Join the BCO Network Support Facility workshop on talent retention for regional growth. Explore ways to revitalize rural communities, boost local economies, and reverse depopulation through broadband and smart solutions. Discover EU's successful schemes bringing talents back to rural areas via cohesion policy tools and funds
To generate a dynamic discussion on how to revitalise rural communities, boost local economies and reverse depopulation through broadband roll-out and smart solutions, this interactive workshop will bring together public authorities, municipalities, regions and cities, entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovators working on digital solutions for rural areas, community leaders, experts in the fields of skills, rural development and digital connectivity.
We will:
- showcase replicable European good practices and initiatives that leverage digital connectivity to drive rural regeneration and nurture talent
- underline how high-speed broadband infrastructure is a pre-requisite for these, as well as an objective of national rural regeneration plans
- highlight the role of Broadband Competence Offices as essential partners in this
Agenda Highlights
Part 1: ‘Bringing together connectivity, skills and rural regeneration’
BCO Portugal (TBC)
Carlos Costa will present the Portuguese experience in using EU funds for VHCN coverage of "white areas", as well as in incentivising relocation to rural areas and upskilling on digital technologies.
BCO Ireland (TBC)
Timothy Ollry will present how, through the Rural Regeneration Fund, the Irish government is supporting remote working and creating new opportunities for people in rural areas, with thematic programmes on Arts and Culture, eHealth, eLearning and remote working.
The Adecco Group, Italy
Sara Toticchi, Head of Corporate Funding, will present key success factors in attracting and retaining talents in rural communities, exploring examples of good practices in smart agriculture, digital management of cultural heritage, and integration of refugees.
Skillnet Ireland
Valérie Rousselin Somerville, EU Funding Manager, will present on skills for a digital future and the importance of rural networks, through examples of good practices and case studies in the areas of agriculture and upskilling for rural businesses and women entrepreneurs.
Part 2: ‘Exploring solutions’ - Parallel break-out sessions
- Smart and sustainable agriculture
Recognising the significance of agriculture as a key sector in rural areas and the importance of upskilling in agricultural practices, this break-out session will focus on the role of digital connectivity for agriculture and entrepreneurship, exploring business skills development for rural agripreneurs.
- Business, education and employment opportunities
Understanding the importance of broadband connectivity in bridging the rural-urban digital divide, this break-out session will focus on enabling economic, educational, and employment opportunities.
- Arts, cultural heritage and tourism
Rural communities possess unique cultural assets, artistic traditions, and natural beauty that can be leveraged to drive economic growth, foster community pride, preserve cultural heritage, and combine arts and crafts with digital and green innovations. This break-out session will explore how digital technologies can offer innovative solutions to preserve and promote cultural heritage, enabling wider access, immersive experiences, and long-term conservation of cultural assets as well as artistic traditions.
- 5G for Smart Communities
This session will dive into the transformative socio-economic potential of projects under the EU’s ‘5G for Smart Communities’ initiative, funded under the Connecting Europe Facility Digital programme.
Where, when and how to join us
Location: Square Brussels Meeting Centre, Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels, Belgium
Date and time: 10 October 2023, 9:30-11:00 CEST
Registration: Registration here before September 30.
We look forward to welcoming you in Brussels for another excellent event, and we particularly welcome any examples you may wish to add to the discussion. This will be a dynamic workshop, so all contributions will be welcome and indeed encouraged!
Additional info
Venue
Square Brussels Meeting Centre
Mont des Arts, 1000 Brussels Belgium
Organiser
