The aim of this call is to address needs identified in the areas of Economic and Business Models and Social and Behavioural Studies. The Economic and Business Modelling theme will aim to provide improved evidence to underpin industry and social enterprise, to encourage investment in and implementation of assisted living services and technology. The Social and Behavioural Studies theme will aim to better understand the interactions between Assisted Living technologies and services and individuals, families and communities.

Economic and Business Modelling and Social and Behavioural Studies

In May 2010 a new joint call for proposals will be launched on the themes of Economic and Business Models, and Social and Behavioural Studies in Assisted Living. The priorities in each of these areas were identified through two workshops, held in July and September 2009 respectively

Economic and Business Models Priorities

• Understanding current and future markets for assisted living. Will the market in the UK be driven by statutory provision, by the NHS, or will it be private or third sector provision or a combination of these? What is the interplay between the two?
• How will technology challenge the business model? Will the main business, and employment generation be in service provision, rather than device manufacture? How can we move on the industry investment case?
• How can financial flow models be developed and new services integrated within the NHS and Local Authorities? What organisational changes will be needed if large scale deployments of assisted living technologies are to be implemented? How can wider benefits and returns on investment, e.g. health and social benefits, be measured when hard to quantify in strict cash terms? What are the elements required to generate significant market pull from private purchase and how might this affect statutory service provision?

Social and Behavioural Studies Priorities

• Understanding the wide range of 'users' of assisted living technology and their varying contexts including families and carers.
• Understanding the current and future nature of assistive living technologies and services.
• Understanding the relatively low demand for new assisted living technology at individual, family , community levels e.g. How might continued problems around limited usefulness, usability, poor image, unattractive products, stigma, lack of a joined up service model and perceived impact on privacy be addressed?
• Understanding the relatively low demand for assisted living technology at an organisational levels e.g. through Primary Care Trusts, Local Authorities and the Third sector.