure that innovation benefits a broad spectrum of society by:

• Promoting equitable access to training, mentoring, and innovation programs
  
• Supporting startups that improve patient outcomes and reduce inequalities
  
• Engaging regional hospitals, primary care centers, and public actors
  

2.2. Diversity & Gender Equality

HCI promotes an inclusive environment by:

• Implementing a strong Gender Equality Plan
  
• Ensuring women and youth representation in decision-making spaces
  
• Encouraging women’s leadership in HealthTech and digital health
  

2.3. Safe & Respectful Environment

HCI applies Tunisia’s Organic Act 2017-58 on preventing violence and harassment by enforcing:

• Zero-tolerance for discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or abuse
  
• Internal reporting channels that ensure confidentiality
  
• Clear procedures for addressing misconduct
  

2.4. Talent Development & Education

We contribute to workforce development and youth empowerment through:

• Training programs, internships, and junior talent initiatives
  
• Capacity-building for students, clinicians, researchers, and innovators
  
• Public engagement activities with scientific societies and universities 

3. Ethical Governance (G)

HCI upholds transparent, ethical, and accountable governance aligned with Tunisian and European standards.

3.1. Integrity & Anti-Corruption

We strictly follow Tunisia’s Organic Act 2017-10 on whistleblower protection and enforce:

• Ethical conduct in all collaborations
  
• Transparent procurement and contracting
  
• A confidential, non-retaliatory whistleblowing mechanism
  

3.2. Data Protection & Privacy

HCI complies with:

• Organic Act 2004-63 on the protection of personal data (Tunisia)
  
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) when projects involve EU partners or EU-related data
  

Our data governance includes:

• Privacy-by-design practices
  
• Secure data storage and access control
  
• Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) when required
  

3.3. Digital Health, AI & Medical Technologies

For projects involving digital health solutions, SaMD, or AI systems, HCI aligns with:

• EU Medical Device Regulation (MDR 2017/745)
  
• EU AI Act risk-based requirements
  
• European Health Data Space (EHDS) principles for health data sharing 

This ensures that supported startups and partners uphold safety, quality, ethics, and technical compliance.

3.4. Cybersecurity & Digital Integrity

HCI voluntarily aligns with the EU NIS2 Directive and international standards such as:

• ISO/IEC 27001 (Information Security Management)
  
• ISO 27701 (Privacy Information Management)
  

We maintain strong cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information, research activities, and digital infrastructures.

3.5. Transparency & Accountability

HCI ensures:

• Clear governance structures for decision-making
  
• Regular ESG monitoring and internal reviews
  
• Transparent communication with partners, donors, and beneficiaries
  
• A culture of ethical leadership and responsible global collaboration
  

4. Monitoring, Review & Continuous Improvement

HCI integrates ESG into all programs and decision-making processes through:

• Annual ESG performance reviews
  
• Updated KPIs on sustainability, inclusion, and governance
  
• Staff training on data protection, ethics, anti-harassment, and responsible innovation
  
• Continuous updates to reflect new Tunisian laws and European regulations
  

HCI is committed to strengthening ESG integration as the health innovation ecosystem evolves.