Lormes
Smart Villages Initiative supporting economic and social development through digital transformation
Description
Lormes is a French village close to the Morvan Regional Nature Park in Burgundy with a population of around 1300. Although unemployment has never been a major problem, Lormes has faced the challenge of being an unattractive place to live. Its journey under the Smart Rural 27 initiative to become a smart village began in the early 2000s with the adoption of a ground-breaking territorial 2.0 policy to bring the economic and social potential of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and the internet to remote rural areas. Since then, the municipality has placed its support behind a number of different initiatives, such as a “digital mission” and “digital passport for all” programme supporting the digital integration of the local community and the provision of education to farmers, local businesses and public administrators, as well as the creation of a Rural Hub entitled “Portes du Morvan”, where the potential of local skills can be maximized through the provision of office space and IT support services.
Technology
Lormes recognized early the benefits of digital transformation for local development, and to support its vision, a rural digital hub was established containing eight offices equipped with high-speed internet. In 2015, a workshop affiliated to the digital hub named FabLab was opened, promoting a culture of “do it yourself”, equipped with a 3D printer and scanner, a digital milling machine and a hot wire cutter. After a successful trial period, the installation of a local fibre optic network was launched in 2018 with a view to providing high-speed internet access to all residents and businesses. “Faire Compagnie”, another key initiative, was launched as a free digital platform through which neighbours could connect and support each other by requesting assistance or sharing their experiences or services. Furthermore, in 2003 the municipality, working in collaboration with the local community, founded the “Digital Mission” association to promote digital inclusion and education through the provision of digital training to members of the public and businesses. The intention in this regard was to increase local technological awareness, to support innovative programmes, and to provide teleworking spaces for companies and residents alike. Among the other digital initiatives mentioned are a drone service for the monitoring of energy loss from buildings, as well as plant growth and crop quality for local farmers and the Regional Park, and the use of community sensors for the monitoring of water, air and energy quality.
Target
The main targets of Lormes' digital initiatives are the general public and local businesses, who are seen as key factors in the leveraging of digital technologies in support of the area's economic, social and cultural development. Around 43 associations focusing on innovation and technology have been established in Lormes, where opportunities are being sought for collaborations in scientific matters.
Impact
Since its launch in 2008, the digital hub has been providing access to digital technologies in support of the local development of Lormes and the surrounding area. As of October 2024, some 2000 premises have been provided with access to the local fibre optic network.
Partners
European Commission
Four Betters
Better environment
Better life
