What’s happening in my country
On the country pages you will find useful information about what is happening in EU Member States concerning the planning and implementation of smart villages.
The information aims to orient people on policy planning, key contacts and resources on smart villages. However, it neither aims to be fully comprehensive, nor necessarily reflects the official government or European Commission position.
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Sophie Terris
(
2019
–
Ongoing
)
This digital community space is a form of Third Place (Tiers Lieu) which is defined as being separate from the home (‘first place) and work (‘second place’) – other examples can include churches, cafes and barbers shops. In this specific form, it includes private and shared offices, co-working rooms, spaces where seminars, conferences or training events can be organised, and other facilities such as a relaxation room. As well as the physical infrastructure, the digital third place should be the location for the provision of much needed support services for the implantation of new citizens or companies in the area. All these services are a way to transform the village into a more attractive location to both live and work for companies and citizens, helping to reverse cycles of decline. The digital third place is a great solution to be built and implemented through citizen participation and public-private partnership.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
This digital community space is a form of Third Place (Tiers Lieu) which is defined as being separate from the home (‘first place) and work (‘second place’) – other examples can include churches, cafes and barbers shops. In this specific form, it includes private and shared offices, co-working rooms, spaces where seminars, conferences or training events can be organised, and other facilities such as a relaxation room. As well as the physical infrastructure, the digital third place should be the location for the provision of much needed support services for the implantation of new citizens or companies in the area. All these services are a way to transform the village into a more attractive location to both live and work for companies and citizens, helping to reverse cycles of decline. The digital third place is a great solution to be built and implemented through citizen participation and public-private partnership.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Irene Aparício
(
09/2020
–
Ongoing
)
A Small Business InstaMarket is an Instagram business page where local micro and small companies are invited to register in order to display and disseminate their products and services. Actions can focus on key moments, replicating the concept of a tradition market which is held on specific days. Rules of participation are agreed to establish registration procedures and requirements regarding the type of participants, as well as technical guidelines for the documentary elements to be provided by participants (e.g. short film or photographs of the product/service to be promoted), among other rules. Visitors can then follow and interact with their favourite businesses – and contact them directly to make orders. The InstaMarket page is constantly updated, and linked with specific planned events which can include specific product promotion (through e.g. workshops and business stands), recreational and cultural activities, and giveaways. These activities are designed to maintain follower interest and increase the account’s visibility.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
A Small Business InstaMarket is an Instagram business page where local micro and small companies are invited to register in order to display and disseminate their products and services. Actions can focus on key moments, replicating the concept of a tradition market which is held on specific days. Rules of participation are agreed to establish registration procedures and requirements regarding the type of participants, as well as technical guidelines for the documentary elements to be provided by participants (e.g. short film or photographs of the product/service to be promoted), among other rules. Visitors can then follow and interact with their favourite businesses – and contact them directly to make orders. The InstaMarket page is constantly updated, and linked with specific planned events which can include specific product promotion (through e.g. workshops and business stands), recreational and cultural activities, and giveaways. These activities are designed to maintain follower interest and increase the account’s visibility.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Philippe Brulé
(
2018
–
Ongoing
)
This car-sharing system proposes one electric car for rent, recharged thanks to a photovoltaic system in a car-port providing shade to the vehicle. Local inhabitants are given priority use and pay a reduced price compared to external visitors. The car can be rented easily via a mobile application or an online platform. Rental is limited to a duration of one day maximum in order to guarantee the vehicle’s availability for others to share.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
This car-sharing system proposes one electric car for rent, recharged thanks to a photovoltaic system in a car-port providing shade to the vehicle. Local inhabitants are given priority use and pay a reduced price compared to external visitors. The car can be rented easily via a mobile application or an online platform. Rental is limited to a duration of one day maximum in order to guarantee the vehicle’s availability for others to share.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Veerle Van Welden
(
2018
–
Ongoing
)
The solution is a new community space that meets multiple local needs particularly for the most vulnerable members of the local rural community including those experiencing poverty. It provides a physical space and café for people to meet, staffed by volunteers to welcome and support visitors. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for free to visitors. The space is also used to collect and sell second-hand items for families, including clothes and furniture for kids, toys, and school items. Finally, the space is made available to local people for additional community activities, including meetings, workshops and small events.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution is a new community space that meets multiple local needs particularly for the most vulnerable members of the local rural community including those experiencing poverty. It provides a physical space and café for people to meet, staffed by volunteers to welcome and support visitors. Tea, coffee and biscuits are provided for free to visitors. The space is also used to collect and sell second-hand items for families, including clothes and furniture for kids, toys, and school items. Finally, the space is made available to local people for additional community activities, including meetings, workshops and small events.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Municipality of Uppony
(
12/2020
)
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Uppony has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission
Language : English
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Uppony has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission
Language : English
Piotr Ostaszewski
(
05/2019
–
06/2021
)
The irrigation system involves the collection of rainwater and runoff water from the land, which is filtered and stored in storage tanks. Solar and wind power is harnessed and stored in order to power the filtration and pumping system, with the water distributed according to need to agricultural fields and greenhouses in the village.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The irrigation system involves the collection of rainwater and runoff water from the land, which is filtered and stored in storage tanks. Solar and wind power is harnessed and stored in order to power the filtration and pumping system, with the water distributed according to need to agricultural fields and greenhouses in the village.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Renzo Macelloni
(
1989
–
Ongoing
)
The solution involves regeneration of a local landfill site and its surrounding roads in order to avoid negative environmental effects, make use of the waste as a resource for harnessing energy and better integrate the site into the life of the village. Producing energy from the landfill generates financial resources, which can be used for further community initiatives. Once the site has been decontaminated and made more accessible, its potential as a green open space can be harnessed as a space for leisure and cultural activities, such as the creation of a park, installation of artworks or construction of an auditorium – offering new opportunities for local people and for attracting visitors.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution involves regeneration of a local landfill site and its surrounding roads in order to avoid negative environmental effects, make use of the waste as a resource for harnessing energy and better integrate the site into the life of the village. Producing energy from the landfill generates financial resources, which can be used for further community initiatives. Once the site has been decontaminated and made more accessible, its potential as a green open space can be harnessed as a space for leisure and cultural activities, such as the creation of a park, installation of artworks or construction of an auditorium – offering new opportunities for local people and for attracting visitors.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Bart Wynants
(
12/2015
–
Ongoing
)
The solution involves the acquisition of good quality used children’s bikes, which are then lent out to local families for their children aged 12 years or younger. Membership of the Children’s Bike Library, costs € 20 a year, which enables a parent to take a bike for their child. When the child outgrows the bike, they can bring it back and exchange it for a bigger one. The library is only open for 2 hours every month, which is when parents come to choose and/or return a bike The Children’s Bike Library is run by local volunteers. Each team is made up of people of different talents and interests. They are responsible for administration, cycle repairs, acquisition of used children’s bikes, social contacts in surrounding areas, taking care during opening hours etc.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution involves the acquisition of good quality used children’s bikes, which are then lent out to local families for their children aged 12 years or younger. Membership of the Children’s Bike Library, costs € 20 a year, which enables a parent to take a bike for their child. When the child outgrows the bike, they can bring it back and exchange it for a bigger one. The library is only open for 2 hours every month, which is when parents come to choose and/or return a bike The Children’s Bike Library is run by local volunteers. Each team is made up of people of different talents and interests. They are responsible for administration, cycle repairs, acquisition of used children’s bikes, social contacts in surrounding areas, taking care during opening hours etc.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Kirsi Oesch
(
12/2019
–
Ongoing
)
The solution is a resident and volunteer-led process of identifying and then deconstructing desolate and abandoned houses in the local area in order to provide traditional local materials for the construction of new, modern houses in appropriate village locations. The solution includes the engagement of an architect to design houses making use of the traditional materials in harmony with the local area. Whilst the deconstruction and transporting of materials is organised centrally with local volunteers, the eventual construction costs are covered by new buyers.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution is a resident and volunteer-led process of identifying and then deconstructing desolate and abandoned houses in the local area in order to provide traditional local materials for the construction of new, modern houses in appropriate village locations. The solution includes the engagement of an architect to design houses making use of the traditional materials in harmony with the local area. Whilst the deconstruction and transporting of materials is organised centrally with local volunteers, the eventual construction costs are covered by new buyers.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Municipality of Mukařov
(
12/2020
)
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Mukařov has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission.
Language : English
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Mukařov has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission.
Language : English
Grazia Giovannetti
(
18/07/2011
–
18/07/2014
)
The solution involves the purchase and installation of solar panels and inverters on a network of private roofs and terraces through a community-driven process. Homeowners are thus able to harness solar energy, use a part of that energy in their own home and pool the surplus energy in order to sell it on the local market on behalf of the community. Through community organisation, the village is able to bulk purchase the necessary equipment, arrange a bank loan to cover initial investment costs and use the profits from the sale of the surplus energy for community projects.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
The solution involves the purchase and installation of solar panels and inverters on a network of private roofs and terraces through a community-driven process. Homeowners are thus able to harness solar energy, use a part of that energy in their own home and pool the surplus energy in order to sell it on the local market on behalf of the community. Through community organisation, the village is able to bulk purchase the necessary equipment, arrange a bank loan to cover initial investment costs and use the profits from the sale of the surplus energy for community projects.
Type of resource : Smart Solution
Heini Niklas-Salminen
(
03/02/2021
)
During the 3rd Smart Rural Communities Café hosted by Raudanmaa (Finland) on 3 February 2021, Heini Niklas-Salminen tells about Raudanmaa’s Smart Village Strategy, how they are engaging the community in various local activities and how they are transforming their old school building into a new smart community hall, including a local educational/ therapeutic farm concept.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
During the 3rd Smart Rural Communities Café hosted by Raudanmaa (Finland) on 3 February 2021, Heini Niklas-Salminen tells about Raudanmaa’s Smart Village Strategy, how they are engaging the community in various local activities and how they are transforming their old school building into a new smart community hall, including a local educational/ therapeutic farm concept.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Thibaud Lalanne
-
Municipality of Mouans-Sartoux
(
08/01/2020
)
Thibaud Lalanne from Mouans-Sartoux tells about the way they built up 100% organic school canteens and municipal farm, as well as how the village has managed to design a resilient and ecosystemic food project based on a diversity of policies.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Thibaud Lalanne from Mouans-Sartoux tells about the way they built up 100% organic school canteens and municipal farm, as well as how the village has managed to design a resilient and ecosystemic food project based on a diversity of policies.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Peter Plant
-
Torup Ting
(
19/11/2020
)
During the 1st Café, hosted by Torup (Denmark), Peter Plant was telling about their local democracy, voluntary work, community fund, how they engage community members through ‘Torup Ting’ and about their smart plans for the future
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
During the 1st Café, hosted by Torup (Denmark), Peter Plant was telling about their local democracy, voluntary work, community fund, how they engage community members through ‘Torup Ting’ and about their smart plans for the future
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Municipality of Penela
(
30/03/2021
)
During the 4th Smart Rural Communities’ Café, hosted by Penela (Portugal), Luís Matias was talking about how IoT technologies in goat-farming have contributed to leveraging territorial marketing and development as well as about their plans on how to develop the right methods and facilities for a healthy ageing of elderly people in one of their small villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
During the 4th Smart Rural Communities’ Café, hosted by Penela (Portugal), Luís Matias was talking about how IoT technologies in goat-farming have contributed to leveraging territorial marketing and development as well as about their plans on how to develop the right methods and facilities for a healthy ageing of elderly people in one of their small villages.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
(
12/2020
)
The Smart Village Strategy of Kythera has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission.
Language : English
The Smart Village Strategy of Kythera has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission.
Language : English
(
12/2020
)
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Kythera has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission.
Language : English
The Summary Highlights of the Smart Village Strategy of Kythera has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission.
Language : English
Municipality of Mouans-Sartoux
(
06/2020
)
The Smart Village Strategy of Mouans-Sartoux has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission.
Language : English
The Smart Village Strategy of Mouans-Sartoux has been developed in the context of the ‘Preparatory Action for Smart Rural Areas in the 21st Century’ project funded by the European Commission.
Language : English
Wiet van Meel
-
Tussenheid Hilvarenbeek
(
24/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session about the smart strategic approach of Hilvarenbeek (the Netherlands). The municipality has some 15.500 inhabitants (6 parishes) in the south-eastern part of the province of Brabant near the city of Tilburg, on the Belgian border. It has a focus on agriculture, tourism, small industry surrounded by pastures and nature.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session about the smart strategic approach of Hilvarenbeek (the Netherlands). The municipality has some 15.500 inhabitants (6 parishes) in the south-eastern part of the province of Brabant near the city of Tilburg, on the Belgian border. It has a focus on agriculture, tourism, small industry surrounded by pastures and nature.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Germany
Financing models: Financing models in agriculture, the food industry and beyond – the German model
Simone Sterly
-
Institut für Ländliche Strukturforschung
(
24/02/2021
)
Short overview of civic (alternative) financing models, success factors, examples of citizen corporation, from the food sector, as well as energy cooperatives, basic services centres. A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Heini Niklas-Salminen
(
24/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session. The Smart Village Hall is the HEART of Raudanmaa, serving as meeting point for villagers and visitors in the spirit of old-time marketplace. It is a platform for multiple services for villagers, customers, networks of partners and travelers, characterized by animals and a farm yard enabling new services for nearby cities and enriching activities for the villagers. Smart Village Hall is the beacon of the villagers’ activity, cooperation and innovative thinking.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session. The Smart Village Hall is the HEART of Raudanmaa, serving as meeting point for villagers and visitors in the spirit of old-time marketplace. It is a platform for multiple services for villagers, customers, networks of partners and travelers, characterized by animals and a farm yard enabling new services for nearby cities and enriching activities for the villagers. Smart Village Hall is the beacon of the villagers’ activity, cooperation and innovative thinking.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Mauricio O’Brien
-
European Crowdfunding Network
(
24/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session, including the motivation of users to participate in crowdfunding platforms, data about crowdfunding across Europe, crowdfunding models and typology.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session, including the motivation of users to participate in crowdfunding platforms, data about crowdfunding across Europe, crowdfunding models and typology.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Piotr Ostaszewski
-
Ostoja Natury
(
24/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session about the Ostoja Natury cooperative. Ostoja Natury is an agricultural ecosystem of tomorrow, the effect of a synergy of traditional thinking and a technological approach. Methods tested over the ages, such as crop rotation, raised seedbeds, moon wood or home recipes are refreshed and implemented using technological innovations of our times. “While creating Refuge of Nature’s ecosystem, we are inspired by nature’s already existing solutions. Just as in a prehistoric forest circuit, waste is nonexistent, and our goal is to create an ecosystem designed to provide economic efficiency with minimal influence on the environment.”
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session about the Ostoja Natury cooperative. Ostoja Natury is an agricultural ecosystem of tomorrow, the effect of a synergy of traditional thinking and a technological approach. Methods tested over the ages, such as crop rotation, raised seedbeds, moon wood or home recipes are refreshed and implemented using technological innovations of our times. “While creating Refuge of Nature’s ecosystem, we are inspired by nature’s already existing solutions. Just as in a prehistoric forest circuit, waste is nonexistent, and our goal is to create an ecosystem designed to provide economic efficiency with minimal influence on the environment.”
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Kate Lindley
, Sarah Hughes
(
24/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session about the Plugging the leak’ method. Plugging the leak concept is based on the idea that ‘the problem is not necessarily that too little money flows into a neighbourhood. Rather it is what consumers, public services and businesses do with that money. Too often it is spent on services with no local presence, and so immediately leaves the area.’ National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal (NEF, Plugging the Leaks, 2002)
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the working group session about the Plugging the leak’ method. Plugging the leak concept is based on the idea that ‘the problem is not necessarily that too little money flows into a neighbourhood. Rather it is what consumers, public services and businesses do with that money. Too often it is spent on services with no local presence, and so immediately leaves the area.’ National Strategy for Neighbourhood Renewal (NEF, Plugging the Leaks, 2002)
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Fritz Pichler
-
Municipality of Stanz
(
23/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the “Local energy communities and stakeholder engagement” working group. One of Stanz’s – selected Smart Rural 21 village – aims is to create an Energy Community by the end of 2021. In doing so, Stanz wants to create a future oriented model by integrating new technologies (e.g. blockchain), disruptive business models, and social innovation.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the “Local energy communities and stakeholder engagement” working group. One of Stanz’s – selected Smart Rural 21 village – aims is to create an Energy Community by the end of 2021. In doing so, Stanz wants to create a future oriented model by integrating new technologies (e.g. blockchain), disruptive business models, and social innovation.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Bernard Dubuisson
-
Municipality of Profondeville
(
23/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the “Local data and data management– recognising data and making use of it” working group.The presentation aimed to address questions like: Which data do you deal with? How do you deal with data? How open data can help public policy? Which support do villages need?
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the “Local data and data management– recognising data and making use of it” working group.The presentation aimed to address questions like: Which data do you deal with? How do you deal with data? How open data can help public policy? Which support do villages need?
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Kulno Keskula
-
Municipality of Virtsu
(
23/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the “Local energy communities and stakeholder engagement” working group. Virtsu – selected Smart Rural 21 village – aims to increase the village self-sufficiency through establishing a local cooperative company (commercial association), owned by the people in village as a members. Energy generation can be one of the many business options in Virtsu: solar park fed by renewable electricity to the communal services and business center or selling electricity to the grid The aim is to complement this with business development and education, including renewable energy solutions applications and training center and training center for off-shore wind generators maintenance specialists.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the “Local energy communities and stakeholder engagement” working group. Virtsu – selected Smart Rural 21 village – aims to increase the village self-sufficiency through establishing a local cooperative company (commercial association), owned by the people in village as a members. Energy generation can be one of the many business options in Virtsu: solar park fed by renewable electricity to the communal services and business center or selling electricity to the grid The aim is to complement this with business development and education, including renewable energy solutions applications and training center and training center for off-shore wind generators maintenance specialists.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
Kristaps Vitolins
-
Municipality of Alsunga
(
23/02/2021
)
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the “Promoting your village to attract tourists/ visitors, newcomers, businesses, investment…” working group. Alsunga is working with young people on an augmented reality digital education project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation provided at the 2nd Smart Village Academy of the Smart Rural 21 project during the “Promoting your village to attract tourists/ visitors, newcomers, businesses, investment…” working group. Alsunga is working with young people on an augmented reality digital education project.
Language : English
Type of resource : Presentation
