Two new projects at SMIT

European demographic ageing trends and the rapid expansion of the very old population is likely to have profound implications for governments, business, and civil society. For this reason, it is important to take measures to support ageing people in their daily activities and their autonomy. Adapting urban environments to these challenges requires a multidisciplinary understanding of interrelated and complex phenomena. In the context of the digital-era massive data production and enhanced analytical capacities, there is still enormous untapped potential in the use of disruptive technologies to support evidence-based decision-making processes in the field of urban planning.

In this context, H2020 UrbanAge project goal is to address the needs of ageing people in the urban environment by developing more democratic and inclusive decision-making tools. To this end, the project will develop an Ecosystem to improve the quality of decision-making on issues related to urban planning for age-friendly cities, by harnessing the collective intelligence of users. For this purpose, UrbanAge aims to provide evidence-based tools for local authorities to guide transformation towards more inclusive cities.

Based on a thorough understanding of users’ needs, it will be validated by piloting use-cases in the context of three local planning systems in Europe: Helsinki in Finland, Santander in Spain and Flanders region in Belgium.

These technologies will support the analysis, modeling, and simulation of physical conditions for ageing well in cities: accessibility and safety in the urban environment, including public spaces, streets, public transport and housing, as well as the location of public equipment and services or the access to community services.

Expected impacts

• Enable public authorities to develop pathways for the introduction of disruptive technologies while also addressing the societal challenges raised by these technologies.

• Development of new decision-making support tools to address the needs of ageing people in the urban environment.

• Based on a thorough understanding of users’ needs, the action will enhance knowledge on digital governance; develop new ways of providing public services, of ensuring public governance and of boosting public engagement with the help of disruptive technologies.

• Contribute to developing new practices, optimizing work processes, and integrating evidence-based decision-making processes in public services and in services such as health, education, culture, social welfare and mobility. 

Timeline

February 2021 – January 2024