The EC recently presented a proposal to make Europe the centre for developing digital technologies aimed at helping older people continue living independently. The proposal provides €600 million worth of funding, and an additional €400 million is available for this topic under the information communication technologies (ICT) priority in FP7 between now and 2013. The new programme, which is referred to as 'Ambient Assisted Living' (AAL), will provide funding for companies to develop innovative digitial products and services, aimed at helping older people in the home, workplace and in society at large. Potential applications could include using smart home technologies to control heating, lighting and food stocks. The EU is currently a leader in this field, and the new initiative will support Europe's strength in these areas.

Overall, twenty EU Member States and Israel, Norway and Switzerland have committed to the new programme. AAL is part of the EC’s wider i2010 initiative, aimed at creating an inclusive information society.

You can read more stories like this one in the August issue of European RTD Insight.