Revitalizing Rural Areas through Technology and Community – The SMART ERA Project Explores the Potential of the Platform Economy
The SMART ERA project responds to a widespread concern across Europe: rural depopulation. The aim is to influence the population’s attractiveness and retention, and to support sustainable economic growth by harnessing both technological and social innovations. Local communities are actively involved in planning and implementing project activities together with expert partners.
Pilot Activities Addressing Rural Challenges
Many rural regions face challenges such as limited services, structural changes in economy, limited labour markets, and an aging population. Digitalisation and the rise of remote working are opening new opportunities for rural areas, but also challenges in the competition for population and labour.
As part of SMART ERA, rural communities are being invigorated by piloting solutions based on the platform economy. In Northern Ostrobothnia, a digital service platform will be tested with the aim of connecting local service providers with those in need of their services. This makes services easier to find and allows even smaller providers to reach new customers.
In this type of platform economy, the platform itself does not produce the services—it functions as a network-based tool that brings different actors together. The platform economy refers to a business model in which a digital platform connects service providers and users. Well-known examples include ride-sharing services and online marketplaces such as Uber or Airbnb. The SMART ERA pilot brings this model to the local level, aiming to build new connections between regional service providers and customers.
Dialogue Between Customers and Service Providers
Workshops have been organized in Alavieska, Kalajoki, and Nivala to explore the needs and availability of services from the customer’s perspective. What kind of everyday support or experiences do people need? How do they currently find services, and are they open to new ways of accessing them?
Service providers have also been closely involved in the process. Together, they have identified needs among various target groups, including services related to tourism, culture, and the aging population. In the pilot regions, community spirit and the development of social capital are seen as key strengths.
From the customer’s point of view, the most important features of the service platform are ease of use, a wide selection of services, and up-to-date information. The platform will continue to be developed during spring 2025. The call for pilot implementers will open in May–June 2025, and the platform will be tested in practice during 2026.
Project Background
The international SMART ERA project began in January 2024 and will run until the end of 2027. It is coordinated by Fondazione Bruno Kessler in Italy. In Finland, the project involves the University of Oulu, the Council of Oulu Region, and the Baltic Institute Foundation. Other project partners come from Italy, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Poland, Slovenia, and Spain.
The project is funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme. The combined share of the University of Oulu’s Kerttu Saalasti Institute and the Council of Oulu Region from the total project budget of €6.59 million is slightly over €570,000.
More Information:
Project Researcher Iikka Meriläinen
+358 50 430 9483
iikka.merilainen@oulu.fi
Research Director Ossi Kotavaara
+358 50 573 9124
ossi.kotavaara@oulu.fi
Director Matti Muhos
+358 400 407 590
matti.muhos@oulu.fi
Development Manager (acting) Saija Tikkanen
+358 40 685 4044
saija.tikkanen@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi