Research for e-Inclusion
Many of those who could benefit most from the Information Society are at risk of being excluded from what it has to offer. For example, older people often find Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) too complex to use, while those living with disabilities are not always catered for by mainstream technologies. Such barriers can leave people feeling isolated at home, in the workplace and in society. The European Commission is committed to backing research to solve these and other problems related to e-Inclusion.
At the moment, about 30% of Europe’s population do not actively participate in the Information Society. Among them are the most vulnerable, which is a great shame bearing in mind the potential power of new technologies to make their lives easier.
The Commission is determined to address this situation by backing research and development to create ICT products and services that can be used more easily by the likes of elderly and disabled people. Such research will benefit Europe as a whole as it endeavours to meet the needs of a growing elderly population.
That is why e-Inclusion features heavily in the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for Research (FP7), which runs from 2007 to 2013. About €400 million has been allocated to the objectives “ICT for Ageing Well and Inclusion” under FP7’s Challenge 5.
The aim is to find ways to maximise the potential of ICTs to help Europe’s ageing population lead independent and active lives. To do this, Challenge 5 will be harnessed to tackle the growing complexity of ICTs, which is limiting uptake with some groups. The use and interoperability of assistive technologies will also feature, as will the need to integrate technical solutions which promote independent living.
FP7’s priorities build on research for e-Inclusion that featured in previous framework programmes. Many FP6 e-Inclusion projects are still active, and a complete list is available on CORDIS, the EU’s Community research website. Browse projects on:
The Commission is also helping to fund a major new research programme dedicated to ambient assisted living. More information.
Last update: 13/09/2011