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 Agriculture and Forestry of Finland
, Maaseutuverkosto – Finnish National Rural Network
, Regional ELY-centres
(
03/2020
–
05/2020
)
A round of 15 regional ‘smart countryside’ events, organised around smart solutions in spring 2020.
Language : Finnish
A round of 15 regional ‘smart countryside’ events, organised around smart solutions in spring 2020.
Language : Finnish
Maaseutuverkosto – Finnish National Rural Network
(
10/2018
–
10/2020
)
A competition jointly organised by the Finnish National Support Unit and the smart villages thematic working group. Its aim was to find “the smartest village” that is able to take their intelligent, out-of-the-box thinking to the furthest. Participating villages are offered support and other inspirational content, such as innovation camps, training and peer-support to promote their journey to become smart. Digitisation is one of the cornerstones of this journey. All the villages describe their journey and smart end-products in audio-visual format. Based on these short videos and a field trip, the jury of the competition chose the winner in October 2020.
Language : Finnish
A competition jointly organised by the Finnish National Support Unit and the smart villages thematic working group. Its aim was to find “the smartest village” that is able to take their intelligent, out-of-the-box thinking to the furthest. Participating villages are offered support and other inspirational content, such as innovation camps, training and peer-support to promote their journey to become smart. Digitisation is one of the cornerstones of this journey. All the villages describe their journey and smart end-products in audio-visual format. Based on these short videos and a field trip, the jury of the competition chose the winner in October 2020.
Language : Finnish
Maaseutuverkosto – Finnish National Rural Network
(
01/2018
–
12/2020
)
The smart villages thematic group was one of the two thematic working groups of the Finnish National Rural Network. This group was consequently dissolved and a new one is planned under the Finnish Village Movement Association to continue the work. The work of the thematic group included event organisation and overall publicity for the ‘smart villages’ concept. The role of the national thematic group was to help get answers and open up the theme, and it achieved that during its mandate (2019-2020). Members of the group had expertise in innovation, digitisation, broadband, transport and mobility solutions, youth, entrepreneurship, education, and regional development and policy. The group launched discussions, collected and shared information, launched research, organised own events and participated in others’ events, and supported the ‘smartest village competition’. The group raised awareness of the concept and contributed to the planning of smart villages programming for 2021-2027.
Language : Finnish
The smart villages thematic group was one of the two thematic working groups of the Finnish National Rural Network. This group was consequently dissolved and a new one is planned under the Finnish Village Movement Association to continue the work. The work of the thematic group included event organisation and overall publicity for the ‘smart villages’ concept. The role of the national thematic group was to help get answers and open up the theme, and it achieved that during its mandate (2019-2020). Members of the group had expertise in innovation, digitisation, broadband, transport and mobility solutions, youth, entrepreneurship, education, and regional development and policy. The group launched discussions, collected and shared information, launched research, organised own events and participated in others’ events, and supported the ‘smartest village competition’. The group raised awareness of the concept and contributed to the planning of smart villages programming for 2021-2027.
Language : Finnish
Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry of Finland
(
26/10/2017
)
A presentation given at the first meeting of the European Network for Rural Development thematic group on smart villages.
A presentation given at the first meeting of the European Network for Rural Development thematic group on smart villages.
MDI
, Spatia – Centre for Regional Research
, Suomen ympäristökeskus (Finnish Environment Institute)
, University of Vaasa
(
05/2016
–
22/12/2016
)
A study carried out by the Finnish government examining the challenges facing the country’s rural areas and the opportunities offered by digitisation. The study provides a wide range of recommendations for improving digital innovations in rural services.
Language : English
A study carried out by the Finnish government examining the challenges facing the country’s rural areas and the opportunities offered by digitisation. The study provides a wide range of recommendations for improving digital innovations in rural services.
Language : English
Finland
Digital infrastructure strategy: Turning Finland into the world leader in communications networks
Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland
(
2018
–
2025
)
The Digital Infrastructure Strategy prepared by the Ministry of Transport and Communications, promoting competitiveness and wellbeing by enabling the utilisation of, for example, data economy and artificial intelligence in both the private and public services. The strategy determines objectives for the development of the digital infrastructure in Finland by 2025, as well as the methods for achieving this objective. These cover both the promotion of wireless connections and the construction of fixed connections. The strategy further deals with other technologies supplementing the data communications infrastructure.
Language : Finnish
Hungarian National Rural Network
, LEADER LAGs Association (LESZ- Leader Egyesületek Szövetsége)
(
03/06/2016
–
04/06/2016
)
A one-day event was organised for rural development stakeholders, Local Action Group (LAG) representatives and policy makers. Among others, the ‘smart village’ concept was presented and a dedicated thematic workshop was held.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Event
A one-day event was organised for rural development stakeholders, Local Action Group (LAG) representatives and policy makers. Among others, the ‘smart village’ concept was presented and a dedicated thematic workshop was held.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Event
Alsómocsolád
(
2021
)
The Smart Village Strategy of Alsómocsolád, a Come Along! village of the Smart Rural 21 project.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Document
The Smart Village Strategy of Alsómocsolád, a Come Along! village of the Smart Rural 21 project.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Document
Ádám Szalai
, Szabolcs Fabula
(
2021
)
A study providing an extensive analysis of the concept of ‘smart village’, the changes observed in the interpretation of the term, and the results an empirical research on the feasibility of smart projects.
Language : Hungarian
A study providing an extensive analysis of the concept of ‘smart village’, the changes observed in the interpretation of the term, and the results an empirical research on the feasibility of smart projects.
Language : Hungarian
Hungarian National Rural Network
, Village Development Association (Falufejlesztési Társaság)
(
02/2020
–
Ongoing
)
The Academy is held quarterly with the aim of highlighting and transferring good practice examples and experiences of rural development from Hungary and abroad. The main topics include: management education; tourism development; branding of settlements and micro-regions; land and real estate development; local product development; innovation; agricultural management. The Academy is intended for village leaders, representatives of enterprises, non-governmental organisations interested in village development, leaders of advocacy organisations.
The Academy is held quarterly with the aim of highlighting and transferring good practice examples and experiences of rural development from Hungary and abroad. The main topics include: management education; tourism development; branding of settlements and micro-regions; land and real estate development; local product development; innovation; agricultural management. The Academy is intended for village leaders, representatives of enterprises, non-governmental organisations interested in village development, leaders of advocacy organisations.
Magyar Máltai Szeretetszolgálat (Hungarian Maltese Charity Service)
(
02/2019
–
Ongoing
)
A comprehensive programme to catch up the 300 most disadvantaged settlements in Hungary. A social inclusion initiative, the programme is centred on children and securing their main needs through various actions focused on early development, heating, sports, and play, among others.
Language : Hungarian
A comprehensive programme to catch up the 300 most disadvantaged settlements in Hungary. A social inclusion initiative, the programme is centred on children and securing their main needs through various actions focused on early development, heating, sports, and play, among others.
Language : Hungarian
National Informatics and Library Association
, Kecskemét Movie Ltd
(
05/10/2015
–
Ongoing
)
A national initiative providing online access to more than 750 Hungarian documentaries, films and animations to libraries of small settlements with 5 500 inhabitants or less. Additionally, villages can get support for the physical design of their libraries’ spaces to be able to organise the cinema screenings.
Language : Hungarian
A national initiative providing online access to more than 750 Hungarian documentaries, films and animations to libraries of small settlements with 5 500 inhabitants or less. Additionally, villages can get support for the physical design of their libraries’ spaces to be able to organise the cinema screenings.
Language : Hungarian
Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem
, Interindustria Knowledge Centre Foundation
, Technical University of Košice
(
01/10/2020
–
31/01/2022
)
A Hungarian-Slovakian Interreg V project based on the premise that ’smartness’ is not the privilege of cities, but sustainable welfare could be also achieved in the countryside through the application of the latest technologies. The main goal was to support the smartness of rural settlements through the development of specific cross-border services, including a ‘Smart Village Compass’ and a catalogue of good practices, showcasing step by step the ‘smart’ actions villages can implement. In addition, the ‘smart database and helpdesk’ serves as a one-stop-shop, making all relevant and up-to-date information available in one place, connecting villages with relevant opportunities, as well as competent advisors.
Language : English
A Hungarian-Slovakian Interreg V project based on the premise that ’smartness’ is not the privilege of cities, but sustainable welfare could be also achieved in the countryside through the application of the latest technologies. The main goal was to support the smartness of rural settlements through the development of specific cross-border services, including a ‘Smart Village Compass’ and a catalogue of good practices, showcasing step by step the ‘smart’ actions villages can implement. In addition, the ‘smart database and helpdesk’ serves as a one-stop-shop, making all relevant and up-to-date information available in one place, connecting villages with relevant opportunities, as well as competent advisors.
Language : English
Ákos Jakobi
-
Eötvös Loránd Tudományegyetem
(
03/2021
)
A presentation given in the framework of the ’Smart Communities 2.0 – How to be smart in the countryside?’ Hungarian-Slovakian Interreg V Project.
Language : Hungarian
A presentation given in the framework of the ’Smart Communities 2.0 – How to be smart in the countryside?’ Hungarian-Slovakian Interreg V Project.
Language : Hungarian
László Dicső
, Péter Varga
(
09/2019
)
A study published in the ‘New Hungarian Public Administration’ scientific journal.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Publication
A study published in the ‘New Hungarian Public Administration’ scientific journal.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Publication
Mátyás Gáspár
(
09/2019
)
A study published in the ‘New Hungarian Public Administration’ scientific journal. The study examines the concept of ‘new localism’ as a wider framework for smart village and rural area development.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Publication
A study published in the ‘New Hungarian Public Administration’ scientific journal. The study examines the concept of ‘new localism’ as a wider framework for smart village and rural area development.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Publication
Association of Hungarian municipalities (TÖOSZ)
(
11/03/2019
)
Meeting minutes of the TÖOSZ Innovative Villages Club. The meeting covered the topic of smart villages.
Language : Hungarian
Meeting minutes of the TÖOSZ Innovative Villages Club. The meeting covered the topic of smart villages.
Language : Hungarian
László Dicső
-
Alsómocsolád
(
11/03/2019
)
A presentation on the ‘smart villages’ concept given at the meeting of the TÖOSZ Innovative Villages Club by László Dicső, mayor of Alsómocslád.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation on the ‘smart villages’ concept given at the meeting of the TÖOSZ Innovative Villages Club by László Dicső, mayor of Alsómocslád.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Presentation
Digital Welfare Programme Secretariat, Ministry of Innovation and Technology
(
11/2020
–
Ongoing
)
A short video overviewing the Programme whose aim is to improve the livability of small settlements through various digital and smart solutions, jointly with the Digital Welfare Programme
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Video
A short video overviewing the Programme whose aim is to improve the livability of small settlements through various digital and smart solutions, jointly with the Digital Welfare Programme
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Video
Hungarian Prime Ministry
(
2020
)
A national scheme, including a list of measures on supporting the improvement of public services and the quality of life in rural areas.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Project description
A national scheme, including a list of measures on supporting the improvement of public services and the quality of life in rural areas.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Project description
Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture
(
2019
)
A web page outlining the concept of ‘Agriculture 4.0’ as based on large-scale data, generated by technologies and sensors used in precision agriculture, as well as the elements needed to achieve efficiency gains. The page highlights Hungary’s Digital Agriculture Strategy and the Government’s Resolution on the promotion and coordination of the digitisation of Hungarian agriculture
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Website
A web page outlining the concept of ‘Agriculture 4.0’ as based on large-scale data, generated by technologies and sensors used in precision agriculture, as well as the elements needed to achieve efficiency gains. The page highlights Hungary’s Digital Agriculture Strategy and the Government’s Resolution on the promotion and coordination of the digitisation of Hungarian agriculture
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Website
Hungarian Ministry of Agriculture
(
10/12/2021
)
The Hungarian CAP Strategic Plan, drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with professional organisations, contains the support measures of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027. The Plan was first submitted for social discussion before the formal submission to the EU Commission.
Language : Hungarian
The Hungarian CAP Strategic Plan, drafted by the Ministry of Agriculture in cooperation with professional organisations, contains the support measures of the Common Agricultural Policy 2023-2027. The Plan was first submitted for social discussion before the formal submission to the EU Commission.
Language : Hungarian
National Chamber of Agriculture
(
2018
)
A factsheet outlining the expected framework of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Document
A factsheet outlining the expected framework of the Common Agricultural Policy post 2020.
Language : Hungarian
Type of resource : Document
Napoca Porolissum Local Action Group
(
17/10/2019
)
A presentation given at a Smart Villages thematic group meeting of the European Network for Rural Development. The presentation explains how the idea of Romanian Local Action Groups (LAGs) setting up a cooperation project on this theme emerged. In 2020, 23 LAGs from Romania submitted a cooperation project to define the ‘smart villages’ concept and how best to implement it in rural areas.
Language : English
A presentation given at a Smart Villages thematic group meeting of the European Network for Rural Development. The presentation explains how the idea of Romanian Local Action Groups (LAGs) setting up a cooperation project on this theme emerged. In 2020, 23 LAGs from Romania submitted a cooperation project to define the ‘smart villages’ concept and how best to implement it in rural areas.
Language : English
Asociatia Satul Inteligent (Smart Village Association)
(
01/07/2021
)
A conference was held in July 2021, emerging from a private initiative developing around the ‘smart villages’ concept. The focus of the conference was on the role of digitalisation for a smart development in rural areas.
Language : Romanian
A conference was held in July 2021, emerging from a private initiative developing around the ‘smart villages’ concept. The focus of the conference was on the role of digitalisation for a smart development in rural areas.
Language : Romanian
North-East Regional Development Agency
, LAG Tinutul Zimbrilor
(
04/02/2021
)
Working meeting of the Smart Village project, an Erasmus+ initiative, coordinated by LAG Tinutul Zimbrilor and supported by the North-East Regional Development Agency. The Smart Village project is based on an innovative teaching approach and will result in a research study and a collection of good practices, four textbooks, a set of training materials, and a video game, as tools for acquiring entrepreneurial skills in rural tourism for the elderly.
Language : Romanian
Working meeting of the Smart Village project, an Erasmus+ initiative, coordinated by LAG Tinutul Zimbrilor and supported by the North-East Regional Development Agency. The Smart Village project is based on an innovative teaching approach and will result in a research study and a collection of good practices, four textbooks, a set of training materials, and a video game, as tools for acquiring entrepreneurial skills in rural tourism for the elderly.
Language : Romanian
Susanne Abildgaard Rud
-
BARK Rådgivning
(
2020
–
2021
)
A publication bringing together experiences and knowledge from a range of examples where developing green village communities succeeded. The aim is to inspire municipalities to work more purposefully and strategically with green communities as a development strategy. The project was supported by the Rural Fund under the Ministry of Business and Growth.
Language : Danish
Type of resource : Publication
A publication bringing together experiences and knowledge from a range of examples where developing green village communities succeeded. The aim is to inspire municipalities to work more purposefully and strategically with green communities as a development strategy. The project was supported by the Rural Fund under the Ministry of Business and Growth.
Language : Danish
Type of resource : Publication
Annette Aagaard Thuesen
-
University of Southern Denmark
(
2020
–
2021
)
A study from the University of Southern Denmark on experiences with strategic village planning. The study was presented at the Rural Development Research Day – 16 September 2021.
Language : Danish
Type of resource : Document
A study from the University of Southern Denmark on experiences with strategic village planning. The study was presented at the Rural Development Research Day – 16 September 2021.
Language : Danish
Type of resource : Document
Lejre municipality
(
05/2019
–
Ongoing
)
The terms of reference of the ‘Village Council’ of the Lejre municipality. The council was set up in 2019 by the municipality and includes 10 village representatives and seven from the municipality council. The aim of the body is to ensure progress of smart villages, with a focus on ways in which new digital technologies, innovation and platform solutions can strengthen local development for the benefit of citizens, businesses and sustainable growth and development.
Language : Danish
The terms of reference of the ‘Village Council’ of the Lejre municipality. The council was set up in 2019 by the municipality and includes 10 village representatives and seven from the municipality council. The aim of the body is to ensure progress of smart villages, with a focus on ways in which new digital technologies, innovation and platform solutions can strengthen local development for the benefit of citizens, businesses and sustainable growth and development.
Language : Danish
Swedish Rural Network
(
04/06/2020
)
A presentation given by the chair of the Swedish smart village working group on how the ‘smart villages’ concept can be implemented, both nationally and internationally.
Language : Swedish
Type of resource : Presentation
A presentation given by the chair of the Swedish smart village working group on how the ‘smart villages’ concept can be implemented, both nationally and internationally.
Language : Swedish
Type of resource : Presentation
