Networking is based on face to face meetings, support points & IT networking tool. Face to face networking activities within the SmartRural Project:
• Info days for SmartRural Project and Network promotion;
• Pilot actions and Workshops for SmartRural model dissemination;
• National and International Meetings with stakeholders for targeted discussions and feedback;
• Final conference for the latest Project advancements and Network development after the end of project.
SmartRural Support Centers & IT tool for networking are the permanent structures of information and support which will remain operational after the end of the Project. Four Land SmartRural Support Centers located in Bulgaria, Cyprus, Greece and Republic of North Macedonia & one Mobile SmartRural Support Center in Greece.
The support points are supervised and coordinated by a Network Office located in Razlog, Bulgaria. Its activities include the exchange among the other centers of expertise and best practices, information and awareness activities, training programs, etc., aiming to establish synergies and strengthen cooperation between authorities and organisations of rural sector’s activity within the intervention area.
SmartRural Support Centers provide а variety of services for rural stakeholders and continue to operate after the end of the project. They enhance transnational and business orientation of the network by involving businesses, local authorities and civil society organizations and ensure its further durability and sustainability.
SmartRural Support Centers provide the following services:
• Information dissemination about the project and rural sector general information;
• Collection of stakeholders’ expectations and needs information and feedback;
• Connection between rural sector businesses and public authorities;
• Advice and assistance in applying for open calls and various funding opportunities and related programs;
• Organization and hosting of seminars, workshops, trainings, etc.
Benefits for the SmartRural Network Members:
• Members with innovative rural business ideas increase their business capacity and implement them;
• Members benefit from having access to necessary information regarding the business opportunities;
• The Network helps to improve policy-making for public authorities due to the support of SmartRural Centers.