On behalf of the European Commission and the EU-funded project, ‘The European Broadband Competence Offices (BCO) Network Support Facility’, we are delighted to invite you to join our workshop on the topic of ‘Rural Regeneration and Talent Growth through Digital Connectivity’, to be held in Brussels on October 10, as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities.

To generate a dynamic exchange on how to revitalise rural communities, boost local economies and reverse depopulation through broadband roll-out and smart solutions, this interactive workshop will bring together public authorities, municipalities, regions and cities, entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovators working on digital solutions for rural areas, community leaders, experts in the fields of skills, rural development and digital connectivity.

We will

1. showcase replicable European good practices and initiatives that leverage digital connectivity to drive rural regeneration and nurture talent 
2. underline how high-speed broadband infrastructure is a pre-requisite for these, as well as an objective of national rural regeneration plans 
3. highlight the role of Broadband Competence Offices as essential partners in this

Agenda Highlights

Part 1: ‘Bringing together connectivity, skills and rural regeneration’ 

ANACOM - BCO Portugal  

A speaker from BCO Portugal will present the Portuguese experience in using EU funds for VHCN coverage of "white areas", as well as in incentivising relocation to rural areas and upskilling on digital ; 

DRCD - BCO Ireland 

Timothy Ollry will present how, through the Rural Regeneration Fund, the Irish government is supporting remote working and creating new opportunities for people in rural areas, with thematic programmes on Arts and Culture, eHealth, eLearning and remote ; 

The Adecco Group, Italy  

Sara Toticchi, Head of Corporate Funding, will present key success factors in attracting and retaining talents in rural communities, exploring examples of good practices in smart agriculture, digital management of cultural heritage, and integration of ;

Skillnet Ireland  

Valérie Rousselin Somerville, EU Funding Manager, will present on skills for a digital future and the importance of rural networks, through examples of good practices and case studies in the areas of agriculture and upskilling for rural businesses and women ;

Part 2: ‘Exploring solutions’ 

During the second part of the discussion we will explore solutions together and look, among others, at sectors and areas such as smart and sustainable agriculture, business, education and employment opportunities, arts, cultural heritage and tourism.