Toward Sustainable Biobanking: Identifying Key Performance Indicators Through Stakeholder Engagement in Slovakia

Abstract

Background:

The strategic development and sustainability of biobanks depend on systematic monitoring and evaluation of their performance. Defining appropriate key performance indicators (KPIs) remains challenging, as biobanks must balance the diverse needs of stakeholders with operational quality and alignment with international standards. In Slovakia, where the biobank network is still emerging, no systematic, stakeholder-driven effort to define context-specific KPIs has yet been undertaken.

Methods:

Building on a systematic literature review, we conducted a stakeholder survey to prioritize performance indicators for Slovak biobanks. A questionnaire with 54 indicators was distributed to over 150 representatives from research, health care, patient organizations, government, industry, and ethics committees. Respondents (n = 23) rated indicators on a 0–5 scale and selected their top 5 key and important indicators. Indicators were classified into four categories based on mean rating (>4), consensus (standard deviation <1), and frequency of selection.

Results:

Twelve indicators were identified as key, 10 as very important, 27 as moderately important, and 5 as less important. Research outputs—such as the number of clinical studies involving the biobank and the number of research projects supported—were most frequently prioritized. Operational indicators, including stored sample quantity, quality control policies, comprehensiveness of clinical data, and adherence to standard operating procedures, were also highly valued. Despite the modest sample size, findings showed broad consensus across stakeholder groups. Continuous monitoring was rated extremely important (mean = 4.63, SD = 0.58), with qualitative feedback emphasizing sustainability, quality assurance, feedback, performance, and strategic development.

Conclusions:

This study provides the first stakeholder-driven prioritization of KPIs for Slovak biobanks. Results highlight a consensus on indicators reflecting scientific impact, operational reliability, and quality assurance, while financial and governance metrics were deprioritized. Establishing a context-specific monitoring framework can strengthen transparency, support strategic decision-making, and align Slovak biobanks with European initiatives and national priorities.