See innova project

Innovative transnational governance for the regional coordination of innovation driven key players related to ambient intelligence technologies for independent living of elderly /SEE_INNOVA/ Sofia, 19.11.2013

Galia Iontcheva Sofia Municipality

WHAT IS SEE_INNOVA? SEE_INNOVA is a project which considers AGEING as part of an overall strategy of mutually reinforced INNOVATION policies and regional competitiveness and it focus on the opportunities to help older people to live independently for longer in their own homes by: • increasing their autonomy and mobility; • assisting them in carrying out their daily activities and improving their access to age-friendly Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

WHY IS SEE_INNOVA IMPORTANT? Worldwide, the proportion of people aged 60 and over is growing faster than any other age group.

This demographic change is a challenge that needs to be met at transnational level, having a strong impact in the social and health services and in the labour market.

The change of economic position of older people within the knowledge economy demands an innovative policy approach strengthening creative interaction among the key player involved in the innovation development without fragmented division of competencies. Integrated policies, as well as major support to research and innovation infrastructures are needed.

WHAT DOES SEE_INNOVA PROJECT AIM? SEE_INNOVA aims to develop an innovative multidisciplinary governance approach at transnational level for the regional coordination of innovation driven key players in the field of independent living of Elderly, starting from the real needs of end-users, with a social innovation approach. It follows the new approach of QUADRUPLE HELIX, which starts from the triple helix concept extending the partnership to the social innovation methodology.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES To stimulate technological innovation based on social innovation.  To provide instruments that enable regional decisionmakers to implement an efficient multidisciplinary and integrated policy for independent living of elderly applying Social Innovation approach. To raise awareness on relevant understanding, common approaches and experiences on independent living for elderly.  To encourage young entrepreneurship stimulating the creativity of young people and their skills.

WHERE ARE THE PROJECT PARTNERS FROM? From Italy – Marche Region (Lead Partner), CREATE-NET and SVIM-Sviluppo Marche S.p.A (as Technical Secretariat); Austria - Clusterland Upper Austria; Bulgaria - Sofia Municipality; Bosnia and Herzegovina - LINK; Greece – Region of Sterea Ellada; Hungary - INNOSKART; Romania - ADI BI and Geron Foundation; from Serbia - RPK Uzice.

HOW LONG WILL THE SEE_INNOVA PROJECT LAST? The SEE_INNOVA project began in January 2013 and will end in December 2014.

Thank you for your attention!

Galia Iontcheva, chief expert E-mail: giontcheva@sofia.bg Sofia Municipality web site: www.sofia.bg