Location:
Objective of the practice:
To enhance the attractiveness of rural and mountainous areas through a Smart Village (SV) approach that fosters innovation and community engagement.
Subtopics of the practice:
Digitalization, Stakeholder Engagement, Rural Development, Innovation Framework, Public Services
Geographical scope of the practice:
Alpine Region
Short summary of the practice:
The Smart Villages project leverages digitalization to improve rural living conditions, fostering stakeholder collaboration to enhance services and innovation.
Detailed information on the practice:
The primary goal of the Smart Villages initiative is to improve the framework for innovation in Alpine rural areas through a participatory approach involving policy makers, businesses, academia, and civil society. The idea emerged from recognizing the digital divide and the need for better service provision in these regions. Success is measured through key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the maturity level of innovation frameworks, stakeholder engagement levels, and the effectiveness of the Digital Exchange Platform (DEP). Specific outcomes include the establishment of Regional Stakeholder Groups (RSGs), implementation of free public WLAN in Kungota benefiting 5,000 citizens, and the development of a transnational toolbox for innovation. The practice contributes to long-term sustainability by empowering local actors and improving digital infrastructure, recommendations are formulated to facilitate the transformation of project results into policies. Its uniqueness lies in the quadruple helix model that integrates various sectors for holistic development.
Resources needed:
Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 685 380.80. Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 061 998.68. Co-financing sources: ERDF: Amount, EUR 2 061 998.68.
Results achieved:
The Smart Villages initiative is regarded as a good practice due to measurable improvements in innovation frameworks, increased stakeholder collaboration, and enhanced access to digital tools. For example, in the municipality of Kungota (SI) 5,000 citizens benefit from free public WLAN/WiFi points to promote their services online and advertise local products through a dedicated mobile application.
Potential for learning:
This practice offers valuable insights for other regions facing similar challenges in rural development. The integration of various stakeholders through RSGs exemplifies effective collaboration, and the development of a Digital Exchange Platform (DEP) can serve as a model for knowledge sharing. Additionally, the focus on tailoring solutions to local contexts and fostering community ownership can inspire similar initiatives elsewhere. The emphasis on policy transfer ensures that project results influence broader political frameworks, making it a replicable model for enhancing digital innovation in rural areas globally.
Further information:
https://keep.eu/projects/19270/Smart-digital-transformatio-EN/
Keywords:
Smart Villages, Digitalization, Rural Innovation, Alpine Space, Stakeholder Engagement, Community Development
