Health Technology Assessment (HTA) informs resource allocation and policy decisions, particularly to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). Recognizing the increasing demand for evidence-informed decision-making, the HTAsiaLink network was established in 2011 as a regional platform to strengthen individual and institutional capacity in HTA research and facilitate the integration of HTA evidence into policy decisions across the Asia-Pacific.

Over the years, HTAsiaLink has expanded to over fifty members from twenty economies. In 2024, a structured strategic planning process was undertaken to ensure its continued growth and strengthen its impact on HTA development and implementation. This process involved a targeted review of strategic plans from international networks, alongside comprehensive member engagement, to develop a data-driven and adaptable plan responsive to the evolving healthcare landscape and member needs. As a result, five strategic priorities, corresponding action items, and success indicators were identified.

This commentary outlines the needs and processes involved in developing the network’s first-ever strategic plan, emphasizing the critical role of member engagement in shaping its future direction. We believe that this experience offers transferable insights for other HTA networks, particularly those operating in low- and middle-income country contexts, on the collaborative development of strategic plans that are responsive to shared objectives, accommodate varying institutional capacities, and align with regional priorities.

Countries frequently use health technology assessment (HTA) to set priorities for introducing new interventions or evaluating existing interventions; however, applying the tool effectively is heavily dependent on a country’s resources and capacity. Infrastructure and data, technical expertise, broad stakeholder involvement, and financial support are required to improve HTA processes. In the Asia-Pacific, HTAsiaLink was established to facilitate this practice, but strengthening and legitimizing this organization are needed to maximize its potential to support HTA institutionalization in the region. To realize this objective, HTAsiaLink can serve as a center of excellence while providing experiential learning and sharing information. As a learning hub, HTAsiaLink can share resources—particularly data—that can contribute to joint HTAs as done in the European Union and strengthen capacity in countries needing to develop their HTA expertise.