Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Alpine Space

Date of latest update: 2026-03-17

Description

Description (EN):

Moving beyond the experience of ASP623 Smart Villages and with the main aim of providing and sustaining a robust link with EUSALP AG5, SmartCommUnity aims at: 1) creating a strong link with the Smart Alps network within AG5, sustaining the transnational concept of a network of smart rural areas with a common smarter and greener vision for their communities, as well as developing closer links with AG9 for a transition in energy, in order to embody change in perceptions and practice; 2) furthering the actions towards smart transition in selected Test Areas (TAs) and inspiring new territories by creating regional links between more advanced (lighthouse) TAs and less advanced (follower) TAs, facilitating capacity building, community exchanges of best practices and lessons learnt and mobilization of community energies; 3) collecting and presenting at one place existing innovative digital tools and solutions already developed within other national and EU-funded projects and initiatives, using either open data whenever possible or surveys distributed to networks, such as EUSALP AG and ENRD; 4) developing new innovative and interactive digital tools for matchmaking and networking to facilitate the access to smart transition actions for Alpine areas, with a strong focus on the community aspect of the smart transition, especially on the green and sustainable aspects of it, via eg gamification and civic tech; 5) communicating and disseminating the actions and results of the project and the Smart Alps in the Alpine Area, in order for the Alps to become the vanguard of digital transformation in Europe and an example for rural areas in the whole continent. To collect rural communities' needs and requirements and collect feedback regarding already existing as well as newly developed tools and solutions, the project activities will be implemented in 18 TAs (9 LTAs+ 9 FTAs). The advanced test areas will inspire and work with less advanced, follower test areas in the same country.

Actual Achievements (EN):

Overall, SmartCommUnity project start-up and progression in first reporting period was relatively linear with some issues (described in next section) which did not effect the project planned activities or critical deliverables. For progress and related results in specific workpackages (including project management and communication) please find the descriptions below: In the work package EUSALP uptake and integration at policy level (WPEU) lead by SAB (PP9) and RAVA (PP8), the main achievements in Reporting period 1 were the establishment and resumption of contacts with the Smart Alps network and a first draft of Smart Alps webinars program, the first definition of the Smart Community concept, first during a dedicated workshop at the kick-off meeting in Ljubljana and then with a review among the project partners, the submission of a proposal to have a Lab on "civic engagement for a smart regional transition " for the European Week of Regions and Cities on 9-12 October 2023, the first definition of a template to gather relevant policies for the digital transformation of territories and the inclusion of the SmartCommUnity project as a relevant activity into the EUSALP AG5 and AG9 work plans. The work package Test Activities and Networking for SmartCommUnity (WPTAN) activities were coordinated and led by UL (PP1) and RVSO (PP5) in monthly test areas partners (PP3, PP4, PP5, PP6, PP7, PP8, PP10, PP12) meetings (12.1.2023, 16.2.2023, 21.3.2023 and 18.4.2023) to report on progress, resolving issues and plan activities and events for their pilots while systematically collecting data on the smart transition topics, and monitoring the establishment of the Regional Stakeholders Groups in most of the test areas, differing from »lighthouse« TAs, already established pilot areas, and »follower« TAs, who will take on the path of smart transition. The work package Innovation Tools for SmartCommUnity (WPIT), led by SCCH (PP11) and ADRETS (PP7) has started with regular monthly coordination meetings in December to establish continuous development process of the Innovation platform. Prototyping and testing initial functionalities for online community and adapters for gamification aspects has begun shortly after digital infrastructure for provision of online services (domain names and hosting) purchase and setting up the web development environment. In parallel, analysis on 1st WPIT deliverable D3.1.1. Report on civic engagement tools has been conducted, reviewed by partners and published as a handbook on project’s website and promoted on social media (attached in Project report annexes section: SC_WPIT_D3-1-1_StateOftheArt.pdf). Project management activities, led by UL (PP1), involved coordination and monitoring of overall project and WP activities. To achieve continuous flow of information and task delegation in partnership LP organised regular monthly project management board meetings, attended by all partners’ meetings to periodically share and monitor the project’s progress, starting with an online consortium meeting on 14.11.2022. Kick-off meeting, 18. to 19. January 2023, was organised in physical form at LP premises in Ljubljana to establish operational instructions, consolidating partners’ activities within work packages, and Steering committee establishment with appointed delegates. The agenda was also focused on project observers, presentation from Minister of Digital Transformation and project’s workshops. Communications activities planning, led by GALGE (PP3) and supported by UL (PP1) started on 12.12.2022 meeting followed by communication material preparation activities, which included collecting photos from partners and creating visuals and documents templates in first months of the project, preparation of press release on the project kick-off to be disseminated by partners and developing communication strategy of the project (attached in the Project report annexes section: SmartCommUnity - Communication Strategy_v02.pdf). Communications monitoring and project activities monitoring documents were developed and shared among partners in common online workspace, knowledge base included graphic material, manuals and instructions, meeting presentations and minutes. Partners performed common communication tasks: project posters display (attached in Project Report Annexes: Poster-SmartCommUnity Project.pdf), posting on partners’ websites according to Programme manual instructions. Contribution to the dissemination of the SmartCommUnity project in its networks, was additionally achieved through EUSALP AG 5 meetings, by presenting the project and its objectives to its members, and by presenting the project initiative during its dissemination events. Target groups reach is extensively described in corresponding section. Within ASP SmartCommUnity project consortium, the planned activities and deliverables were accomplished without delays due to good consortium coordination and collaboration across workpackages (WP). Note, that this Reporting period 2 (RP2) Project report includes references important for continuation of activities from Reporting period 1 (RP1) - additional explanations can be found in RP1 Project report. The project implementation is further being achieved through 3 main WPs: WPEU - EUSALP uptake and integration at policy level, led by RAVA (PP8) and SAB (PP9) and actively supported by UL (LP), Poliedra (PP2) and eNU (PP10). Definition of what a smart community is involved pilot areas(WPTAN) to evolve the concept and WPIT portal was designated a central role for Smart Alps network expansion. Contributions included organisation of two SmartAlps webinars, strengthening ties with EUSALP, AG5 and other AGs, also involving Youth Council where possible, and extensive communication efforts at national and international events (Digital Alps Conference on 5.-6.9.2023 in Courmeyeur, Italy) and ongoing policies collection on smart transitions of mountain areas. WPTAN - Test Activities and Networking for SmartCommUnity, led by UL (LP) and RVSO (PP5) and actively supported by partners Poliedra (PP2), GALGE (PP3 in RP1), SAT (PP4), ITC (PP6), ADRETS (PP7), RAVA (PP8), eNu (PP10) and RLW (PP12). Within RP1 and RP2 activities in "Lighthouse" and "Follower" test areas were effectively coordinated and supervised. Partners contributed by supporting test areas, organizing workshops, establishing stakeholder groups, and implementing other smart transition activities while collaborating with WPEU. The production of crucial deliverables involved a comprehensive survey to report pilot areas' progress, document their distinctiveness, and assess smartness dimensions while seeking for data-based solutions for WPIT. WPIT - Innovation Tools for SmartCommUnity, led by SCCH (PP11) and ADRETS (PP7) and actively supported by UL (LP) and Poliedra (PP2). The development activities were initiated and refined the smart platform, incorporating features like a landing page, social networking components, forums, news posts to further enhanced the platform's utility. Notably, innovative features like gamification elements, Smart Apps, and a chatbot functionalities were introduced to provide more robust and user-friendly platform that aligns with the goal of creating dynamic ecosystems for Smart Communities. In RP2, partners have made the plan for integration of previously developed tool within the platform in development, also described in D3.2.1. The work achieved was also reflected in timely publication of 4 deliverables: D3.1.1 Gamification and civic engagement tools for smart communities and rural areas in RP1, and D2.1.1 Community based data approach, D2.1.2 Structuring the work of LTAs and FTAs, D3.2.1 Report on the expansion of the Smart Villages platform at the end of RP2. Specific WP and Task related descriptions are further expanded in relevant sections within this project report. The Lead Partner (LP) directed project management alongside the three main implementation work packages. Project activities commenced with an online consortium meeting on 14.11.2022, followed by a kick-off meeting on 18-19 January 2023 in Ljubljana. Monthly Project Management Board (PMB) meetings were established in RP1 (21.2.2023, 30.3.2023, 21.4.2023), and continued into RP2 (25.5.2023, 22.6.2023, 20.7.2023, 31.8.2023, 19.10.2023) to monitor project and pilot progress. The second project meeting on 13-14 September in Willisau involved agenda structuring by LP, project progress review, and workshops on concepts like the Rural Data Steward role from deliverable D2.1.1. The meeting also included a Steering Committee session, voting on a partner change (GALGE -> ANCI Liguria), finalized in RP3. Project communication was led by GALGE (PP3) and supported by UL (LP) in RP1, while in RP2 it was coordinated exclusively by UL (LP). In RP1, communications and project activities monitoring documents were developed and shared in a common online workspace, including graphic materials, manuals, instructions, meeting presentations, and minutes. Communication material preparation tasks were shared between UL and GALGE partners. In the early stages of RP2, GALGE informed the LP and consortium of their inability to contribute to the project. To address the communication issue, LP immediately took over communication activities until a new communications partner, planned for RP3, would be approved and onboarded. During RP2, UL supported events organization by promoting Smart Alps Network webinars on 28.6.2023 and 31.10.2023, and the Digital Alps event on 5-6.9.2023. The ASP SmartCommUnity project consortium continued planned activities in reporting period 3 (RP3). The work is linearly progressing towards achieving main outputs of the project, with non-critical delays and challenges to be mitigated in next reporting period. These deviations are described in Partner problems and deviations section of this report. No deliverables production was scheduled at RP3. Across work packages (WPs), the main activities included: WPEU Monthly WPEU meetings in RP3 were organised on 13.11.2023, 18.12.2023, 22.1.2024., 19.2.2024, 18.3.2024 and 15.4.2024 as well as important sections on Smart Community definition at European level, involving related projects (Montagna 4.0, More than a Village and Smart Era) to define and coordinate joint actions, such as a common definition of “smart community”, sharing tools and best practices and connecting with other macro-regional strategies on 3rd project meeting in Valle d’Aosta (5.-7.3.2024). As one of the WPEU achievements in this period, the 3rd SmartAlps Webinar on the topic of Mobility solutions was organised, promoted and implemented on 25.3.2024. Alongside the EUSALP AG5 supported events, seamless link with EUSALP AG5 is being achieved by SmartCommUnity consortium members organising or contributing in EUASLP AG5 meetings on 20. 11. 2023 in Brussels(Belgium) and 2.2.2024 in Postojna (Slovenia). Furthermore, PP10 eNu contributed to integrating SmartCommUnity project into the EUSALP AG9 work plan. WPTAN To monitor progress SmartCommUnity partners reported “Lighthouse Test Areas” (LTA) and “Follower Test Areas” (FTA) activities in regular WPTAN meetings on 14.11.2023, 19.12.2023, 16.1.2024, 20.2,2024, 28.3.2024 and 16.4.2024 to reflect on the implementation and coordinate further actions related to this WP and WPEU and WPIT. Pilot actions in LTAs and FTAs were supported by continues engagement by pilot partners on regular basis. Notable challenges have been mitigated by (also described in the deviations section): -PP4 SAT carried out the bidding procedure and evaluation to contract Lienzer Stadtwerke for the sensor infrastructure and set up a plan for installing the network in months after RP3. -PP13 ANCIL joined the Smart CommUnity project at the end of RP2 and in RP3 managed to catch up on WPTAN activities with the rest of the partnership. WPIT The work in WPIT was progressing as planned, with non-critical adjustments to better serve the programming and website design development process – e.g. some elements from A3.2 from RP2 are being further improved in integrated. Core WPIT project partners (PP7 ADRETS, PP11 SCCH and LP UL) met on on 16.11.2023, 3.4.2024 and other ad-hoc meeting with other work packages (22.11.2023) and meeting on 24.1.2024 and 14.3. with University of Maribor, to coordinated the integration of (old) SmartVillages DEP tools into the new SmartCommUnity Innovation platform, residing at Smart-Alps.eu- while other project partners contributed by giving feedbacks on workshops and testing functionalities. In RP3 notable functionalities of Smart-Alps.eu have been continuously developed: -Chatbot: further training with additional materials to make the conversational AI-knowledge base more usable and multilingual. -Improved translations: upgrade of the of the machine-translation tools. -TA Analyzer App: new analytical tools and improved reliability for smartness assessments of selected test areas. -Gamification support: developing concepts to provide motivation elements (points, badges, levels) in using the Innovation platform to foster smart transitions. -Collaboration tools: based on social networks and forums. Project management In RP3 monthly Project Management Board (PMB) meetings were held online 16.11.2023, 23.12.2023, 25.1.2024, 29.2.2024, 28.3.2024 and 25.4.2024 to review all WPs progress reports and follow-up on consortium partners’ tasks. 3rd project meeting in Valle D'Aosta, 5. -7.3.2024, provided great opportunity for live consortium collaboration and attracted several observers (9) to onsite study visits. LP UL maintained regular contacts with JS and communicated the information to consortium in timely and efficient manner to resolve any open questions regarding the project implementation, finance (payment distribution) or reporting issues. Communication After successful on-boarding in RP3, the communications partner PP13 ANCIL assumed responsibility for the communication activities outlined in the previously established communication strategy and took care of regular posting (9 posts) on social media channels and ASP SmartCommUnity project page (10 news items). WPIT responsibles shared these news items on Smart Alps Innovation Platform in parallel. Communications partner designed and produced SmartCommUnity Newsletter #1 in April 2024, to be translated in sent to partners’ regions’ stakeholders and inform the public of the SmartCommUnity project’s overall progress, test areas activities and key events. Continuing the project implementation and coordination activities from previous reporting periods (for activites or RP3 please refer to progress report 3), in Reporting period 4 (RP4), the key actions, deliverables, were achieved, published and promoted in timely manner, retrieving most delays or mitigating challenges at the time of this project report submission. The SmartCommUnity project consortium demonstrated resilience and achieved significant progress in Smart-Alps.eu innovation tool development, Smart Alps and AG5 networks promotion, and stakeholder engagement across the test areas within Alpine region. These achievements showcase the project's commitment to fostering smart communities in the Alps: Project Management - Coordination: The lead partner, University of Ljubljana (LP UL), maintained effective coordination, monitoring, and oversight of project activities, ensuring smooth implementation across work packages (WPs).Monthly Project Management Board (PMB) meetings were organized by UL on 30.05.2024, 27.06.2024, 25.07.2024, 29.08.2024, and 26.09.2024. Each workpackage meeting were organised beforehand PMB every month to review and report the progress within each and between WPs. - Project Meeting: 4th Project Meeting: Held in Lienz, Austria, on 15–16.10.2024, it reviewed progress, outstanding issues, and key results (e.g., Smart Alps Innovation platform). The meeting included thematic presentations, study visits, and workshops. - Mid-term Review Meeting: Conducted online on 04.09.2024, where the Joint Secretariat gained detailed insights into the project, and two key recommendations were incorporated into upcoming plans (e.g., the SmartAlps webinar scheduled for November 2024). Communication and Dissemination - PP13 ANCIL enhanched communication thru the project websites (Interreg Alpine Space and Smart-Alps.eu), regular social media channels and produced 5 promotional videos (with additional following). - Along communication's partner, other partners reported and supported test areas activites and general project activities with additional activites, e.g. exibitions (PP10 eNu) collaboration a research paper (PP2 Poliedra, LP UL), submitted a book proposal, published newsletters, and participated in international and local workshops and conference panels to enhance dissemination and project visibility and are reported in target group reach sections. Workpackages WPEU, WPTAN and WPIT efforts in RP4 are reported in specific project report sections, however from this period the main deliverables and results are listed. - Deliverable 2.2.1 Catalogue of Good Practices presented a collection of 48 good practices models across 6 smartness dimensions(Smart Economy, Governance, Living, Mobility, Environment and People) to highlight all the practices developed within SmartCommUnity test areas - LTAs & FTAs (lighthouse and following test areas). - Deliverable 3.3.1 Component for data collection through gamification deliverable outlines the outcomes and methodologies applied in Activity 3.3, detailing the gamification approaches developed. It includes insights from stakeholder feedback, contributing to iterative improvements and describes the steps to improve engagement, optimize data processing, and ensure effective communication. This deliverable also describes the technical choices and collaborative efforts that achieved these milestones. - Additional publication by PP7 ADRETS titled "The Guidelines - Gamification to Engage Smart Communities" as part of the WPIT was promoted to foster community engagement, promoting creativity and innovation, and gathering data to enhance knowledge about the test area.. - Output 2.1: Pilot actions in TAs and FTAs were achieved until the end of RP4, with continuation of community engagement and local solution improvements during next periods. - Output 3.1: The end of core functionalities development and Smart Villages tools migration to new Smart-Alps.eu Innovation platform at the end of RP4 marks a significant milestone in further focusing on collaboration between consortium and external publics and stakeholders. The platform is designed to support target groups including educational institutions, public authorities, interest groups, communities representatives and the general public. It features multilingual thematic community forums, interactive guide and resources on good practices, test areas, gamification approaches, smart transition of territories and information about Smart Alps Network. Interactive tools include smartness assesment, test area analyser, community co-creation toolbox and AI chatbot. Engagement is encouraged by motivational mechanisms where users are rewarded with karma points for their participation and using the tools and content resources. The progress achieved is a result of the intensive cooperation between all partners. Regular project management board and (inter)work package meetings ensured constant alignment and coordination. Here are some of the main acievements of the project in RP5. Major collaborative events organized by the consortium: -Digital Alps Conference 2025 (Lienz, Austria - 29-30.4.2025): The partners successfully organized this high-profile conference as an official event of the EUSALP Presidency. It served as a key platform to present the project's approach, engage policy authorities, and strengthen synergies with other projects and the EUSALP Youth Council. -Onsite project meeting & Study visit (Valence, France - 19-20.3.2025): A joint project meeting and study visits were co-organized to facilitate knowledge sharing, align strategies, and connect the project team directly with Test Area stakeholders, including students, through interactive workshops. -4th Smart Alps Network webinar (online – 27.11.2024): The partnership organized a webinar focused on “Digital communication platforms for municipalities,” fostering an exchange of experiences and promoting the expansion of the Smart Alps network. Key activities: -Completion of core deliverables (attached to this report): The project team finalized and delivered four key deliverables: D1.1.1 Report on strengthening the EUSALP Smart Alps network, D2.2.2 Report on Smart Transition Activities in all Test Areas, D2.3.1 A user-oriented community tool, D3.4.1 A component for data analysis and reporting. -Advancement in Test Areas: among others - the installation of LoRaWAN sensors was finalized in a pilot region of SAT PP4, providing the technical infrastructure for smart environmental monitoring and data collection and Inauguration of Smart Lab (Cogorno, Italy) - a physical Smart Lab was established in a Lighthouse Test Area, creating an innovation hub for local mayors, schools, experts, and citizens. Some of the communication & dissemination highlights were: -Promotional Video with BCO Network: A promotional video interview was coordinated, recorded and published by the European Broadband Competence Office (BCO) Network and included in their newsletter later, increasing project visibility. -Second project newsletter: The partnership collaborated to produce and disseminate the project’s second newsletter to stakeholders (February 19, 2025). -Enhanced digital presence: The portal (Smart-Alps.eu) was improved to better promote the project activities and network, supported by the creation of simplified info flyers with clear calls to action and increased social media posts enhanced by videos. - Academic book on smart transitions in rural areas (by Springer) is in the proposal process, connecting similar projects and partnerships to produce unified vision of rural digital transformation. - European Week of Regions and Cities session proposal was submitted by UL LP at the end of RP5 and at the time of this reporting was merged into Digital Lifelines for Left-Behind Regions (for 15.10.2025), showcasing practical digital tools, data and insights – also promoting SmartCommUnity project.

Project outputs: Seamless link with EUSALP AG5 SmartAlps(EN)
Pilot actions in TAs and FTAs(EN)
SmartCommUnity Innovation Platform (SCU IP): dataset, assessments, RSGs, actions(EN)

Thematic information

ICT and digital society Rural and peripheral development

Priority: (VI-B_AS_3) Innovation and digitalisation supporting a green Alpine region

Priority specific objective: RSO1.2. Reaping the benefits of digitisation for citizens, companies, research organisations and public authorities

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 015 Digitising SMEs or large enterprises (including e-Commerce, e-Business and networked business processes, digital innovation hubs, living labs, web entrepreneurs and ICT start-ups, B2B) compliant with greenhouse gas emission reduction or energy efficiency criteria

Partners (14)

Lead Partner: Univerza v Ljubljani

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI54162513

Department: Faculty of electrical engineering

Address: Kongresni trg, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Department address: Tržaška cesta, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.uni-lj.si/eng/

Total budget: EUR 398 786.82

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 299 090.11

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 99 696.71

ANCI Liguria

Name: ANCI Liguria

Department: N/A

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 80101610105

Address: Palazzo Ducale Piazza Matteotti, 16121 Genoa, Italy

Department address: Palazzo Ducale Piazza Matteotti, 16121 Genoa, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.anciliguria.it

Total budget: EUR 181 934.05

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 136 450.53

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 45 483.52

Contractors:

Name: ANNALISA CEVASCO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02432160998
Name: COMPUTER UNION
VAT registration or tax identification number: 03303930105
Name: VILLAGGIO DEL RAGAZZO
VAT registration or tax identification number: 00173120999
Name: LUCA CIDDA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01764500995

REGION LUZERN WEST

Name: REGION LUZERN WEST

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CHE-209.223.240

Address: Menznauerstrasse, 6110 Wolhusen, Switzerland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.lucernewest.ch

Total budget: EUR 358 802.85

Partner contribution: EUR 358 802.85

Software Competence Center Hagenberg GmbH

Name: Software Competence Center Hagenberg GmbH

Department: Data Science

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU 48056909

Address: Softwarepark, 4232 Hagenberg, Austria

Department address: Softwarepark, 4232 Hagenberg, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.scch.at

Total budget: EUR 250 900.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 188 175.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 62 725.00

Energie- und Umweltagentur des Landes NÖ (eNu)

Name: Energie- und Umweltagentur des Landes NÖ (eNu)

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU:75610028

Address: Grenzgasse, 3100 St. Pölten, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.enu.at

Total budget: EUR 216 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 54 000.00

Schweizerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für die Berggebiete SAB

Name: Schweizerische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für die Berggebiete SAB

Partner’s ID if not PIC: CHE-105.783.077

Address: Seilerstrasse, 3001 Bern, Switzerland

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.sab.ch

Total budget: EUR 90 350.00

Partner contribution: EUR 90 350.00

Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta

Name: Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta

Department: Technology Systems unit

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00368440079

Address: Loc. Ile Blonde, 11020 Brissogne, Italy

Department address: Loc. Ile Blonde, 11020 Brissogne, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.regione.vda.it

Total budget: EUR 291 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 218 250.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 72 750.00

Contractors:

Name: B.B.S. S.r.l.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01032750075
Name: -Skopìa srl
VAT registration or tax identification number: 02399830229
Name: Fondazione Gran Paradiso
VAT registration or tax identification number: 01093330072

Association pour le Développement en Réseau des Territoires et des Services

Name: Association pour le Développement en Réseau des Territoires et des Services

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 434 508 883 00031

Address: Rue Carnot, 05000 Gap, France

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://adrets-asso.fr

Total budget: EUR 224 929.99

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 168 697.49

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 56 232.50

Contractors:

Name: Alpes Matériel Informatique
VAT registration or tax identification number: FR74419879879
Name: Melanie Michel PRATIC'COOP
VAT registration or tax identification number: TVA not applicable art 293B
Name: Mazzeri Communication
VAT registration or tax identification number: FR18423559038
Name: Alpes Matériel Iinformatique
VAT registration or tax identification number: FR74419879879
Name: DDC Consultants Aquitaine
VAT registration or tax identification number: FR01508300431

ITC – Inovacijsko Tehnološki Grozd Murska Sobota

Name: ITC – Inovacijsko Tehnološki Grozd Murska Sobota

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI51545535

Address: Lendavska ulica, 9000 Murska Sobota, Slovenia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: https://www.itc-cluster.com

Total budget: EUR 210 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 157 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 52 500.00

Verband Region Südlicher Oberrhein

Name: Verband Region Südlicher Oberrhein

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2806/0648073323

Address: Reichsgrafenstraße, 79102 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.vrso.de

Total budget: EUR 210 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 157 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 52 500.00

Standortagentur Tirol GmbH

Name: Standortagentur Tirol GmbH

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU53064302

Address: Ing. Etzel Strasse , 6020 Tyrol, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.standort-tirol.at/

Total budget: EUR 246 583.90

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 184 937.92

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 61 645.98

Contractors:

Name: Empatic e.U.
VAT registration or tax identification number: ATU69758247
Name: Stadtwerke Lienz
VAT registration or tax identification number: ATU36820605

Poliedra - Centro Di Servizio E Consulenza Del Politecnico Di Milano Su Pianificazione Ambientale

Name: Poliedra - Centro Di Servizio E Consulenza Del Politecnico Di Milano Su Pianificazione Ambientale

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 12903700156

Address: Via G. Colombo, 20133 Milano, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.poliedra.polimi.it

Total budget: EUR 280 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 210 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 70 000.00

Contractors:

Name: Dr. Leonardi Massimo
VAT registration or tax identification number: 12387890960

Regionalverband Südlicher Oberrhein

Name: Regionalverband Südlicher Oberrhein

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2806/0648073323

Address: Reichsgrafenstraße, 79102 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.rvso.de

Total budget: EUR 210 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 157 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 52 500.00

Agenzia di Sviluppo GAL Genovese S.r.l.

Name: Agenzia di Sviluppo GAL Genovese S.r.l.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01094850995

Address: Piazza Matteotti, 16123 Genova, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.agenziadisviluppogalgenovese.com

Total budget: EUR 1 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 750.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 75.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 250.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

ANCI Liguria

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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REGION LUCERNE WEST

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Software Competence Center Hagenberg GmbH

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Energy and Environment Agency of Lower Austria

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Swiss Center for mountain regions SAB

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Regione Autonoma Valle d’Aosta

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Association for the networked development of territories and services

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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ITC – Innovation Technology Cluster Murska Sobota

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Verband Region Südlicher Oberrhein

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Standortagentur Tirol GmbH

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Poliedra - research and consultancy centre of Milan’s Polytechnic University on environmental

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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University of Ljubljana

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Regionalverband Südlicher Oberrhein

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Agenzia di Sviluppo Gal Genovese

Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Summary

Project name (EN): Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

Project acronym: SmartCommUnity

Project ID: ASP0100041

Project start date: 2022-11-01

Project end date: 2025-10-31

Project status: closed

Relevant linked projects:

Smart villages (EN) | AS SmartVillages represent the basis on which SmartCommUnity has been built in terms of PPs and rationale. SmartVillages has been a successful project in creating a common understanding on what smart transition in rural areas entails, in defining new IT tools, in creating implementation actions in TAs. SmartCommUnity aims at building upon SmartVillages and at expanding its scope, with a strong link to EUSALP and its SmartAlps netwrok, new digital tools and a wider array of TAs. (EN), CARPE DIGEM (EN) | SmartCommUnity project will use the knowledge from the CARPE DIGEM project about how to create functioning and sustainable Digital Innovation Ecosystems (DIGEMs) in regions considered to be outside the digital, economic and social core of Europe, traditional 'receivers' of innovation and change. (EN), Erudite (EN) | Usage of the SEROI+ methodology to define policy goals and relevant stakeholders, as well as to define indicators to measure social, economic and environmental return on investment of the developed services and solutions in the selected test areas and follower test areas. (EN), LIVERUR (EN) | The aim of the Horizon 2020 LIVERUR project was to support businesses, projects, and initiatives in designing innovative business models in rural areas, moving towards a Circular Economy and including all important stakeholders by following the Living Lab approach. The RAIN platform developed within the project contains tools and methods that can be used in the SmartCommUnity project, as well. (EN), P-IRIS (EN) | Interreg Europe P-IRIS is an ongoing project involving rural areas in NO, ES, IT, HR and SI. It focuses on how to complete and professionalise innovation chains in rural areas, in identifying lacks and opportunities, and on the role of rural digital innovation hubs. Synergies will be sought considering the common approach and goals with SmartCommUnity, especially in terms of good implementation activities and the role of DIH and local stakeholder involvement. (EN), H2020 DEMETER (EN) | ITC will build upon the knowledge and experience from the digitalization process by being responsible for installing and testing of the IoT sensors at farmers in Slovenia within the project. (EN), Ploutos H2020 (EN) | ITC is responsible for introducing soil passport methodology, which is used to improve soil health at farmers in Slovenia. All this is supported by the digitalization process and involvement of regional stakeholders, which will represent the basis for activities in the project. (EN), CITIES2030 (EN) | ITC is developing the process of traceability of food with the help of blockchain technology. The concept will be further exploited and developed while promotion of the service itself will be done within the project and offered to other regions in the project. (EN), CORA (EN) | The Interreg North Sea Region project Cora has developed numerous solutions on how to support the digital transformation of municipalities and businesses in the North Sea Region. These best practices and also the Cora training model are of major interest for the SmartCommUnity project implementation. (EN), H2020 AURORAL (EN) | The Horizon 2020 AURORAL projects offers synergies to the SmartCommUnity project in the field of open access to data, the internet of things and the smart objects interoperable services platform. Furthermore, it will be interesting to learn how the ongoing AURORAL contributed with their flexible cross-domain applications to increase economic growth and create jobs in rural areas and to tackle significant societal challenges. (EN), iSmart - integrated solutions for smart regions (EN) | Funded through the German Federal Transnational Cooperation Programme, the project brought together German representatives of 12 similar Interreg projects for an exchange of experiences. The main question was: What constitutes successful integrated strategies for smart regions and how can they be implemented? SmartCommUnity will make use of the experiences regarding digitalisation as a tool that enables communities to improve the living conditions of their citizens. (EN), EUROMONTANA initiative (EN) | The Smart Villages project contributed to the establishment of a new intergroup at the European Parliament on SMART Villages for Rural Communities: Sparsely populated, Mountainous And Rural Territories hosted by Euromontana. The follow-up project will have the opportunity to perfectly build on this EUROMONTANA initiative since SAB is a founding member of EUROMONTANA. (EN), INTESI (EN) | AS INTESI focused on the provision of services of general interest (SGI) to Alpine rural areas and it represented the first rationale in which the AS SmartVillages project was born. INTESI allowed to start a definition of the state of the art of SGI in mountain areas, to aguge the level of satisfaction and expectations of local communities, and to first organise some TAs towards a smart and sustainable transition, as far as SGI are concerned. From INTESI to SmartVillages to SmartCommUnity. (EN), Smart Alps (EN) | The development of the Smart Alps network within the SmartCommUnity project aims to make contact and synergies with other initiatives on the theme of smart villages, such as the Smart Rural 27 project. (EN), SNAI - National strategy for inner areas (EN) | Italy's National strategy that aims at mitigation of the demographic decline that characterizes a significant part of the country largely covering the mountain areas. SNAI define, for each 'Inner Area', specific actions and specific funds to be allocated in order to counter depopulation and the circle of decline. Synergies can be sought at Italian level, and crossfertilization between SNAI and SmartCommUnity will be sought in order to increase the awareness of a smart model of development. (EN), Qualità & Sviluppo Local Development Strategy (EARDF) (EN) | One of the main priorities of the EARDF is to support a more competitive and smarter Europe, in line with the project objective.
In addition, the Local Development Strategies foresee a participatory approach involving local actors through a Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) method. This mentioned methodology will be used both in the initial phase of stakeholder involvement and in the implementation phase of the activities. (EN), SmartLand - successful smart villages in rural areas (EN) | The project capitalises on the results of ASP Smart Villages. The German Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building and Community funded an expansion of the existing TA and a better inter-municipal cooperation. The pilot activities were very well accepted and until today new municipalities are joining the cooperation. SmartCommUnity will build on these successful lighthouse TAs. (EN), Digital.Tirol (EN) | In order to further advance digitization in Tyrol, the digital.tirol platform was founded. It is located at the Standortagentur Tirol and is active as an implementation platform for the digitization strategy at Tyrolean level. A future SmartCommUnity project will be closely coordinated with the digital.tirol platform and partially supported in the implementation of pilot measures. Important stakeholders in Tyrol for digitization are represented in the digital.tirol platform. (EN), DAC - Developing Active Citizenship (EN) | Synergies with DAC Interreg Alcotra project aiming to promote active citizenship and awareness of the European Green Deal in one of the Aosta Valley proposed test areas. (EN), Smart Rural 27 (EN) | The development of the Smart Alps network within the Smart CommUnity project aims to make contact and synergies with other initiatives on the theme of smart villages, such as the Smart Rural 27 project. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 960 287.61

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 883 351.05

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 63.62%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 883 351.05. Co-financing rate, 63.62%.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Deliverables:

Report on the strengthening and expansion of EUSALP Smart Alps
Smart Community in itself and in relation with other strategies and projects
Communication of the main outcomes of WPEU
Report on the links between WP1 and WP3
Report on the links between WP1 and WP2
Concept on the wider integration into EUSALP
Policies and policy uptake
AG9 meetings
Community-based data approach
Structuring the work of LTAs and FTAs
Catalogue of Good Practices
Report on the Smart Transition Activities in all TAs and on the Meetings between LTAs and FTAs
Communication report on WPTAN
User-oriented community tool
Report on Meetings for SmartAlps
Final conference in Freiburg, Germany
Report of civic engagement tools
Report on the expansion of the SmartVillages platform
Component for data collection through gamification
Component for data analysis
Component for data reporting
Platform videotutorials and report of animation activities

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAlpineRegion The project aims at creating a direct link with AG5 Smart Alps, by substantiating it and widening its scope, aiming at strengthening the community-led voice of rural and mountain areas within EUSALP and at enhancing AG5’s cross sectoral initiative on Smart Villages. A specific link will be sought with the EUSALP Youth Council and its activities, in order for Alpine youth to be involved in change. The project also aims at deepening rural and mountain’s voices within EUSALP AG9 on energy matters.
EuropeanGreenDeal Within the test areas, project partners will develop solutions that will support the transition to greener mobility. These will include clean, accessible, and affordable transport even in the most rural and mountain areas in the Alpine Space. In addition, using IoT and other digital technologies in agriculture, partners will introduce solutions that will support the restoration of the soils and will increase the absorption of CO2 to make our environment more resilient to climate change.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The project activities, especially the ones held in the selected test areas and the follower test areas will promote an inclusive and sustainable future for rural and mountainous areas in the Alpine Space. As such the project will contribute to both overarching objectives of the Territorial Agenda 2030 and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals in Europe.
Other A Europe fit for the digital age: The EU’s digital strategy aims to make this transformation work for people and businesses, while helping to achieve its target of a climate-neutral Europe by 2050. With this project, we would like to bridge the digital gap and make sure that rural areas are not left behind when it comes to digital transformation, in terms of skills, services and infrastructure.
Other Long-term vision for the EU's rural areas: The strategy identifies areas of action towards stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural areas and communities. The activities planned in the identified TAs and FTAs, and the new tools to be developed within the SmartCommUnity project will help achieve the goals of this vision.
Other 2019 Declaration of cooperation 'A smart and sustainable digital future for European agriculture and rural areas' with actions to support digitalisation of rural areas: digital technologies, from digitalisation up to Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, blockchain, High Performance Computing (HPC), Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G, that have the potential to increase rural efficiency while improving economic and environmental sustainability. The project aims at embodying this vision.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 121 - Area covered by protection measures against climate related natural disasters (other than floods and wildfire), Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 098 - SMEs staff completing training for skills for smart specialisation, for industrial transition and entrepreneurship (by type of skill: technical, management, entrepreneurship, green, other), Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSALP

EUSALP Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSALP Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Alpine Space

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2026-03-17

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

47 / 47 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

467 / 467 (100%)

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Building on the concept of Smart Villages towards a transnational and EUSALP-integrated Smart Community in the Alps

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Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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