Results
As the SMART ERA project reaches its final stage, we want to tell you about our achievements and results
Methodology
SMART ERA specifically developed the smartness assessment methodology SESAM for rural areas and involved all project’s case studies in co-design processes.
This deliverable presents the outcomes of data screening and joint data-driven analyses carried out within SMART ERA, supporting the implementation of the SMART ERA Smartness Assessment Method (SESAM). The purpose of this work is to establish a robust, scalable and evidence-based approach for assessing the smartness and socio-economic dynamics of rural areas across Europe and to prepare the methodological foundations for future large-scale deployment. Access the report
This project deliverable describes the SMART ERA Smartness Assessment Methodology to be used within pilots and micro-pilots. Browse it here
EIP-AGRI Practice Abstract on SESAM. Access it here
This policy brief presents SESAM, the SMART ERA’s own Smartness Assessment Methodology, and its role in strenghtening place-based digital and innovation policies across the European Union. Read the policy brief
Pilots
6 pilot regions are involved in the project: Val di Sole (Italy), Sóller-Tramuntana (Spain), Northern Ostrobothnia (Finland), East Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Smarje-Padna (Slovenia) and Devetaki plateau (Bulgaria). Each region developed its own SIP
EIP-AGRI Practice Abstract on the Devetaki Plateau pilot. Read it here
EIP-AGRI Practice Abstract on the East Herzegovina pilot. Read it here
EIP-AGRI Practice Abstract on the Northern Ostrobothnia pilot. Read it here
EIP-AGRI Practice Abstract on the Šmarje-Padna pilot. Read it here
EIP-AGRI Practice Abstract on the Tramuntana/Sóller pilot. Read it here
EIP-AGRI Practice Abstract on the Val di Sole pilot. Read it here
Far from the beach bars and party crowds, Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana is grappling with the downsides of mass tourism. A unique blend of local agriculture, smart innovation, and community collaboration may hold the key to its preservation. Yet local operators warn: ‘The time to act has come. Otherwise, in 10 years we’ll be like Disney World — and there won’t be anything left to decide’. An article by Diego Giuliani
Engagement
Local stakeholders were involved in all the four project phases: context analysis, co-design of SIPs, testing, replication. A phygital SIP toolkit has been developed to facilitate the involvement of the local communities in the identification of their challenges and the co-design of their SIPs.
In this research, SMART ERA partners explore the role of civic engagement platforms as tools designed to connect various groups in rural areas for collaborative advancement and to support sustainable growth in their communities. They examine these platforms’ essential features and influence on rural communities, conducting an overview to identify rural areas’ primary challenges and the functionalities needed to address them. Findings reveal that the long-term capability of these civic engagement platforms can bring beneficial changes in rural territories by offering a unified way of communication, collaboration, and decision-making. The study concludes with suggestions for future research. Access the full publication here
This deliverable presents the co-design toolkit for SIP definition and participatory design. Browse it here
EIP-AGRI Practice Abstract on the SMART ERA co-design toolkit. Access it here
Designing socio-technical systems for rural areas requires empowering local actors to actively engage in a creative process that thoroughly considers the unique
characteristics of these territories.
This paper presents a toolkit designed to boost reflection on the key ‘’ingredients’’ — social, economic, technological, political, and infrastructural —
essential for addressing rural challenges through socio-
technical interventions. Access the publication here
Addressing sustainable development challenges in rural areas requires innovative solutions that effectively engage diverse stakeholders in collaborative co-design processes. This paper presents the development of a gamified phygital (physical and digital) co-design tool designed to foster active participation, enhance motivation, andenable the collaborative creation of Smart Innovation Packages (SIPs)—comprehensive solutions comprising technological and non-technological components aimed at addressing rural challenges. Read the full publication here
Technology
To complete the SIPs developed in each pilot, a first Open Call funded 11 projects to develop digital solutions. 3 related to agrifood, 4 to tourism, 1 tp e-economy, 1 to mobility and 1 to healthcare.
This report, by FBA, presents the public summary of the evaluation results of the SMART ERA 1st Open Call for Pilots, launched on 28 August 2025 and closed on 4 November 2025. It provides an overview of the evaluation process and lists all funded projects with their corresponding organizations and countries. Access the report
Access the full list of winners and learn more about the technological solutions they are developing
Data
A data platform integrates data from the pilots and digital solutions developed through the first Open Call to support the visualisation and monitoring of various pilot-related indicators.
This deliverable describes the methodology for data integration and data interoperability to be used by technical partners and third-parties. Access it here
Policy
Recommendations and an interactive toolkit are being developed for policymakers to create and implement new policies to foster community led innovations across Europe.
This report provides the findings from the SMART ERA analysis of policy framework supporting community-led rural innovation at the European level and within the project’s case study countries (Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Finland, Italy, Slovenia, Spain). Read the report here
Sustainability
Replication and validation are then ensured through the second Open Call, which is funding four follower rural regions in Europe.
Read the Guide for Applicants
