On behalf of the lead partner, the University of Ljubljana, Dr. Jure Trilar and Mag. Deniza Bundalevska participated in a dynamic two-day SmartCommUnity meeting and tour of good practices in connected pilot areas in Valence and Baronnies en Drôme Provençale, France, on 19 and 20 March 2025. With a rich programme including strategic discussions, stakeholder engagement workshops and field visits, the event strengthened collaboration between partners working to build smarter and more connected Alpine communities.
On the first day, a project meeting was held and coordination with partners on key tasks to ensure the success of the project. In parallel to the meeting, a well-attended workshop for school youth, Megatrends in the Alpine Space, led by Rocco Scollozi, took place. Later, a dedicated workshop with project partners and guest stakeholders explored the possibilities for new collaborations, introduced the Smart Alps network and explored the innovative online platform Smart-Alps.eu.
On the second day, the consortium connected with local practices in the pilot area in Baronnies en Drôme Provençale, ranging from cultural access policies to smart mobility initiatives and economic development strategies. Visits to the “Micro-folies” digital museum, the Sophora coworking hub, the digital administration support service and the Sanisphere social enterprise demonstrated tangible solutions that foster innovation in rural areas.
The meeting was a great success with lively discussions, shared lessons and a strengthened sense of partnership, paving the way for future cooperation in the Alpine region.
