A new call for reference sites is being prepared by the European Commission together with the current reference sites. This was announced at the Conference of Partners of the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing on 9-10 December 2015. The call will be published mid January and regions will have until 15 March 2015 to submit their application and explain why they can be considered an inspiring reference point in the for creative and workable solutions that enhance the lives and health of older people.

Being a reference site first and foremost provides regions with enhanced visibility on the European Commission website, social media and events. It also generates new opportunities for collaboration, peer learning on demographic change and innovation policies, especially ICT innovation. After the submission, applications will be evaluated online by fellow candidates until the end of May. The Reference site star award ceremony will take place during the e-health week in Amsterdam the week starting 6 June 2015.

To learn more about the added value of being a reference site, don’t hesitate to contact colleagues from the following AER member regions, who have been reference sites for 2 years now: Alsace (FR), Catalunya (ES), Friuli Venezia Giulia (IT), Gelderland (NL), Ile-de-France (FR), Languedoc-Roussillon (FR), Noord-Brabant (NL), Pohjois-Pohjanmaa (FI), Valencia (ES),  and Syddanmark (DK).