Following previous activities of the European INSPIRE project, MedINA once again visited Kythera and Konitsa, holding meetings with the participation of local communities. These meetings strengthened dialogue and cooperation around the concept of Smart Villages and the development of meaningful, participatory actions, aiming to enhance well-being and social inclusion in rural areas.
During the meetings, the main objectives of the INSPIRE project were outlined, followed by discussions on the project’s upcoming activities. Participants learned about the establishment of Smart Village Labs and their role in empowering local communities through collective actions, the use of digital tools, and the development of innovative ideas that highlight and protect local assets, strengthening regional resilience by building on local strengths and opportunities.
At the same time, future project activities were introduced, including capacity-building workshops and free online courses covering digital, entrepreneurial, and social (soft) skills, as well as environmentally friendly innovation practices with a focus on sustainability.
In Konitsa, the event took place at the Municipal Hall, with the participation of local authorities, associations, and residents. The meeting served as an opportunity to discuss social needs and challenges of the area, as well as innovative initiatives and ideas that could be developed within the framework of the INSPIRE project.
In Kythera, a series of meetings and discussions were held with local stakeholders, associations, and residents, focusing on the primary sector, which requires further support to address critical challenges and to enhance and promote the island’s agri-food potential.
Finally, the new INSPIRE informational video was shared, highlighting the project’s vision for stronger and more resilient rural communities. The video showcases INSPIRE’s activities in seven pilot regions, the role of Smart Village Labs as local innovation hubs, and the capacity-building opportunities available to empower rural citizens.
We would like to warmly thank everyone who participated for their ideas, support, and willingness to dedicate time and energy to the co-creation of actions that can strengthen local communities.
INSPIRE supports social inclusion, well-being, and rural development through Smart Village Labs, which aim to establish more inclusive governance frameworks. INSPIRE is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are, however, those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
