Smart Villages
How to ensure that digital strategies benefit rural communities
Description
The ‘‘How to ensure digital strategies benefit rural communities” briefing document offered suggestions of how the digital strategies being developed at different levels across Europe could be applied to meet the needs and ambitions of rural communities while achieving the objectives set out in the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) strategic plan. The document highlights digitalization as an engine of transformative change when adapted to the rural context and implemented with the involvement of rural communities, and lists four steps required for its implementation: mapping the landscape, identifying opportunities, defining priorities and setting targets.
Technology
An appropriate digital infrastructure is a prerequisite for Smart Villages, such as broadband internet, wireless networks and public Wi-Fi access, all of which are necessary for the digital transformation, while several other technologies can be recommended, such as sensors within smart homes, smart energy, e-health, technologies based on the Internet of things (IoT), platforms providing access to online marketplaces in support of local vendors, as well as digital hubs offering training, education and fab-labs.
Target
The main targets of the document were public actors, government authorities and civil society organizations who gained access to strategies and advice on how to make smart villages more effective, while rural communities benefited through their involvement, which is key to the success of such strategies.
Impact
The document offered technical guidance on the design of smart village strategies, with the ultimate goal of supporting smart village stakeholders in entering into partnerships at a regional and local level to support the digital transformation, with particular focus on broadband connectivity, the improvement of digital skills and the use of digital services.
Four Betters
Better production
Better environment
Better life
