Problem addressed

Ageing populations are transforming social and economic structures, requiring municipalities to move from administrative to managerial and strategic roles. However, neither local administrations nor communities are adequately prepared for this shift. Traditional approaches fail to foster inclusive innovation or systemic responses. There is an increasing need for innovative thinking and planning renewal, in which stakeholders are also involved. Both the local government apparatus and the local social environment must be prepared for this.

Innovative solution

LIMM introduced a participatory, innovation-driven model for local ageing strategies. It combined societal diagnosis, stakeholder engagement, and planning tools to create the foundation for a local Innovation Point. In the process, they examined public thinking related to aging, support for innovative thinking in the local government and local society, the antecedents that help change attitudes and incorporate innovative methods, and the brakes on the system. The approach supports municipalities in becoming innovation enablers and strategic actors in ageing-related issues.

Key results and benefits

Achieving openness and understanding in the paradigm-shifting treatment of the aging problem

Participatory workshops held with decision-makers, employers, and civil society 

Local attitudes and barriers to innovation mapped 

Project Founding Document (PAD) developed with clear goals, indicators, planned activities, and sustainability paths 

Joint planning experience gained with the municipality 

Methods collected for stakeholder involvement and local adaptation

Potential for mainstreaming

The model is adaptable for towns and regions with 20,000+ inhabitants. The concept of the Innovation Point is replicable as a competence centre supporting community-led ageing strategies. The methodology offers a scalable toolset for other municipalities facing similar demographic trends.