Foreword

To cope with the complex social, economic and healthcare challenges presented by ageing societies worldwide and to harness global intelligence, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) is collaborating with the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) to develop the UK-China Healthy Ageing Innovation Stream (HAIS).

As part of this programme, which forms part of the Fund for International Collaboration’s Healthy Ageing Flagship Challenge, the UK’s National Innovation Centre for Ageing will deliver a series of activities to drive innovation that supports older adults in both the UK and China, helping them to live fulfilling, healthy and comfortable lives for longer. These activities are funded through the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) Fund for International Collaboration (FIC), delivered by Innovate UK, part of UKRI.

This Horizoning™ report looks to identify and present some of the opportunities arising from trends within the space of Mobility and Gait - one area of focus for this project.

The purpose of Horizoning™ is to look beyond currently entrenched ideas concerning ageing and longevity. It suggests a range of possible options and new narratives for real, meaningful, and visible commercial and societal impact - locally, nationally and globally. The report is intended as a thought-provocation piece to inform the development of innovative mobility solutions and is intended to inspire and catalyse new approaches to healthy longevity and contribute to economic growth.

© Maud Beauregard