Towards a definition of Smart Villages

In 2017, the European Commission, together with the European Parliament, published a document called “EU Action for Smart Villages” in order to make opportunities for villages and rural communities more visible. One of these actions is the Pilot Project on Smart Eco-Social Villages (“Smart Villages” in short). Ecorys, Origin for Sustainability and R.E.D., are implementing the Pilot Project that will run until April 2019. The potential effect of this Pilot Project is to shape the on-going discussion on the future of the “Smart Village” policy.

The Pilot Project on Smart eco-social villages is organising two consultations until the 31st of August 2018:

Working definition of “Smart Villages”

Following the first survey organised in April, the project team has prepared a working definition that is now published for consultation. We invite you to read the working definition and to share your views and opinions by replying to the questions available at:

http://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/DefinitionSmartVillage

Expression of interest for Case Studies

The pilot project is looking for candidates (villages, communities, municipalities, networks) interested in testing a methodology for developing a “Smart Village” strategy, representing different geographical locations and different types of initiatives, between September and November 2018. Representatives of the case studies will also be invited to share their experience during the final workshop of the Project, which will be held in Brussels in February 2019. If you are interested, we invite you to complete the form available at

http://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/CaseStudies

For more information on Smart Villages

• Read the EU Action Plan for Smart Villages
• Visit the pilot project’s website: http://pilotproject-smartvillages.eu/
• Visit the ENRD’s Smart Villages portal and watch their video illustrating Smart Villages