EU-led Steering Group discussed in its first meeting how to improve the health and quality of life of older people, increase sustainability of healthcare systems and create new growth and market opportunities for Europe. With this high level Steering Group is the first time that in Europe all the stakeholders are joining forces at this scale to commit advancing innovation in active and healthy ageing.

Public and private healthcare spending in the EU already stands at 8.3% of GDP and by 2030, age-related public expenditure is expected to increase by 2.7% of GDP. The EU is poised to transform this challenge into an opportunity, for delivering better quality of care for elderly, ensuring the sustainability of European care systems and unlocking the innovation potential from Europe's industry. The number of Europeans aged 65+ is expected to grow by 45% by 2030, thanks to better health and increased life expectancy. Although a major achievement, this demographic shift could put a significant strain on the economy, society and the sustainability of public finances.

The Innovation partnership for Active and Healthy Ageing is to use European public and private funds spent on research and innovation more efficiently. The results should directly benefit patients and citizens. The Partnership will also identify and remove barriers to the use of life improving and life saving technologies. It will connect research and innovation, from the lab to the citizen. The partnership aims to speed up and scale up the uptake of innovation, including information & communication technology (ICT) based solutions.

The Sterring Group is jointly chaired by Vice President Neelie Kroes and European Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, John Dalli and includes Member States, regions, industry, health- and social care professionals, elderly and patient organisations and other interest groups. The Digital Agenda for Europe foresees concrete support for this European Innovation Partnership through its actions to harness the potential of ICT to boost prosperity and improve people's quality of life. The Digital Agenda seeks inter alia to ensure that ICT allows a more independence for people who are frail or suffer from chronic conditions and for persons with disabilities.