Assistive technology cluster to help elderly
The prospect of a rapidly ageing European population is sowing concern among EU policymakers who are searching for ways to reduce the burden on healthcare and social systems. One of the many solutions under discussion is the strengthening of ATs, which can enable elderly people to become more independent. The EU-funded project 'Assistive technology cluster for quality of life' (Tecforlife) elaborated a strategy for creating a technology cluster in San Sebastian in order to advance AT. Bringing together research centres, public administration, industry and other stakeholders, the project developed a roadmap to create a powerful AT cluster. It analysed health cluster experiences at the EU level and examined policies that support the AT sector, in addition to mapping the current regional AT environment and outlining local development potential. This enabled the project team to design a cluster that advances AT research and development considerably, creating new companies, stoking innovation, and producing a host of new products and services. After intense networking, training and promotion, the project identified key research areas such as tele-monitoring, which supports caregivers and promotes security. Another important topic involved improving accessibility to public transport, outdoor spaces, public services and even private buildings. The role of AT in improving the life of patients with chronic diseases and innovations for upgrading mobility, such as electric cars, were also on the agenda. Other main research subjects of interest included better design of policies for the elderly and the physically challenged, as well as independent living and community-based living environments. The project also highlighted the need to conduct research on management models for public services to ensure responsible use of available economic resources. By the end of the project, Tecforlife had successfully developed an implementation plan with guidelines on what needs to be done in order to launch the cluster. It disseminated the results of the project to stakeholders in the region and established a working group to realise this objective. The results are expected to be more employment in the AT sector, increased cooperation among stakeholders, economic development in the region and eventually a better standard of living for the elderly.