Bees are small and vulnerable. And yet they are indispensable: they pollinate, keep ecosystems in balance and enable growth. Their strength lies not in their size, but in their cooperation, resilience and the value they add. 🐝 That idea is encapsulated in the name The Bee Academy. This organisation helps IT professionals who, after burnout, stroke or other setbacks, want to find their place in the labour market again. Like bees, they play an invisible but indispensable role in our society. With the right opportunities, they can contribute, grow and flourish again – for themselves and for the organisations they end up working for.

Building on the shift from transactional vendors to strategic partners, the second part of our series dives into how collaboration works in practice. We explore strategies for effective supplier-provider partnerships, key European initiatives, procurement considerations, and the inspiring example of Maria Middelares hospital. Learn how startups and suppliers co-create solutions that improve patient outcomes, streamline operations, and generate lasting value.

Healthcare is changing faster than ever. By 2025, hospitals face rising costs, staffing challenges, and increasing pressure to deliver better outcomes with tighter budgets. In this new reality, suppliers can no longer rely on transactional sales they must become true partners. In this first part of our series, we explore why hospitals are seeking strategic collaborations, how partnerships are evolving, and real-world examples from Europe that show efficiency and shared outcomes are now the “new currency” of healthcare supplier relationships.