Pisa, June 19, 2024 – The curtains closed on the FUTURAL project’s first annual meeting, a vibrant gathering that concluded on Wednesday in Pisa, Italy. The event brought together experts, community leaders, and innovators, all committed to fostering resilient and sustainable rural communities across Europe.
Collaborative Efforts to Enhance Rural Innovation
This year’s meeting spotlighted the Multi Actor Pilots (MAPs), which focus on six designated rural areas: Kythira, Greece; Birda, Romania; Westhoek, Belgium; Durangaldea, Spain; Pongau, Austria; and Jonava, Lithuania. Each leader provided insightful updates on the unique challenges and needs of their regions, emphasizing community engagement and localized solutions.
Advancements in Smart Solutions
A key focus was the development of Smart Solutions (SS) designed to address these specific regional challenges. SS providers shared their advancements, discussing the technical and strategic hurdles they’ve overcome, and the impactful solutions they’ve crafted in response. The discussions underscored a shared goal: integrating innovative technologies and approaches to empower rural communities.
Strengthening the FUTURAL Ecosystem
The meeting also facilitated discussions around the broader FUTURAL ecosystem, engaging members in strategic dialogues aimed at enhancing collaboration and impact. These sessions highlighted the enthusiastic and committed nature of the consortium, which includes representatives from diverse sectors and disciplines.
Notable Contributions from PREPARE
Significant to the meeting’s success were contributions from PREPARE, represented by Leotrim Germizaj and Kim Smedslund. Their participation underscored the collaborative spirit of the consortium, bringing additional expertise and perspectives to the forefront.
Gratitude and Anticipation
The Università di Pisa provided a picturesque backdrop for two days of intensive discussions, networking, and strategic planning. As the meeting concluded, there was a palpable sense of achievement among attendees, coupled with anticipation for the next annual gathering.
“We are thrilled with the outcomes of this meeting and are excited to see how the initiatives discussed will evolve over the next year,” said Dr. Spyros Fountas, the project coordinator. “Our aim is to continue growing this ecosystem, bringing more innovative solutions to rural areas that need them the most.”
As FUTURAL moves into its next phase, the focus will remain on enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rural communities through collaborative innovation and shared knowledge. The next annual meeting promises to bring even greater advancements, continuing the positive momentum sparked in Pisa.
Future Focused
Looking ahead, the FUTURAL consortium plans to expand its reach and deepen its impact, with ongoing projects and new initiatives slated to commence over the coming months. As rural communities face increasing challenges, the work of FUTURAL and its dedicated members will be more critical than ever.
For ongoing updates and more information on the FUTURAL project, visit: https://futural-project.eu/