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Kuopio received a significant recognition

11.3.2020

Kuopio was awarded the highest four-star reference site recognition for its exemplary work to support active and healthy ageing. European Innovation Partnership works for bringing public and private actors together in order to find innovative solutions to major societal challenges. The European Innovation Partnership on Active and Healthy Aging (EIP on AHA) is a network whose goal is to improve the health and quality of life of older people and to promote good practices across Europe.

A part of this activity is selecting European reference sites for active aging for a new one-year-term annually. This year, 2020, the recognition was given to regions demonstrating a high level of innovation in the field of ageing. Kuopio has also already received the recognition for the period 2016-2019.

“This recognition demonstrates that Kuopio has diverse and innovative excellence in developing active and healthy ageing practices “, says Deputy Mayor Jari Saarinen.

Kuopio at the forefront of development

The key to success is a multi-sectoral ecosystem, a so-called Quadruple helix that brings local, public, academic and business actors together. Concrete examples of such activities include: Kuopio Health ecosystem, Kuopio Living Lab co-creation activities and advanced development of the Social and Health Services Clinical Coordination Center and new technological solutions for home care. Kuopio Health is an open innovation ecosystem that promotes customer-driven development, research and innovation and functions as a platform for new products and services. Kuopio Living Lab also provides multi-sectoral co-creation services in authentic customer and user environments, in partnership with the City of Kuopio, the Kuopio University Hospital and Savonia University of Applied Sciences.

European Innovation Partnership’s Action Groups support the operations and are committed to work on specific issues related to active and healthy ageing by sharing their knowledge with other network members. In addition, cooperation within the European Innovation Partnership network provides a framework for continuous learning and development of new innovative solutions.

“With the help of the network, the city of Kuopio is at the forefront of development and thus a driving force for the entire North Savo region. The recognition is also an excellent opportunity to raise the profile of the Kuopio region in Europe as well as worldwide”, notes Saarinen.

Kuopio Living Lab is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Regional Council of Pohjois-Savo, the City of Kuopio and Kuopio University Hospital.

More information:
Chief Innovation Officer Arto Holopainen, +358 45 139 3996
Development Coordinator Pauliina Kämäräinen, +358 44 7186440

Appendix: Certificate of Award, City of Kuopio