This proposal describes the third core project of the Graphene Flagship. It forms the fourth phase of the FET flagship and is characterized by a continued transition towards higher technology readiness levels, without jeopardizing our strong commitment to fundamental research. Compared to the second core project, this phase includes a substantial increase in the market-motivated technological spearhead projects, which account for about 30% of the overall budget. The broader fundamental and applied research themes are pursued by 15 work packages and supported by four work packages on innovation, industrialization, dissemination and management. The consortium that is involved in this project includes over 150 academic and industrial partners in over 20 European countries.

The research project provides a broad understanding of the causes, consequences and solutions relating to population ageing that is causing sustainability problems for the welfare state. It focuses on various phases of the individual life course, including family formation, working life and health and care at the end of life. It also focuses on implications of demographic changes for the macroeconomy and public finances. The project consortium includes the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Etla Economic Research and the University of Helsinki. The research will be performed using register and macro-level data and statistical methods that can rigorously address the time trends and direction of the associations between factors. Key stakeholders are involved as interaction partners in the project. The project will provide policy recommendations that will help to ensure the sustainability of the welfare state and increase individual, societal and intergenerational wellbeing.