From November 5-6, 2024, project partners gathered in Vas County, Hungary, for the second Project Meeting and third Interregional Learning Event (ILE 3), focusing on the digital transformation of rural areas and innovative solutions in tourism and agriculture. Hosted by the Pannon Novum team, the event provided a platform for partners to review semester progress, exchange knowledge, and explore impactful digital and community-driven practices.

During the project review, each partner presented a progress report, sharing updates on policy developments and achievements from the first semester. These insights laid the groundwork for the upcoming ILE 3. Dr. Nina Cvar from the University of Ljubljana presented an overview of emerging trends and structural changes aligned with the new European Commission program, offering partners valuable context on shifting policies and priorities in EU projects.

The ILE included study visits that emphasized digital and community-driven initiatives. Highlights included the Pannon Local Product Cluster, which focuses on knowledge transfer in rural tourism while preserving cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. Additional visits, such as to the Birkás Pálinka House, showcased how digital tools are supporting local practices. Presentations on precision farming with drones and digital tools for family-owned farms added further insights into the role of technology in modern agriculture.

The event was concluded with a peer review workshop, coordinated by the University of Ljubljana. Participants conducted a SWOT analysis on selected good practices, assessing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and transitioning to action-oriented TOWS planning. This exercise aimed to help the hosting partner submit selected good practices to the Interreg Learning Portal, promoting broader adoption of innovative approaches in rural development.

With engaging sessions and hands-on study visits, the event in Hungary fostered productive knowledge exchange and highlighted practical ways digitalization can support sustainable growth in rural communities.

 

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