The ICT Policy Support Programme (PSP) is an aspect of the Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme (CIP) which is used as an instrument of the European Commission to support ICT innovations by funding pilot projects in designated work areas. The Information Day held in Brussels on 28 February 2011, announced the work programmes for 2011 which included funding initiatives pertaining to ICT in health – specifically ICT solutions for fall prevention and detection, e-inclusion and e-Health.
The CIP looks to support EU policy by driving the uptake of innovation and best use of ICTs. However, these projects do not involve research but rather the testing/piloting of projects in real settings to develop a single information space, to support innovation and to enable an inclusive information society. By disseminating the results, building on Member State initiatives and preparing for wider actions, this year the CIP helps to increase the uptake of ICT solutions pertaining to energy efficiency, digital content, health, innovative governance and open innovation for internet-enabled services in smart cities.
Regarding health, the European Commission determined the themes for 2011 funding would include fall prevention and detection, e-inclusion and e-Health. The fall prevention and detection theme aims to fund several pilots focused on safety and independent living through integrated solutions with an increased specificity on home settings. E-inclusion funding will be disseminated to projects developing guidelines for deployment of innovation in ICT for ageing well and sharing of best practices. There is also funding for digital competences and social inclusionary projects which focus on domiciliary care workers and education.
In 2011, funding for e-Health projects also exists though projects receiving funds must meet the objectives of empowering patients and supporting the widespread deployment of telemedicine services. Programmes that empower patients should focus on providing secure online access to medical records and have a sound business model for long-term sustainability. In order to achieve the second objective of expanding tele-medicine services, the Commission is looking for projects which provide guidelines for increasing the deployment of such services.<:p>
All programme participation for stakeholders is determined by whether the call for proposals is of Type A, B or C. Depending on the instrument, potential participants may need to collaborate with 3-6 other organisations in differing Member States in order to receive funding for pilot projects. Further details on how to submit proposals can be found at http://ec.europa.eu/ict_psp.
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