Conferences

Unlocking Rural Transformation through Digitalisation and the WEFE Nexus

Conferences Radhika Radhika -
As part of the dissemination and knowledge-exchange activities of COST Action CA24170 – Building resilient rural communities through synergy of traditional knowledge and technological innovation (SMART-RURAL), Prof. Vladimir Kitanovski from the Faculty of Technological Sciences, University Mother Teresa, Skopje, North Macedonia, participated in the International Conference on Rural Development and Social Transformation (ICRDST-26), 19–20 August 2026 as a hybrid international event. The conference brought together researchers, academics, students and professionals from different fields, providing an opportunity to exchange research results, share experiences and establish new research and professional connections. The participation provided an opportunity to present research directly relevant to the digital and sustainability dimensions of rural transformation.
Short-Term Scientific Missions

Supporting the SMART-RURAL Scientific Communication

Damian Gornik (Communications Officer, Centre for Applied Bioscience Research (CABR)) recently participated in a Short-Term Scientific Mission (STSM) as part of the SMART-RURAL COST Action (CA24170). As a member of...
Short-Term Scientific Missions

Dr. Fatjon Cela, Short-Term Scientific Mission (26 April 2026 – 02 May 2026)

We are pleased to highlight the experience of Dr. Fatjon Cela (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University...
Uncategorized

Beyond Digitalisation: From Industrial Districts to Innovation Ecosystems – BuildingLong-Term Collaboration for Smart Rural Development

Prepared by: Mr Ilija Mugosa, Center for Finance Between 10 and 18 June 2026, I had the opportunity to...
Short-Term Scientific Missions

Beyond Efficiency: Power, Access and Resilience in Smart Rural Logistics

This SMART-RURAL STSM at UiT The Arctic University of Norway explored how digital coordination in rural logistics can reshape not only efficiency and access, but also power and dependence between actors. Through a systematic evidence review and conceptual analysis of 80 publications, the mission examined who controls critical access points such as platforms, payment systems, data interfaces and allocation mechanisms, and whether affected actors have realistic alternatives or safeguards. The findings highlight that resilient rural digitalisation depends not only on improved performance, but also on usable alternatives, appropriate infrastructure, transparent rules and enforceable governance protections.
Uncategorized

Resilience Frameworks and Near Neighbour Countries: Findings from a SMART-RURAL STSM in Moldova and Romania

This SMART-RURAL STSM in Moldova and Romania explored rural resilience from a Near Neighbour Country perspective, examining technology adoption and existing resilience assessment frameworks. The work highlighted key gaps around institutional integration, traditional knowledge, multi-level assessment and the realities of post-socialist rural contexts, helping shape the development of more context-sensitive resilience indicators for SMART-RURAL.