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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Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informati-sation of the Slovak Republic
(
2023
)
The document provides an overview of EU and Slovak legislation on energy communities, and defines different types of energy communities and provides examples of successful energy communities in other countries (e.g. Austria, Finland, Netherlands…)
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Case study
The document provides an overview of EU and Slovak legislation on energy communities, and defines different types of energy communities and provides examples of successful energy communities in other countries (e.g. Austria, Finland, Netherlands…)
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Case study
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informati-sation of the Slovak Republic
The document provides a summary of information regarding definition of smart city/municipality/region. Explains support mechanisms for smart solutions/development within OP Slovakia and gives and overview of the key points of Action Plan for smart development of cities and regions.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Document
The document provides a summary of information regarding definition of smart city/municipality/region. Explains support mechanisms for smart solutions/development within OP Slovakia and gives and overview of the key points of Action Plan for smart development of cities and regions.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Document
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informati-sation of the Slovak Republic
(
2023
)
The objective of the document is to present the Internet of Things technology and GIS benefits in more detail. The focus is on collection, processing, and analysis of data, which are crucial for smart development of local governments. It also aims to motivate municipalities and regions to invest time and money in the development of the necessary environment and infrastructure to be able work with data effectively and efficiently. The document is mainly aimed at representatives of local governments, but also the state administration and all interested parties who are interested in learning about the possibilities of smart urban and rural development of their territory.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Publication
The objective of the document is to present the Internet of Things technology and GIS benefits in more detail. The focus is on collection, processing, and analysis of data, which are crucial for smart development of local governments. It also aims to motivate municipalities and regions to invest time and money in the development of the necessary environment and infrastructure to be able work with data effectively and efficiently. The document is mainly aimed at representatives of local governments, but also the state administration and all interested parties who are interested in learning about the possibilities of smart urban and rural development of their territory.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Publication
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informati-sation of the Slovak Republic
In four chapters, the document provides recommendations and advice for interested actors in the process of preparation, or development of smart projects for municipalities. In the first chapter it emphasizes the three basic principles of success – interoperability, open data and data management. The second chapter deals with the use of data in various spheres, e.g. in management, economy, mobility, civic participation, etc. The third is focused on specific 12 steps towards the fulfillment of goals in building a smart municipality, and finally, the last, fourth chapter includes ten useful tips for municipalities from the project management point of view.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Guidelines
In four chapters, the document provides recommendations and advice for interested actors in the process of preparation, or development of smart projects for municipalities. In the first chapter it emphasizes the three basic principles of success – interoperability, open data and data management. The second chapter deals with the use of data in various spheres, e.g. in management, economy, mobility, civic participation, etc. The third is focused on specific 12 steps towards the fulfillment of goals in building a smart municipality, and finally, the last, fourth chapter includes ten useful tips for municipalities from the project management point of view.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Guidelines
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informati-sation of the Slovak Republic
(
2022
)
The document provides a basic overview of topics related to the agenda for the development of smart cities/municipalities and regions in Slovakia. In addition, it conveys information about the support mechanisms that MIRRI SR will provide to municipalities in the process of their transformation into modern, ecologically minded, and competitive territorial units.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Guidelines
The document provides a basic overview of topics related to the agenda for the development of smart cities/municipalities and regions in Slovakia. In addition, it conveys information about the support mechanisms that MIRRI SR will provide to municipalities in the process of their transformation into modern, ecologically minded, and competitive territorial units.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Guidelines
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informati-sation of the Slovak Republic
(
2023
)
The manual gives and overview of the main terminology and concepts associated with smart cities/smart municipalities and smart governance. Step by step guidance how to build smart city/municipality is provided: 12 steps towards smart governance. Overview of potential funding sources (EU and national) is also included. It is relevant for rural municipalities as well, as the main focus is on municipalities per se.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Guidelines
The manual gives and overview of the main terminology and concepts associated with smart cities/smart municipalities and smart governance. Step by step guidance how to build smart city/municipality is provided: 12 steps towards smart governance. Overview of potential funding sources (EU and national) is also included. It is relevant for rural municipalities as well, as the main focus is on municipalities per se.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Guidelines
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development, and Informati-sation of the Slovak Republic
(
2021
)
The manual defines main areas of social innovation, terms and definitions including examples of good practice in respect of social innovations implemented in Slovakia, as well as abroad.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Guidelines
The manual defines main areas of social innovation, terms and definitions including examples of good practice in respect of social innovations implemented in Slovakia, as well as abroad.
Language : Slovak
Type of resource : Guidelines
Municipality of Brumovice
(
2023
)
The municipality of Brumovice aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its entire municipal energy economy by 2030. Through a detailed energy and climate concept, the project outlines specific steps, including the introduction of energy management, reducing energy requirements of municipal buildings, transitioning heating systems to biomass with cogeneration, installing photovoltaic power plants on municipal buildings, and converting the municipal vehicle fleet to electric mobility.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Article
The municipality of Brumovice aims to achieve carbon neutrality in its entire municipal energy economy by 2030. Through a detailed energy and climate concept, the project outlines specific steps, including the introduction of energy management, reducing energy requirements of municipal buildings, transitioning heating systems to biomass with cogeneration, installing photovoltaic power plants on municipal buildings, and converting the municipal vehicle fleet to electric mobility.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Article
Vladan Hruška
, Petr Hlaváček
, Marek Hartych
-
UJEP
, ICUK
(
2021
)
The report discusses the challenges of rural development in the context of urban-centric Smart City concepts, proposing the Smart Village concept.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Report
The report discusses the challenges of rural development in the context of urban-centric Smart City concepts, proposing the Smart Village concept.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Report
Vladan Hruška
, Petr Hlaváček
, Marek Hartych
-
Obcepro
(
2022
)
Attachment of the smart village methodology. It contains instructions for solving the problems of municipal management, its economy, resilient community, environment, mobility, innovative energy – published in ObcePro – journal for municipalities
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Publication
Attachment of the smart village methodology. It contains instructions for solving the problems of municipal management, its economy, resilient community, environment, mobility, innovative energy – published in ObcePro – journal for municipalities
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Publication
UJEP
, ICUK
, National Network of Local Action Groups
(
2022
)
Strategy and methodology of the smart village concept, prepared through the research project supported by the TA CR. The methodology consists in systematically developing the Smart Rural concept into the main areas that are suitable for the implementation of smart solutions. The methodology contains procedures and examples of smart solutions. The innovative character of the Methodology lies in its focus on the needs of rural municipalities; no such oriented methodology exists in the Czech context yet. The Methodology is intended to contribute to strengthening the attractiveness of rural areas through the proposed technology and community-oriented measures. The methodology is intended for local action groups, municipalities, the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic, regional authorities and other actors involved in rural development.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Publication
Strategy and methodology of the smart village concept, prepared through the research project supported by the TA CR. The methodology consists in systematically developing the Smart Rural concept into the main areas that are suitable for the implementation of smart solutions. The methodology contains procedures and examples of smart solutions. The innovative character of the Methodology lies in its focus on the needs of rural municipalities; no such oriented methodology exists in the Czech context yet. The Methodology is intended to contribute to strengthening the attractiveness of rural areas through the proposed technology and community-oriented measures. The methodology is intended for local action groups, municipalities, the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic, regional authorities and other actors involved in rural development.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Publication
Union of Towns and Municipalities
(
2021
–
2023
)
Smart village strategies for Bojkovice, Bílovice nad Svitavou, Březina, Horní Slavkov, Dolany, Malé Žernoseky, Mořice, Ratměřice, Smržovka, Štarnov, Velké Hamry, Votice, and Zásada were developed as part of the toolkit for implementing the SMART Czech Republic project within municipalities and cities.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Website
Smart village strategies for Bojkovice, Bílovice nad Svitavou, Březina, Horní Slavkov, Dolany, Malé Žernoseky, Mořice, Ratměřice, Smržovka, Štarnov, Velké Hamry, Votice, and Zásada were developed as part of the toolkit for implementing the SMART Czech Republic project within municipalities and cities.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Website
Jan Svoboda MfRD
-
Ministry of Regional Development of Czechia
(
2022
)
The Ministry for Regional Development’s information page on SMART initiatives.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Website
The Ministry for Regional Development’s information page on SMART initiatives.
Language : Czech
Type of resource : Website
Milada Šťastná
, Antonín Vaishar
-
Faculty of Agronomy
(
2020
)
The paper defines smart villages in Czech conditions, highlighting their similarity to sustainability principles. It discusses preventing rural exclusion, promoting digital infrastructure management, teleworking, and ICT for participation and governance, using the South-Moravian Region as a case study. It concludes that while digital technology access is not the main barrier to smart village adoption, rural population’s lower qualification and conservatism pose challenges, suggesting a focus on enhancing rural digital literacy.
Language : English
Type of resource : Case study
The paper defines smart villages in Czech conditions, highlighting their similarity to sustainability principles. It discusses preventing rural exclusion, promoting digital infrastructure management, teleworking, and ICT for participation and governance, using the South-Moravian Region as a case study. It concludes that while digital technology access is not the main barrier to smart village adoption, rural population’s lower qualification and conservatism pose challenges, suggesting a focus on enhancing rural digital literacy.
Language : English
Type of resource : Case study
Kompetenzzentrum Öff entliche Wirtschaft, Infrastruktur und Daseinsvorsorge e.V. (KOWID)
, PSPC Public Sector Project Consultants GmbH
(
12/11/2020
)
Although cities and rural regions may have different staring points, they share many common goals when it comes to promoting of the highest possible quality of life for thier inhabitants. In practice, this means ensuring good medical care, comprehensive educational opportunities, sufficient jobs, cultural and sports facilities and much more. Digitalisation not only plays a role in the economy, but citizens also want innovative applications with tangible, positive impacts on their lives. The main challenge is to develop a holistic smart city strategy which relies on a variety of digital solutions – from mobility over energy management to security solutions – and which is oriented towards individual needs. The current study analyses digital solutions adopted by urban and rural municipalities and/or in the context of public services delivery which rely on the use of modern information and communication technologies. The outcome report describes smart solutions identified in this context. Empirical evidence from a stake holder survey is presented, together with strategic recommendations on improving current framework conditions for the implementation of Smart City solutions in urban and rural municipalities.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
Although cities and rural regions may have different staring points, they share many common goals when it comes to promoting of the highest possible quality of life for thier inhabitants. In practice, this means ensuring good medical care, comprehensive educational opportunities, sufficient jobs, cultural and sports facilities and much more. Digitalisation not only plays a role in the economy, but citizens also want innovative applications with tangible, positive impacts on their lives. The main challenge is to develop a holistic smart city strategy which relies on a variety of digital solutions – from mobility over energy management to security solutions – and which is oriented towards individual needs. The current study analyses digital solutions adopted by urban and rural municipalities and/or in the context of public services delivery which rely on the use of modern information and communication technologies. The outcome report describes smart solutions identified in this context. Empirical evidence from a stake holder survey is presented, together with strategic recommendations on improving current framework conditions for the implementation of Smart City solutions in urban and rural municipalities.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
Bundesministerium für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL)
(
14/01/2022
)
When it comes to rural regions, the opportunities provided by digitisation in various areas of daily life have received increasing attention in recent time, e. g. when it comes to personal mobility (on-demand services), health services (telemedicine) or education (e-learning). This glossary described key terms and concepts associated with the digital transformation. Moreover, god practice examples are presented on how digital technologies have been successfully applied in rural communities.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
When it comes to rural regions, the opportunities provided by digitisation in various areas of daily life have received increasing attention in recent time, e. g. when it comes to personal mobility (on-demand services), health services (telemedicine) or education (e-learning). This glossary described key terms and concepts associated with the digital transformation. Moreover, god practice examples are presented on how digital technologies have been successfully applied in rural communities.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
Kompetenzzentrum Öffentliche IT
(
03/2020
)
Rural areas face a variety of challenges, be it in medical care, the supply of goods and services or educational and employment opportunities. At the same time, there are innovative projects all over Germany that are pursuing digital approaches to solutions in order to improve the provision of public services and the quality of life locally. Which factors contribute to their success, which can stand in the way of success? For the purposes of this study, 49 projects were interviewed about their experiences. The resulting outcome report sherds light on measures that can help in increasing the chances of success of digital projects in rural areas.
Language : German
Rural areas face a variety of challenges, be it in medical care, the supply of goods and services or educational and employment opportunities. At the same time, there are innovative projects all over Germany that are pursuing digital approaches to solutions in order to improve the provision of public services and the quality of life locally. Which factors contribute to their success, which can stand in the way of success? For the purposes of this study, 49 projects were interviewed about their experiences. The resulting outcome report sherds light on measures that can help in increasing the chances of success of digital projects in rural areas.
Language : German
Matthias Bickert
, Cornelius Merlin
(
04/2020
)
This article summarises the policy approach adopted by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) towards harnessing digital technologies for the purposes of rural development. Digitisation nowadays is one of the dominant buzzwords in politics and society. When it comes to rural areas, it is widely believed that the ongoing trend towards increasing levels of digitisation in all walks of life provides new opportunities for catching up with the »smart« urban centres. However, the successful exploitation of the potentials generally provided by this trend requires careful consideration of the specific conditions prevailing in rural areas. The Federal Rural Development Scheme (BULE) set up in 2018 plays an important role in the strategic policy approach adopted by the Federal Government towards harnessing digital technologies for rural development purposes, with a view to testing and evaluating innovative solutions. The BULE scheme aims at generating a comprehensive evidence base by targeted research and pilot projects. This approach also includes the development of a large-scale digital platform providing digital applications specifically geared towards the needs of rural areas. The over-arching goal is to harness digital technologies for achieving and maintaining equal living conditions in urban and rural areas throughout the country.
Language : German
Type of resource : Article
This article summarises the policy approach adopted by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) towards harnessing digital technologies for the purposes of rural development. Digitisation nowadays is one of the dominant buzzwords in politics and society. When it comes to rural areas, it is widely believed that the ongoing trend towards increasing levels of digitisation in all walks of life provides new opportunities for catching up with the »smart« urban centres. However, the successful exploitation of the potentials generally provided by this trend requires careful consideration of the specific conditions prevailing in rural areas. The Federal Rural Development Scheme (BULE) set up in 2018 plays an important role in the strategic policy approach adopted by the Federal Government towards harnessing digital technologies for rural development purposes, with a view to testing and evaluating innovative solutions. The BULE scheme aims at generating a comprehensive evidence base by targeted research and pilot projects. This approach also includes the development of a large-scale digital platform providing digital applications specifically geared towards the needs of rural areas. The over-arching goal is to harness digital technologies for achieving and maintaining equal living conditions in urban and rural areas throughout the country.
Language : German
Type of resource : Article
Deutscher Landkreistag
(
06/2021
)
In view of the potentials generally provided by the ongoing trend towards digitisation of public administrations, public services, and local businesses, the Association of German Counties (Deutscher Landkreistag) has conducted a survey of 146 district administrations across the country. The survey provides a representative overview of the levels of digitalisation achieved so far. Moreover, it sheds light on opportunities provided by digital technologies for the purpose of rural development as perceived by the county administrations. The report also addresses obstacles faced by rural districts when it comes to harnessing digital solutions in various domains such as health care, social inclusion, personal mobility, education, economic development, and public administration.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
In view of the potentials generally provided by the ongoing trend towards digitisation of public administrations, public services, and local businesses, the Association of German Counties (Deutscher Landkreistag) has conducted a survey of 146 district administrations across the country. The survey provides a representative overview of the levels of digitalisation achieved so far. Moreover, it sheds light on opportunities provided by digital technologies for the purpose of rural development as perceived by the county administrations. The report also addresses obstacles faced by rural districts when it comes to harnessing digital solutions in various domains such as health care, social inclusion, personal mobility, education, economic development, and public administration.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
Thünen-Institut für Ländliche Räume
(
10/2020
)
This report provides a critical appraisal of digitisation discourses on social services, volunteering and rural development. Overall, the discourses observed are characterised by technology-optimistic hopes and visions of technological feasibility. Due to the conceptualisation of digitisation as a neutral, extra-societal technical change, the interest-based and political dimension of the development, implementation and use of digital technology for the purposes of rural development remains largely unconsidered. For example, political actors underline the supposedly forward-looking nature of the idea of mobilising unpaid work to overcome weaknesses in social services in rural areas by referring to digitisation. The discourse’s concentration on technical solutions may however hinder reflections upon the actual approach to the problem, i.e. the increased reliance on unpaid work, or its comparisons with alternative approaches.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
This report provides a critical appraisal of digitisation discourses on social services, volunteering and rural development. Overall, the discourses observed are characterised by technology-optimistic hopes and visions of technological feasibility. Due to the conceptualisation of digitisation as a neutral, extra-societal technical change, the interest-based and political dimension of the development, implementation and use of digital technology for the purposes of rural development remains largely unconsidered. For example, political actors underline the supposedly forward-looking nature of the idea of mobilising unpaid work to overcome weaknesses in social services in rural areas by referring to digitisation. The discourse’s concentration on technical solutions may however hinder reflections upon the actual approach to the problem, i.e. the increased reliance on unpaid work, or its comparisons with alternative approaches.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
Deutscher Landkreistag
(
03/2021
)
As a municipal umbrella organisation representing 294 German counties, the Association of German Counties (Deutscher Landkreistag) has developed a handout on how to harness digital technologies for coordinated health care delivery in rural areas. According to the German constitution, the county administrations bear responsibility for public health services in their districts. More generally, they are committed in many ways to ensuring equal living conditions. This handout aims to provide the districts with guidance on implementing eHealth projects in rural areas. Moreover, good practice examples are referenced.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
As a municipal umbrella organisation representing 294 German counties, the Association of German Counties (Deutscher Landkreistag) has developed a handout on how to harness digital technologies for coordinated health care delivery in rural areas. According to the German constitution, the county administrations bear responsibility for public health services in their districts. More generally, they are committed in many ways to ensuring equal living conditions. This handout aims to provide the districts with guidance on implementing eHealth projects in rural areas. Moreover, good practice examples are referenced.
Language : German
Type of resource : Publication, Report
OECD
(
2010
)
This document collects a number of elements from the work progamme of the OECD Rural Policy Programme on service availability in rural areas.
Language : English
This document collects a number of elements from the work progamme of the OECD Rural Policy Programme on service availability in rural areas.
Language : English
EU
RURALIZATION H2020 project – The opening of rural areas to renew rural generations, jobs and farms
Ruralization project
(
18/08/2020
)
RURALIZATION (www.ruralization.eu) is a H2020 project aiming at investigating the causes of demographic decline in EU rural areas and identifying and implementing innovative practices to generate stimulating opportunities for economic and social sustainability in rural contexts.
Language : English
Ecolise
This booklet presents an overview of community-led action on climate chnage and sustainability in Europe. In addition to looking at the scope and scale of such initiatives, it also looks at initiatives in the fields of community energy, community food, the local economy and entrepreneurship and regenerative cultures.
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
This booklet presents an overview of community-led action on climate chnage and sustainability in Europe. In addition to looking at the scope and scale of such initiatives, it also looks at initiatives in the fields of community energy, community food, the local economy and entrepreneurship and regenerative cultures.
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
Julia Wittmayer
, Flor Avelino
-
TRANSIT project – Transformative Social Innovation
(
2014
–
2017
)
This TRANSIT brief describes our main results – both in terms of scientific insights and in terms of the societal implications of the research. Scientifically, our research focused on addressing the following questions: • How do we conceptualize and study transformative social innovation • How, to what extent and under which conditions does social innovation contribute to transformative change? • How are people empowered (or disempowered) to contribute to such processes? In keeping with an ambition that insights generated should be relevant to both practice and policy, we produced a series of ‘briefs’ and organised seminars and other forms of interaction with practitioners and policy makers. In this brief, we start by describing how the TRANSIT research was conducted (section 2). Next, we present some key theoretical insights about the relations between social innovation and transformative social change (section 3), followed by some key insights regarding the themes of governance, social learning, resourcing, monitoring and the changing societal context (section 4). The final section looks forward to the emergence of a transformative social innovation community (section 5).
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
This TRANSIT brief describes our main results – both in terms of scientific insights and in terms of the societal implications of the research. Scientifically, our research focused on addressing the following questions: • How do we conceptualize and study transformative social innovation • How, to what extent and under which conditions does social innovation contribute to transformative change? • How are people empowered (or disempowered) to contribute to such processes? In keeping with an ambition that insights generated should be relevant to both practice and policy, we produced a series of ‘briefs’ and organised seminars and other forms of interaction with practitioners and policy makers. In this brief, we start by describing how the TRANSIT research was conducted (section 2). Next, we present some key theoretical insights about the relations between social innovation and transformative social change (section 3), followed by some key insights regarding the themes of governance, social learning, resourcing, monitoring and the changing societal context (section 4). The final section looks forward to the emergence of a transformative social innovation community (section 5).
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
Derk Loorbach
, Julia Wittmayer
, Flor Avelino
, Timo von Wirth
, Niki Frantzeskaki
(
06/2020
)
This paper develops a conceptual understanding of transformative innovations as shared activities, ideas and objects across locally rooted sustainability initiatives that explore and develop alternatives to incumbent and (perceived) unsustainable regimes that they seek to challenge, alter or replace. We synthesize empirical work from two European research projects (TRANSIT and ARTS), in which Zotero Report initiatives and networks were empirically studied, to develop a broader conceptual understanding of the emergence of transformative innovation. The development of initiatives can occur through growing, replicating, partnering, instrumentalising and embedding. This is supported through translocal networks that connect initiatives by sharing ideas, objects and activities across local contexts. This translocal characteristic of transformative innovations harnesses an enormous potential for sustainability transitions, but requires further understanding as well as governance support. The perspective we present provides a conceptual starting point to further explore the development and diffusion of transformative innovation as well as transition governance strategies.
Language : English
Type of resource : Article
This paper develops a conceptual understanding of transformative innovations as shared activities, ideas and objects across locally rooted sustainability initiatives that explore and develop alternatives to incumbent and (perceived) unsustainable regimes that they seek to challenge, alter or replace. We synthesize empirical work from two European research projects (TRANSIT and ARTS), in which Zotero Report initiatives and networks were empirically studied, to develop a broader conceptual understanding of the emergence of transformative innovation. The development of initiatives can occur through growing, replicating, partnering, instrumentalising and embedding. This is supported through translocal networks that connect initiatives by sharing ideas, objects and activities across local contexts. This translocal characteristic of transformative innovations harnesses an enormous potential for sustainability transitions, but requires further understanding as well as governance support. The perspective we present provides a conceptual starting point to further explore the development and diffusion of transformative innovation as well as transition governance strategies.
Language : English
Type of resource : Article
Sean McCabe
-
Foundation for European Progressive Studies (FEPS)
, Think-tank for action on social change (TASC)
(
2020
)
This publication proposes a participative decision-making model, The People’s Transition, that views climate action as an enabler of local development, gives people and communities ownership of the transition to zero carbon societies and enhances public support for a Just Transition by tackling inequality and raising standards of living through the delivery of climate solutions.
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
This publication proposes a participative decision-making model, The People’s Transition, that views climate action as an enabler of local development, gives people and communities ownership of the transition to zero carbon societies and enhances public support for a Just Transition by tackling inequality and raising standards of living through the delivery of climate solutions.
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
Ana Margarida Esteves
, Audley Genus
, Thomas Henfrey
, Gil Penha-Lopes
, May East
(
27/01/2021
)
The social solidarity economy is an approach to the production and consumption of goods, services and knowledge that promises to address contemporary economic, social and environmental crises more effectively than business as usual. The paper employs the concept of commons ecologies to examine the practices, relationships and interactions among actors and rganisations in the social solidarity economy, as well as between them and the mainstream economy, which shape the field and its degree of autonomy in relation to capitalism, through a process defined as boundary commoning. Such process shapes both local and regional commons ecologies, as well as the participation of local and regional actors in wider networks at national, international and global levels. The paper takes a case study-based approach to identify practices, relationships and interactions of commons ecologies in relation to selected community-led initiatives in the UK, Portugal, Brazil and Senegal. Each case study illuminates different qualities of local/regional commons ecologies and their forms of engagement with wider networks. Further, the paper shows that these cases demonstrate how the social solidarity economy may facilitate delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in a distinctive way. In each case, SSE acts as a vehicle for expressing participants’ values and principles consistent with those underlying the SDGs. Local implementation of SDGs is thus an in-built feature of these commons ecologies. The participation of community-led initiatives in international and global networks offers opportunities to learn from local level experiences and successes, potentially strengthening SDG ilementation more generally.
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
The social solidarity economy is an approach to the production and consumption of goods, services and knowledge that promises to address contemporary economic, social and environmental crises more effectively than business as usual. The paper employs the concept of commons ecologies to examine the practices, relationships and interactions among actors and rganisations in the social solidarity economy, as well as between them and the mainstream economy, which shape the field and its degree of autonomy in relation to capitalism, through a process defined as boundary commoning. Such process shapes both local and regional commons ecologies, as well as the participation of local and regional actors in wider networks at national, international and global levels. The paper takes a case study-based approach to identify practices, relationships and interactions of commons ecologies in relation to selected community-led initiatives in the UK, Portugal, Brazil and Senegal. Each case study illuminates different qualities of local/regional commons ecologies and their forms of engagement with wider networks. Further, the paper shows that these cases demonstrate how the social solidarity economy may facilitate delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in a distinctive way. In each case, SSE acts as a vehicle for expressing participants’ values and principles consistent with those underlying the SDGs. Local implementation of SDGs is thus an in-built feature of these commons ecologies. The participation of community-led initiatives in international and global networks offers opportunities to learn from local level experiences and successes, potentially strengthening SDG ilementation more generally.
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
EU
Social Innovation in Community Energy in Europe: A Review of the Evidence
Bill Slee
, Richard J. Hewitt
, Nicholas Bradley
, Andrea Baggio Compagnucci
, Carla Barlagne
, Andrzej Ceglarz
, Roger Cremades
, Margaret McKeen
, Ilona M. Otto
Citizen-driven Renewable Energy (RE) projects of various kinds, known collectively as community energy (CE), have an important part to play in the worldwide transition to cleaner energy systems. On the basis of evidence from 8 European countries, we investigate CE, over approximately the last 50 years (c.1970-2018), through the lens of Social Innovation (SI). We carry out a detailed review of literature around the social dimension of renewable energy; we collect, describe and map CE initiatives from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the UK; and we unpack the SI concept into 4 operational criteria which we suggest are essential to recognising SI in CE. These are: 1) Crises and opportunities; 2) the agency of civil society; 3) reconfiguration of social practices, institutions and networks; 4) new ways of working. We identify three main phases of SI in CE. The environmental movements of the 1960s and the “oil shocks” of the 1970s provided the catalyst for a series of innovative societal responses around energy and self-sufficiency. A second wave of SI relates to the mainstreaming of RE and associated government support mechanisms. In this phase, with some important exceptions, successful CE initiatives were mainly confined to those countries where they were already embedded as innovators in the previous phase. The third phase of CE innovation relates to the societal response to the Great Recession that began in 2007-8 and lasted most of the ubsequent decade. CE initiatives formed around this time were also strongly focused around democratization of energy and citizen empowerment in the context of rising energy prices, a weak economy, and a production and supply system dominated by excessively powerful multinational energy firms. CE initiatives today are more diverse than at any time previously, and are likely to continue to act as incubators for pioneering initiatives addressing virtually all aspects of energy. However, large multinational energy firms remain the dominant vehicle for delivery of the energy transition, and the apparent excitement in European policy circles for “community energy” does not extend to democratization of energy or genuine empowerment of citizens.
Filippo Celata
, Raffaella Coletti
(
05/02/2019
)
This paper explores the role public policies have or may have in favoring or disfavoring the emergence, development, and diffusion of community-based sustainability initiatives. To this end, it presents evidence collected through a survey of 63 initiatives operating in six city-regions in Europe and across various domains of active citizenship: alternative food networks, community energy, sustainable mobility, and recycling. Results show that although they are mostly driven by pragmatic goals, the case of apolitical grassroots initiatives is quite rare. Most initiatives aspire both to challenge the political regime and strengthen their relationships with policy-makers. These two dimensions are correlated, showing that an Bantagonist^ attitude is as well infrequent. When it comes to the content of these relationships, the picture becomes more problematic: while onehalf of the initiatives have been supported by public policies, almost two-thirds of them encountered some policy obstacle. The issue is very much context-specific. We show that in those countries or domains where the policy environment is more supportive—in the UK, Finland, waste and energy—the political activities of initiatives are also more dialogical. However, in unsupportive contexts —Central and Southern Europe, and food domain—they tend to be oppositional. Based on an analysis of the most recurrent policy barriers, the paper identifies some crucial areas where public policies can make a difference in facilitating or hindering a community-led sustainability transition.
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
This paper explores the role public policies have or may have in favoring or disfavoring the emergence, development, and diffusion of community-based sustainability initiatives. To this end, it presents evidence collected through a survey of 63 initiatives operating in six city-regions in Europe and across various domains of active citizenship: alternative food networks, community energy, sustainable mobility, and recycling. Results show that although they are mostly driven by pragmatic goals, the case of apolitical grassroots initiatives is quite rare. Most initiatives aspire both to challenge the political regime and strengthen their relationships with policy-makers. These two dimensions are correlated, showing that an Bantagonist^ attitude is as well infrequent. When it comes to the content of these relationships, the picture becomes more problematic: while onehalf of the initiatives have been supported by public policies, almost two-thirds of them encountered some policy obstacle. The issue is very much context-specific. We show that in those countries or domains where the policy environment is more supportive—in the UK, Finland, waste and energy—the political activities of initiatives are also more dialogical. However, in unsupportive contexts —Central and Southern Europe, and food domain—they tend to be oppositional. Based on an analysis of the most recurrent policy barriers, the paper identifies some crucial areas where public policies can make a difference in facilitating or hindering a community-led sustainability transition.
Language : English
Type of resource : Publication, Report
