A Glance at International Funding Instruments: Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme
The Ambient Assisted Living Joint Programme is a joint research and development (R&D) funding activity by actual 20 European Member States and 3 Associated States with the fi nancial support of the European Community based on article 169 of the EC treaty.
The overall objective of the AAL joint programme is to enhance the quality of life of older people and strengthen the industrial base in Europe through the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).
The motivation of the new funding activity is in the demographic change and ageing in Europe, which implies not only challenges but also opportunities for the citizens, the social and healthcare systems as well as industry and the European market. The understanding of “Ambient Assisted Living” (AAL) is that it aims:
- to extend the time people can live in their preferred environment by increasing their autonomy, self-confi dence and mobility
- to support maintaining health and functional capability of the elderly individuals
- to promote a better and healthier lifestyle for individuals at risk
- to enhance the security, to prevent social isolation and to support maintaining the multifunctional network around the individual
- to support carers, families and care organisations
- to increase the effi ciency and productivity of used resources in the ageing societies.
In the presentation, we will review the main description and overall objectives of the Programme, the list of current members, as well as the thematic areas, needs and opportunities that are offered by the Iniciative. The second part of the presentation is focused in showing the details of the specific participation rules and the current and incoming calls for proposals within the Programme.