Bucharest (RO), 11 September 2014

On the occasion of the AAL Forum in Bucharest, the Assembly of European Regions (AER), the Community of Regions for Assisted Living (CORAL) and the Engaged network explored how to achieve increased coherence between the numerous initiatives for active and healthy ageing in Europe whilst supporting the creation of a market for ambient assisted living technologies.

“Engagement at European level is crucial for regions: many have already created and tested innovative solutions. Sharing successes and failures through these networks helps us learn from each other and better prepare the deployment of ICT-based technologies for health“ said Dr Marta Tatar, County Councillor of Covasna (RO) and member of the AER e-he@lth network. In a rapidly changing world, transdisciplinarity and constant dialogue are needed to foster innovation. This is where interregional and thematic networks play an important role.

“The AAL Forum in Bucharest shows once again its value when many EU regions gather and exchange results and visions on the challenging journey of changing the face of healthcare. Brainport/Brabant is proud to be part of that community!” said Peter Portheine from Brainport / Slimmer Leven 2020, Noord-Brabant (NL).

Earlier this week Paul Timmers, Director General for Sustainable & Secure Society at DG Connect, highlighted as well the crucial role of regions in large-scale deployment and insisted that leadership is essential.

Increasing cooperation between stakeholders and bridging the gap between research and the ambient assisted living market are the main objectives of the AAL Forum. In this context, the Engaged network also organised a mutual learning workshop on business models for care, cure and independent living.

Events :
“E-health : Independence and Inclusion in the 21st century”, a series of capacity building events and a political debate on the engagement of regions at European level. 21-23 October 2015, Letterkenny, Donegal (IE)

“Strong leadership”, talk show with politicians organised by CORAL and AER at the World Health and Design Forum, a unique combination of design, high-tech and social innovation. 22 October 2015, Eindhoven, Noord-Brabant (NL)

Useful links:
AER activities on active and healthy ageing
CORAL
ENGAGED website
AAL Forum

The AAL Programme funds international projects involving small and medium enterprises, research bodies and user’s organisations (representing the older adults).

For more information: [email protected]