SMART ERA is pleased to share the invitation to participate in the RURACTIVE Forum – Third Meeting, taking place online on 23 April 2026, from 13:30 to 15:30 CET.
As sister projects, RURACTIVE and SMART ERA share a strong commitment to empowering rural communities through innovation, participatory approaches, and practical solutions addressing key territorial challenges.
This third meeting will focus on transforming identified rural challenges into actionable, evidence-informed policy options. The agenda includes contributions from recognised experts:
- Enrique Nieto (Rural Pact Support Office) – Framing the Rural Pact
- Klaus Ehrlich (RuralTour) – Nature-based and cultural tourism
- Pedro Homem de Gouveia (POLIS Network) – Sustainable rural mobility
- Maria João Horta Parreira (Universidade NOVA de Lisboa) – Culture and cultural innovation
- Prof. Ian Baker (University of Birmingham) – Sustainable food systems
- Prof. Mar Ortega-Reig (Universitat Politècnica de València, ESPON DESIRE) – Rural services, health and wellbeing
This event is a valuable opportunity for SMART ERA to bring its perspectives on smart village development, rural innovation ecosystems, and community-driven transformation processes, contributing to broader policy reflections at EU level.
