EIP ON AHA REFERENCE SITES COLLABORATIVE NETWORK

Their core work

This is the collaborative network of EU Reference Sites recognized under the European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Ageing (EIP on AHA). They coordinate knowledge exchange and best-practice sharing among regions and cities that have demonstrated excellence in deploying health and care innovations for ageing populations. Their core work involves supporting the large-scale uptake of digital health solutions, innovative procurement in healthcare, and integrated care models that keep older adults healthy and independent at home. They act as a bridge between regional health systems across Europe, helping translate proven local innovations into cross-border deployable approaches.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

Their early H2020 involvement (2017-2019) centred on supporting the uptake of digital innovation for ageing and tackling practical barriers like procurement — how health systems actually buy innovation (PPI, PCP, value-based healthcare). By 2019-2023, their focus shifted decisively toward data-driven personalised care, digital health ecosystems, and smart home interventions for at-risk populations. The trajectory shows a move from policy and procurement support toward hands-on deployment of digital health tools in real living environments.

Moving from advising on how to adopt health innovation toward actively deploying smart home and personalised care technologies for ageing populations — expect future work in AI-driven health monitoring and preventive care at home.

How they like to work

Exclusively a participant — they have never coordinated an H2020 project, which fits their nature as a network organization that contributes domain expertise and access to regional health systems rather than leading technical development. With 91 unique partners across 20 countries from just 4 projects, they operate in very large consortia (averaging ~23 partners per project). This makes them a well-connected hub with broad reach across European health ecosystems — ideal for partners who need access to multiple regional health authorities and reference sites simultaneously.

Exceptionally well-connected for their size: 91 unique consortium partners across 20 countries from only 4 projects. Their network spans most of the EU, reflecting their role as a pan-European network linking regional health systems and innovation ecosystems.

What sets them apart

Their unique value is institutional: they are the formal collaborative network of EIP on AHA Reference Sites — regions officially recognized by the European Commission for excellence in active and healthy ageing innovation. This gives them direct access to decision-makers in dozens of regional health systems across Europe, something no single university or company can replicate. For any consortium that needs to pilot health innovations across multiple real-world healthcare settings, this network provides ready-made deployment sites and political buy-in.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GATEKEEPER
  Their largest project (EUR 258,750) and longest-running (2019-2023), focused on smart living homes with real-world demonstrators for people at health and social risk — represents their shift toward deployment.
• DigitalHealthEurope
  Directly supported the EU Digital Health and Care Innovation initiative, positioning the network at the intersection of digital single market policy and personalised medicine deployment.
• EURIPHI
  Tackled the often-overlooked procurement barrier — how public health systems can legally and effectively purchase innovation — a niche expertise rare in research consortia.