01.06.2018

The objective of this meeting, organized by the National Rural Network in Añora (Córdoba) as an action co-financed by FEADER within the framework of the National Rural Development Program 2014-2020 , has been to address the digitalization needs of the rural environment and identify lines or ideas for the development of possible pilot projects for the implementation of smart villages ( Smart Villages ) , which serve as an example for other municipalities and areas with similar structural and socioeconomic conditions.

The digitalization needs of rural areas and the characteristics of smart rural territories were addressed. A debate was generated, fostering the exchange of ideas, interaction, and collaboration among participants from the various administrations responsible for policy design, as well as rural stakeholders responsible for facilitating or implementing projects aimed at revitalizing rural areas through social and digital innovation, thus contributing to the development of the Digitalization Agenda for the agri-food and forestry sector and the rural environment.

The challenge posed by connectivity and interoperability was highlighted, as well as the promotion of the 300x100 Plan , which aims to extend fiber optics at 300 Mbps to 100% of Spain's population centers, with a particular focus on small towns and rural areas . Similarly, the training needs in rural areas were analyzed to achieve their development and digital transformation , as well as the formulas for addressing them.

The conference is part of the work of the Digitalization and Big Data Focus Group , which will form the basis for drafting the Agenda for the Digitalization of the Agri-Food and Forestry Sector, and the Rural Environment.

The main stakeholders in the region participated: city councils, local action groups, rural development networks, cooperatives, other civil society actors, and public administrations (both state and regional).