The integrated and "smart" development of rural areas is crucial for the future of Europe, Germany, and Hesse. By leveraging digitalization and information and communication technologies, rural communities can be supported to become "smarter" and thus more attractive to locals, visitors, and newcomers. A "smart" village is more than just the application of modern technologies; it involves the intelligent linking of infrastructure, administration, and community to create a sustainable and economically thriving environment.
In the INSPIRE project, partners from seven EU member states collaborate to examine and develop various funding and policy instruments at the regional, state/provincial, and national levels. These instruments are based on European policies for rural development (EAFRD), regional economic development (ERDF), and social policy (ESF). The participating regions focus on the six dimensions of the Smart Village approach: economy, living, mobility, people, environment, and governance. The goal is to make communities future-proof, improve the necessary funding and policy instruments, and engage more stakeholders in rural areas.
The Institute for Rural Development Research (IfLS) from Hesse, in collaboration with the LEADER Region Lahn-Dill-Wetzlar, is participating in the INSPIRE project. The aim is to integrate the Smart Village approach into the region's Local Development Strategy 2023-2027. Through a continuous exchange process with international project partners, state-level authorities, and local actors, various approaches to integrating the Smart Village approach will be discussed and tested. Semi-annual exchange rounds and workshops will help to develop and address common points of action and improve the Local Development Strategy.
For further infromation please visit our project homepage.
