Navarra Brings Its Social Innovation Model to Europe with the Presentation of the VidAAs Center in Denmark
The Government of Navarra has presented the VidAAs Center at the European Social Network Conference in Aarhus (Denmark), an innovative research and development space aimed at improving the autonomy and quality of life of people, especially those with disabilities or older adults.
The presentation was given by Txerra García de Eulate Jiménez, Director General of Planning, Coordination, Innovation and Evaluation of Public Policies, who shared the experience of the VidAAs Center (Vanguard and Innovation Center for Active, Autonomous and Healthy Development), promoted by the regional government and managed by the public company NASERTIC, attached to the Department of Presidency and Equality.
Located in Sarriguren, this social laboratory operates with a strong people-centered mission, promoting the use of technology to enhance well-being and developing innovative solutions to contemporary social challenges. To do so, it relies on a “living lab” methodology, which enables experimentation in real-life environments and encourages the active participation of users in the design of new tools.
Innovation with Social Impact
VidAAs brings together a collaborative ecosystem where public administrations, technology companies, universities and citizens converge, with the aim of transforming projects into realities that positively impact society. Among its main areas of work are the promotion of active aging, the advancement of inclusion, fostering technological entrepreneurship, and the development of ethical solutions aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Since its creation in 2024, the center has developed pioneering initiatives such as the Teresa Inclus-IA Project, aimed at creating at least 40 technology-based jobs for people with intellectual disabilities, connecting this group with major companies.
It has also promoted “Retos IA,” a proposal that applies artificial intelligence to address real societal needs. The project is carried out jointly with the Department of Presidency and Equality, the NAIR Center (Navarra Research Center in Artificial Intelligence) and the ATANA cluster.
Another notable development is the testing of a Digital Identity Wallet, intended to facilitate access to public services, as well as the implementation of virtual reality technologies applied to cognitive stimulation and emotional well-being.
VidAAs, a Commitment to Cooperation
VidAAs is defined by its multi-stakeholder, interdisciplinary and person-centered approach. Its operations integrate areas such as university research, business, the public sector and social participation, with the goal of consolidating solutions that are sustainable, efficient and adapted to current challenges.
The center also fosters partnerships with universities and research centers, supporting the development of projects at the regional, national and European levels.
With this presentation at the European Social Network Conference, Navarra strengthens its international presence as a pioneering region in social innovation and in promoting people-centered public policies.
Source: navarra.es
