Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North Sea

Date of latest update: 2025-02-03

Description

Description (EN):

The EU is in the process of a major demographic change. In 2021, 20.8% of the population was aged 65+. In NSR, this change is even more clear, with countries like NL/FR/DK seeing an increase of 3-5% in the last 10 years, above the EU average (Eurostat, 2022). This tendency is expected to keep growing over the next decades. And with it, the prevalence of non-communicable diseases as the leading cause of chronic illness. Despite the shared challenge, there is limited exchange among stakeholders about innovations & best practices across NSR. As of today, the EC reports that 1/5 households are in need of professional care. The healthcare system and its limited network of medical facilities cannot sustain the rising number of care users and the demand for high-quality care in the long-term, particularly since the care workforce is ageing as well. In fact, most NSR regions are already experiencing a shortage of qualified personnel. There is a recognised need to anticipate user demands through innovation. ACE supports the home care ecosystem in NSR, stimulating the delivery of quality service and the independent way of life of care users, through the joint definition and acceleration of NSR innovations (e.g. wearables, ehealth, assisted living products), and through the adaptation of care service providers to upcoming technologies. ACE manages a digital community of 350+ stakeholders, upscales 30+ innovations that directly address care user needs, and adapts 150+ NSR home care providers (5% NUTS3) to these innovations. In order to set the basis for the home care of the future, it is key to involve problem owners (home care service) and solution providers (innovators), but also target users (citizens), research and public authorities. In other words, the whole ecosystem must be represented. This is where ACE steps in, with its unique approach that fosters not only innovation, but also transnational learning exchange, that is for the benefit of the full NSR home care landscape.

Actual Achievements (EN):

Throughout the reporting period #2, ACE progressed significantly throughout work packages. Here are the key achievements: WP1: Act.1.1 ACE Promotional Video: The preparations around video planning have been finalised and the video is set to launch in March 2024. This initiative involves a video shooting with ACE main target group the older adults in Höganäs. Act. 1.2 Workshops: Nine quadruple helix needs workshops were executed across five countries, involving 193 participants from multiple stakeholder groups (quadruple helix representation). These workshops have been essential in gathering input for project deliverable A.1.2. completion. Act. 1.3 Internal Seminar: Internal seminar organised in Leuven was crucial for the completion of the deliverable A.1.3. report. All 14 organisations from the ACE consortium were represented in the seminar. WP2: ACE Digital platform (Act.2.1) and pilots preparation: This period saw development of guidelines (Act. 2.2) for pilot sites, reflecting the project’s aim to tailor approaches to regional and national needs. The groundwork for a digital platform (Act.2.1) was laid, with the main goal of enhancing connections among care providers and solution providers during the matchmaking process. Large emphasis was given to having a streamlined pilot application process in the future. Interdependencies and planning across WPs: WP1 focused on the initial stages of showcase planning and video production. In WP2, extensive meetings helped lay the groundwork for the digital matchmaking platform, emphasizing the development of a digital ecosystem campaign and prototyping program guidelines. WP3 was marked by strategic planning sessions that detailed the approach for gathering critical adaptations. The ACE Communication Plan was another highlight, establishing a coherent messaging framework that enhances visibility and impact. More than half of WP1 activities are completed, WP2 is fully focused on the pilot, WP3 started the work on adaptations.

Website: https://www.interregnorthsea.eu/ace

Thematic information

Health and social services

Priority: (VI-B_NS_1) Priority 1: Robust and smart economies in the North Sea region

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 012 Research and innovation activities in public research centres, higher education and centres of competence including networking (industrial research, experimental development, feasibility studies)

Partners (15)

Lead Partner: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SE556464687401

Address: Lindholmspiren 7 A, 41756 Gothenburg, Sweden

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ri.se

Total budget: EUR 970 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 582 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 388 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Lead Partner: RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Address: Gothenburg, Sweden

Legal status: n/a

Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij

Name: Brabantse Ontwikkelings Maatschappij

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL006138184B01

Address: Goirlese Weg 15, 5026PB Tilburg, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.bom.nl

Total budget: EUR 360 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 216 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 144 000.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

CoWork'Hit Innovation Centre

Name: CoWork'Hit Innovation Centre

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR45899910236

Address: Centre de Kerpape, 56270 Ploemeur, France

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://coworkhit.com/

Total budget: EUR 110 050.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 66 030.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 44 020.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER

Vesthimmerlands Kommune

Name: Vesthimmerlands Kommune

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 29189471

Address: Vestre Bouleveard 7, 9600 Aars, Vesthimmerland, Denmark

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.vesthimmerland.dk

Total budget: EUR 311 951.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 187 171.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 124 780.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Technische Universität Hamburg

Name: Technische Universität Hamburg

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Address: Am Schwarzenberg-Campus 3, 21073 Hamburg, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.tuhh.de/mtec

Total budget: EUR 139 100.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 83 460.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 55 640.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Thomas More University - Living & Care Lab

Name: Thomas More University - Living & Care Lab

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0409667028

Address: Kleinhoefstraat, 4, 2440 Geel, Belgium

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://licalab.be/

Total budget: EUR 335 750.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 201 450.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 134 300.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Oost Nederland NV

Name: Ontwikkelingsmaatschappij Oost Nederland NV

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL813800973B01

Address: Laan van Malkenschoten, 40, 7311BG Apeldoorn, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.ostnl.nl

Total budget: EUR 371 688.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 223 013.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 148 675.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Innovation Skåne

Name: Innovation Skåne

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SE556495536601

Address: Scheeletorget 1, 22370 Lund, Sweden

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://innovationskane.com/start-page/

Total budget: EUR 280 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 112 200.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER

Stichting Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen

Name: Stichting Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen

Partner’s ID if not PIC: NL810876395B01

Address: Ruitenberglaan 31, 6826CC Arnhem, Netherlands

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.han.nl

Total budget: EUR 279 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 167 592.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 111 728.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Höganäs Omsorg (Höganäs Kommun)

Name: Höganäs Omsorg (Höganäs Kommun)

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SE55908620301

Address: Centralgatan, 20, 26382 Höganäs, Sweden

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://www.hoganas.se/

Total budget: EUR 128 750.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 77 250.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 51 500.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

ESN European Social Network

Name: ESN European Social Network

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0691597627

Address: Avenue des Arts 3-4-5, 8th floor, 1210 Brussels, Belgium

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.esn-eu.org

Total budget: EUR 161 717.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 97 030.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 59.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 64 687.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Boone NV

Name: Boone NV

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BE0428180665

Address: Europalaan 6-8, 8970 Poperinge, Belgium

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.boone.be

Total budget: EUR 175 480.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 105 288.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 70 192.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER

Biotech Sante Bretagne

Name: Biotech Sante Bretagne

Partner’s ID if not PIC: FR95879737971

Address: 2 Av. du Professeur Leon Bernard, 35000 Rennes, France

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.biotech-sante-bretagne.fr/

Total budget: EUR 353 834.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 212 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 59.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 141 534.00

GBER schemes / de minimis: GBER

Aarhus Kommune

Name: Aarhus Kommune

Partner’s ID if not PIC: DK27124615

Address: Grøndalsvej 2, 8260 Viby, Aarhus, Denmark

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.velfaerdsteknologi-aarhus.dk/english

Total budget: EUR 383 075.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 229 845.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 60.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 153 230.00

GBER schemes / de minimis:

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Brabant Development Agency

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Vesthimmerlands Municipality

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Technische Universität Hamburg

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Thomas More University of Applied Sciences - Living & Care Lab

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

East Netherlands Development Agency

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Innovation Skane

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Hogeschool van Arnhem en Nijmegen

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Höganäs Care (Municipality of Höganäs)

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

ESN European Social Network

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Boone NV

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

Aarhus Municipality

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Partners and Projects info

RISE Research Institutes of Sweden

Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Operation of strategic importance (OSI) or above EUR 5 million

Project name (EN): Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Project acronym: ACE

Project ID: EZGVl4NyR

Project start date: 2023-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant mentions and prizes:

false

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 4 361 215.00

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 616 729.00

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 60.00%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 616 729.00. Co-financing rate, 60.00%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Deliverables:

Report: Definition of critical home care adaptations / ACE aims to reduce differences in home care practice. From the challenges and technologies identified in WP1, partners define 20+ critical adaptations required throughout NSR, as well as main areas of discussion for P2P Knowledge Exchange events.
ACE Digital Care Ecosystem setup / A digital community platform that serves as a one-stop shop for all stakeholders, built to survive beyond project end, used not only for dissemination but also to facilitate innovation upscale and knowledge transfer (news, events and public forum).
Defining the Home Care of the Future (campaign) / A specific campaign, including project video, targets 500+ NSR stakeholders (innovators, care providers, researchers, public admin & citizens/care users) to join the Quadruple-helix Workshops.
ACE P2P Knowledge Exchange Events / Strong differences exist as to how home care is implemented in NSR (e.g. air mattresses for pressure ulcer prevention vs. medical cranes). 6+ events bring 75+ home care providers together to learn from each other and reduce existing knowledge gaps.
Prototyping Programme guidelines / ACE prepares a set of internal guidelines for the Prototyping Programme, including the required documentation (e.g. application, feedback form). This Programme is open to all home care service providers and innovators in NSR.
Identify the Needs of the Future: Quadruple-helix Workshops (Social Innovation) / Stakeholders in the ecosystem (150+) meet in 8+ sessions to co-identify the most pressing needs of the home care sector. By collecting input from different urban vs. rural locations (e.g. Aarhus, Höganäs), we contribute to closing knowledge gaps.
ACE Technology Adaptation Workshops / 10+ dedicated workshops (2x adaptations/event) bring together 125+ home care providers to adapt home to future innovations. Home care providers in NSR attend with the aim of implementing adaptations to their organisation and/or working methodology.
Digital Care Ecosystem: Stakeholder registration / Through the use of the project website, social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, YouTube), specialised events and own networks, partners foster the registration of 350+ NSR stakeholders to the platform. Registration is open to all and free of charge.
Seminar: From needs to solutions / Partners meet internally to analyse the home care challenges identified in Activity 1.2 and link them to new technologies that can be widespread by 2030 and are applicable to all home care systems in NSR (e.g. home automation, wearables).
Registration of adaptations made / As a result of Activity 3.2 and particularly 3.3, ACE facilitates implementation of adaptations by 150+ home care providers (e.g. use of resources, technologies used). After a session, partners follow-up individually to obtain an official statement.
Online pairing review / Partners jointly analyse each of the 100+ online matches between care providers and innovators. Those that comply with basic criteria (e.g. tackle a WP1 demand, NSR match) are invited to apply to have their innovative device piloted in Activity 2.5.
Showcase: The Smart Household of the Future / Technologies listed in Activity 1.3 are exhibited in 5 NSR public showcases, raising awareness to the general public. Citizens and other stakeholders join and test new home care solutions. Findings about implementation/usability feed Activity 1.5.
The Home Care Jobs of the Future (campaign) / In order to ensure that the results of the adaptation & best practices workshops reach as many home care providers as possible, ACE shares the main findings in a final campaign, before the end of the project. Target is to involve 250+ NSR providers.
ACE Prototyping facilitation / Once an application for piloting is approved, the local partner where the solution is prototyped (e.g. BOM) sends a facilitator (staff costs/external) to guide and oversee the pilot execution, ensuring that a TRL+1 increase (7-8 or more) takes place.
The Future of Smart Home Care report / Based on previous WP1 activities, a first file that outlines the future of home care is prepared together by RISE, HAN, TUHH and LiCaLab. This document is shared for all partners to evaluate, prior to distribution and adoption by stakeholders.

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

ACE promotes the acceleration of digital innovations in home care, particularly when there is proven positive contribution to the quality of service, the efficiency of care professionals and to an upgraded pandemic resilience. In line with the digital transformation planned by the European Commission, by accelerating these innovations and connecting them to new users (home care providers, care users), ACE contributes to generate new opportunities for business and develop digital skills.
The European Pillar of Social Rights is the beacon guiding the EU and NSR towards a strong social Europe that is fair, inclusive and full of opportunity. As recognised by the EC, long-term care systems have been under considerable strain during the pandemic, which added to already existing challenges. By accelerating home care innovation development, training and uptake, ACE contributes to the quality of home care service in NSR, thus contributing directly to the Principle 18: Long-term care.
The Territorial Agenda 2030 touches upon the quality of life of EU citizens. "The underlying objective of all public policies should be to increase citizens' well-being and quality of life." This includes reduction of disparities at regional level. The unique approach of ACE, responding to the needs of rural-urban stakeholders and enhancing the innovation capacity of NSR in home care, contributes to the reduction of regional gaps and thus to the quality of life of their citizens.
The EU's health and care systems face serious challenges, such as ageing and health workforce shortages. To adapt to this situation, "care systems require reforms and innovative solutions to become more resilient, accessible and effective in providing quality care" (EC, 2018). ACE addresses these threats through joint implementation, developing NSR's care innovation ecosystem, fostering in particular digital and prevention solutions, while stimulating adaptation from the care workforce.
As indicated in the Preamble 5 of Regulation (EU) 2021/1119, "it is necessary to address the growing climate-related risks to health, including [...] the emergence and spread of infectious diseases." ACE strives for acceleration of home care innovations, with digitalization and remote technologies leading the way. Keeping citizens from the high risk areas of infection, such as hospitals, is of significant help towards prevention of infectious diseases, especially for vulnerable groups.
ACE contributes directly to the main priorities of the 2021-2027 Smart Specialisation Strategies of the active NSR regions. For example, in East Netherlands, despite being one of the 5 main economic sectors, (health)care costs and the organisation of care face challenges, particularly linked to the demand for technical skills. "Especially stronger partnerships between knowledge institutes and the business community (e.g. HAN & Oost NL) can contribute to the valorisation of ideas and knowledge".
By accelerating innovations within the home care sector, understood as crucial part of the health care system, ACE contributes to the following SDGs: 3 Good health and well-being: Treatment of diseases at home is on the rise, and the healthcare system needs to adapt accordingly. 8 Decent work and economic growth: Make home care service more attractive by training professionals on upcoming solutions. 9 Industry, innovation and infrastructure: Innovation as a key driver of economic growth.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 256
(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects: 756

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

Delivered result indicator(s):

(RCR79) Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations: 2
(RCR104) Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations: 30

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B North Sea

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-02-03

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

65 / 65 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

791 / 791 (100%)

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Accelerating the Home Care Innovation Ecosystem of the Future in the North Sea Region

Description

Thematic information

Partners (15)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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