EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
out in the market and other strategic support and that is what AAL must be doing more of as they have the network in place – living labs, care organisations, researchers, industry, for example. It’s not just about money. I think money is often a disincentive.” It’s a compelling argument and one that
would seem to make sense if we consider how industry develops successful products and gets people to buy them. But getting products to market is a risky business and some of the things that need to be done to develop a product, test it in the market and prepare it for the market do cost money. So who should shoulder that risk? “The first person who should take the risk is
the entrepreneur,” explains Rajasekharan. “If that person is not willing to invest in what they believe in, then why should anybody else? This is how it should be and that is how it is in the US. The majority of products that have emerged from the US have been funded when there is a demonstrable capacity and a demand.” Rajasekharan was impressed by the people he
met at the Forum, the ideas and passion they had and some of the products they have developed.
“I saw an iPad that has been developed specifically for elderly people so they can use it very easily – the interface is simple, with icons and large letters, while in the backend it has been designed not to shut down and not lock the screen. I think this has potential,” he admits. “I have not looked at it all in great detail, but I have met the person behind it and he doesn’t want investment and that for me is the first great thing about this. He has been self-financing for the past five months while the product has been developed and they now want to get it out into the market and see what happens. “That is something that AAL should look at
and see what they have to help and support people like this, put them in touch with partners in terms of living labs or care organisations where the device can be tested.” With the growing ageing market and
the commercial opportunities that brings, Rajasekharan is convinced that it is this sort of entrepreneurial risk taking and dedication that will eventually deliver the products that older people will want to use and buy.
“Let’s give those with the best ideas the support they need ”
26 | AAL FORUM 2014
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