Support to further development of international cooperation in digital transformation of health and care

Citizens in ageing populations wish to stay in their homes for as long as possible. They are however at risk of age related impairments such as poor health, cognitive impairment, frailty and social exclusion with considerable negative consequences for their independence, quality of life, that of those who care for them, and for the sustainability of health and care systems.

There is an increasing global interest in cooperation on research and innovation addressing this issue with digital solutions and services. It is however necessary to identify the future areas for international cooperation which have the highest potential as well as support the identification and networking of the potential funding organisations which can promote future cooperation. In line with the strategy for EU international cooperation in research and innovation (COM(2012)497), international cooperation is encouraged, in particular with the US, Canada, Japan, South Korea and China.

Scope

The action should develop and deliver a roadmap for international cooperation which outlines key relevant research and innovation areas in digital solutions and services for active and healthy ageing. The selection of topics and potential funding schemes should be based on a clear methodology which also takes into account the European added value and identifies relevant existing and emerging initiatives which can form the basis for such a cooperation. The action should also ensure that relevant stakeholders are engaged during the process through regional and international workshops and a set of communication and dissemination actions.

The Commission considers that proposals requesting a contribution from the EU of up to EUR 2 million would allow this specific challenge to be addressed appropriately. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other amounts.

Expected Impact

The proposal should provide appropriate indicators to measure its progress and specific impact in the following areas:

• Increased awareness of relevant research and innovation initiatives by European and International stakeholders;
• Increased international cooperation in research and innovation on ICT for active and healthy ageing through a roadmap of priority areas and potential funding schemes;
• Increased networking of European and international stakeholders interested in international cooperation in the field;
• Improve competiveness of European industry by opening up international open innovation possibilities and gaining access to future markets.

Cross-cutting Priorities

• International cooperation
• Socio-economic science and humanities