As part of the dRural project, an Open Call for Mirror Regions was launched, which provides the possibility of replicating the dRural platform in the selected region.

The overall goal of the dRural project was the joint development and implementation of a digital solution based on the exploitation of data from existing service platforms that provide multiple innovative services to residents in rural areas while creating opportunities for economic growth and improving the quality of life. As such, the project sought to become a reference service market for European rural areas. The dRural service market was tested in four European rural regions (Spain, Sweden, Croatia and the Netherlands). 

The open call for mirror regions aims to expand the developed concept, demonstrating its benefits and impacts beyond the current consortium. Through the call, 8 regions outside the consortium will be chosen, which will act as "mirror regions", i.e. regions where the dRural platform will be replicated on the territory of the selected regions.The general objective of the open call is to encourage innovation and development of rural regions by encouraging, coordinating and involving new stakeholders in the provision of value-added services to people and businesses. 

Eligible applicants are public or private entities interested in providing new rural services or improving services currently offered. The selected mirror region will be provided with one-on-one coaching and training at the technical, business and ecosystem building levels.

Financial support:

• EUR 60,000 in grants (to regional promoters for building a business ecosystem and setting up a platform in the mirror region)

• EUR 120,000 in grants to consortia (regional promoters and SMEs will be financed with EUR 60,000 each). 

Through the replicating process provided by the project, the selected dRural mirror region will avoid initial pitfalls by following best practices, lessons learned and success stories.

The application deadline is April 13, 2023.

Application

Call document

Guide for Applicants

More informations on drural.eu/call-for-mirror-regions/

Webinar about open call: https://drural.eu/news/webinar-recording-open-call-info-session/

Source: dRural.eu