Digital Rural hosted its fourth Interregional Learning Event, focusing on advancing digitalization policies to bridge the digital divide and enhance capacities in rural regions. The event brought together 47 participants, including project partners and stakeholders, to exchange innovative solutions, share good practices, and inspire actionable strategies for regional development.
The event featured two impactful presentations showcasing different approaches to digital transformation:
- 4PDIH: Empowering Municipalities with Data-Driven Tools and Collaboration
Dr. Emilija Stojmenova Duh presented the initiative of 4PDIH, established under the Interreg Europe Carpe Digem project. The focus was on using the SEROI+ methodology and digital surveys to identify and prioritize municipal needs. These results, visualized via digital tools, have fostered collaboration among municipalities and supported successful funding applications, including participation in the Intelligent Cities Challenge. This presentation highlighted the significant impact of data-driven approaches on inter-municipal collaboration and urban development.
- City of Kranj: Digital Transformation and Green Transition
Tomaž Lanišek discussed Kranj’s ambitious journey toward becoming a climate-neutral and smart city as part of the EU Mission for 100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030. Key achievements included the development of the city’s digital platform and the CeKR city card, which has the potential to become one of the most advanced systems in Europe. The 2020 Smart Mlaka pilot project showcased the integration of modern technologies in residential areas. Kranj’s efforts earned recognition in a European Commission report as one of the EU’s most agile cities in developing smart communities, alongside Helsinki, Tallinn, and Rotterdam.
A lively Q&A session followed the presentations, enabling participants to delve deeper into the showcased practices and discuss their applicability to other regions.
Interregional Learning Event 4 successfully provided a platform for knowledge exchange, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovative solutions in advancing digital transformation in rural and urban areas. Participants left equipped with inspiration and information to think about similar initiatives in their regions.
For more information on the initiatives discussed, visit:
