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What is JPI MYBL?

Demographic change is one of the most determining megatrends all over the world and has an exceptional impact on Europe: rising life expectancy on the one hand and falling birth rates on the other have led to a clear shift in the population’s age structure. The perspective of each country as a political, economic and social entity will be affected by this transition. It will affect healthcare and long-term care organisation, our social and welfare systems, the way we work and learn in the future and it will shape our infrastructures, our cities and transport systems. It will also provide for an accumulated wealth of experiences and social skills gained over lifetime.

In the Joint Programming Initiative More Years, Better Lives (JPI MYBL), 10 countries (including observers) from within and outside of Europe are working on a programmed approach to enhance coordination and collaboration between national and international research programmes related to demographic change. Areas affected by demographic change cover a wide range of research fields and policy topics ranging from health to social welfare, education & learning, work & productivity to housing, urban & rural development and mobility. The JPI MYBL therefore follows a transnational, multi-disciplinary approach bringing together different research programmes and researchers from various disciplines in order to provide solutions for the upcoming challenges and make use of the potential of societal change in Europe and beyond.

Our vision

Our vision is to shape a better society in times of demographic change by international research collaboration. Our activities lead to applicable insights, tools, advice and cooperation for policymakers and practitioners, at all levels, to enable all their citizens to live the most satisfying and productive lives possible.

What are JPIs?

Joint Programming Initiatives (JPIs) were launched via European Council conclusions in 2009 with the aim to tackle the Grand Societal Challenges. JPIs are member state driven, bringing together national research funding organisations, ministries and research councils both in Europe and further afield. This ambition of aligning national programmes, strategies and policies extends beyond the matching of research, development and innovation funds. The alignment process covers various phases, from setting joint objectives and forging a common vision and a Strategic Research Agenda between countries to developing appropriate framework conditions and selecting appropriate instruments.

Over the last ten years, JPIs have proven to be effective strategic partnerships that significantly enhance the European Research Area. They provide unique portfolios of instruments that are designed to address those challenges and inform transitions towards sustainable futures. By doing so, JPIs are contributing to achieving key global goals included under the Paris Agreement and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

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