Exploring the economic opportunities offered by activities and needs of older adults in Europe has become the focus of a new project conducted for the European Commission DG Communications Networks, Content & Technology. The work will provide strategic information and data needed to establish a reference framework for the development of a Silver Economy Strategy for Europe, building on existing regional, national and industrial initiatives across Europe. The study runs until February 2017 with the following objectives:
1. Estimate the potential size of the European Silver Economy, from now until 2025.
2. Provide overview of current and planned Silver Economy-related policy initiatives across Europe.
3. Identify 10 realistic case scenarios that have the highest potential to create jobs and economic growth linked to demographic change.
4. Develop EU-level policy recommendations focusing on how best to stimulate an emerging Silver Economy in Europe.
The Silver Economy considers the ongoing demographic shift as a major opportunity not only for future economic growth but also as contribution to enhanced quality of life for older people, stimulating social and cultural progress in Europe. The study aims to highlight the changing needs of older customers so that businesses can develop suitable products and services. There may also be a need to lower barriers to developing and scaling up new solutions for older people. We hope that the growth of the Silver Economy will be profitable to businesses as well as connected to a positive and socially inclusive identity for older adults in Europe.
If you are interested in the new Silver Economy study and would like follow it, you can join their LinkedIn group the Smart Silver Economy or visit the project website at http://www.smartsilvereconomy.eu/ or get in touch with the study team by emailing silver-economy@technopolis-group.com