On January 17th 2020, the European Commission awarded the coalition of the Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), led by the Institute of Computer Science, a “4 Stars” Reference Site status, the highest possible ranking, in the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing.
Reference Sites are regions, cities, integrated hospitals or care organisations and their quadruple helix partners from industry, civil society, academia and government authorities that focus on a comprehensive, innovation-based approach to active and healthy ageing. They offer concrete examples of their positive impact in this field.
This distinction highlights the excellence of health innovation actions that have been implemented throughout the years in the Region of Crete, delivering creative and workable solutions that improve the lives and health of older people and the whole community. It also highlights actions that promote innovation and address the challenges of health care provision for the elderly.
The coalition of FORTH includes the Region of Crete, the 7th Health Region of Crete, the Municipality of Heraklion, and collaborations with academic institutions, businesses and civil society at regional level. These collaborations lead to innovative actions and drive change far beyond the scope any one particular organisation could achieve on its own. Hence, contributing to a comprehensive, innovation-based approach to active and healthy ageing and to the creation of an environment for learning, knowledge transfer and adaptation for other regions across Europe.
The actions implemented by the coalition in the Region of Crete are in line with the strategic objectives of the European Innovation Partnership for Active and Healthy Aging (EIP on AHA) and with the new strategic developments for digital health transformation and care in the Digital Single Market.