SHAPES Ethical Framework is a diverse entity. Basic principles and values of SHAPES stem from the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, biomedical ethics, the ethics of care, and the capabilities approach. Various ethical guidelines for sustainable business and technology further provide more detailed input for the SHAPES ethical requirements. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is used as a foundation when addressing data protection and cybersecurity requirements.

SHAPES ethical requirements have an impact not only on technical solutions and services but also on organizational arrangements of SHAPES, including end-user support, governance and business models of the ecosystem. The purpose of the ethical requirements is to ensure that the SHAPES initiative becomes an ethically responsible endeavour and a positive innovation for its various end-users and service providers, as well as for society as a whole. Alongside user requirements, ethical requirements are particularly important when developing and employing solutions linked to fundamental rights when the target group is older persons with vulnerabilities.

Alongside the ethical requirements, the SHAPES Code of Conduct communicates the key aspects of this framework. By developing the Code, we want to articulate our values concerning technological development, user processes, business model, governance and ecosystem with the aim of achieving high-quality life. Inclusivity and empowerment of end-users is the basis of SHAPES culture. We create an atmosphere and environment where people have a real opportunity to be empowered. Cultural diversity is valued.

Follow this link to read more about our Project Deliverables, in particular, our ‘SHAPES Ethical Framework’ ; SHAPES 2020 : Project Deliverables