09.02.2024
Developing rural opportunities through smart innovations in the SMART ERA project
Rural areas in Northern Ostrobothnia will be developed through smart solutions and innovations. The region is strongly involved in the international SMART ERA project, in which Northern Ostrobothnia is one of the six pilot areas of the project.
The SMART ERA project aims to contribute to the depopulation of rural areas across Europe. The aim is to reverse migration flows and kick-start sustainable growth. The solution to the problem is sought from technological solutions and social innovations. Local communities will be involved in the development and design of different solutions.
Responses to Rural Challenges
Rural areas are often perceived as less attractive habitats because they have fewer services, different structural problems, limited employment opportunities and an ageing population. The ongoing digital transformation and increased teleworking opportunities offer a unique opportunity to redirect migration flows back to rural areas.
The SMART ERA project develops the activities of rural communities. The operations, in turn, solve the challenges of the region, for example, through solutions related to data, culture or digitalization.
Work through pilots
The Regional Assembly of Oulu Region is responsible for the targeting of pilots and local cooperation in the project. The Kerttu Saalasti Institute of the University of Oulu leads development work based on data.
– One of the pilots of the project is being carried out in Northern Ostrobothnia. In the project, we represent the northern and peripheral regions. We have a great opportunity to test and test the actions to be developed in the project in our region," says Saija Tikkanen, Development Manager at the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region.
At the beginning of the project, the needs of each pilot area will be mapped. The challenge identified in the region will be addressed through practical experiments. The functionality of smart solutions is tested in cooperation in cooperation with the local community. In addition, project partners will exchange experiences on solutions.
The pilots can relate to six different project themes. These include rural mobility and modes of transport, governance and accessibility, economy, environment, living environment and population. For example, in relation to the economy, the pilot may aim to ensure the number of young and women-led businesses in rural areas.
Background to the project
The international SMART ERA project, which brings together 10 countries and 25 organisations, started in early January. The four-year project will run until the end of 2027. The project is coordinated by Fondazione Bruno Kessler from Italy. In addition to the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region and the University of Oulu, Finland participates in the Baltic Sea Institute Foundation. International project partners can be found in Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovenia and Spain.
The project is funded by Horizon Europe. The combined share of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region and the Kerttu Saalasti Institute of the University of Oulu in the total budget of the project is just over EUR 570,000.
Horizon Europe is the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, which will fund a total of EUR 95 billion of different research, development and innovation activities between 2021 and 2027. The objectives of the programme are to combat climate change, support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals and increase the EU’s competitiveness. In addition, the programme supports breakthrough innovations and seeks solutions to global challenges such as cancer and harmful emissions. Projects funded by Horizon Europe are mainly implemented through international cooperation and provide European added value and effectiveness.
More information:
Development Manager Saija Tikkanen, Regional Assembly of Oulu Region, saija.tikkanen(a)pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi, +358 40 6854044
Professor, Director Matti Muhos, Kerttu Saalasti Institute, University of Oulu, matti.muhos(a)oulu.fi, +358 400 407 590
Research Director Ossi Kotavaara, University of Oulu Kerttu Saalasti Institute, ossi.kotavaara(a)oulu.fi, +358 29 448 7852
SMART ERA - (northern-pohjanmaa.fi)
Smart community-led transition in Europe's rural areas | University of Oulu
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