Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1 / D7.2

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or REA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them. Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1/D7.2 D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 2 Technical references Project Acronym SMART ERA Project Title SMART community-led transition for Europe’s Rural Areas Project Coordinator Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK) Project Duration January 2024 – December 2027 (48 months) Deliverable Title D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” Deliverable Type R Dissemination level* PU Work Package WP7 – ““Communication, dissemination, exploitation and macro-regional networking” Lead beneficiary Fondazione ICONS (ICONS) Author(s) Angela Marzorati (ICONS), Luca Mascellaro (ICONS), Eylul Aksekili (ICONS), Jelena Lazić (ICONS), Claudia Crippa (ICONS) Reviewers Dolores Ordoñez (ANYSOL), Urszula Sobek (FBA), Alessia Torre (FBK) Due date of deliverable 30th June 2024 Actual submission date 28th June 2024 * PU – Public, fully open, e.g. web (Deliverables flagged as public will be automatically published in CORDIS project’s page) SEN – Sensitive, limited under the conditions of the Grant Agreement Classified R-UE/EU-R – EU RESTRICTED under the Commission Decision No2015/444 Classified C-UE/EU-C – EU CONFIDENTIAL under the Commission Decision No2015/444 Classified S-UE/EU-S – EU SECRET under the Commission Decision No2015/444 v Date Contributor(s) Comment 0.1 30/04/2024 Angela Marzorati (ICONS) Table of Content shared with the reviewers 0.2 21/05/2024 Angela Marzorati (ICONS) First draft of the deliverable shared 0.3 25/05/2024 Luca Mascellaro (ICONS) Second draft of the deliverable 0.4 30/05/2024 Eylul Aksekili (ICONS) Rework of the document 0.5 01/06/2024 Jelena Lazić (ICONS) Internal review 0.6 06/06/2024 Claudia Crippa (ICONS) Internal review and document shared with reviewers 0.7 16/06/2024 Dolores Ordoñez (ANYSOL), Urszula Sobek (FBA) Review of the full draft 0.8 25/06/2024 Angela Marzorati (ICONS) Integration of comments and feedback from the reviewers and finalisation 1.0 28/06/2024 Alessia Torre (FBK) Final review, editing and submission D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 3 Table of contents Table of contents ............................................................................................... 3 Acronyms ........................................................................................................... 5 1. Introduction: an integrated approach to Exploitation, Dissemination and Communication ................................................................................................. 7 1.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................... 7 1.2. Objectives and approach to dissemination, communication and exploitation ......... 8 1.3. Enhancing local communication through community engagement .......................... 9 2. Dissemination, Exploitation and Communication ......................................11 2.1. Preliminary Key Exploitable Results (KERs) identification ...................................... 11 2.1.1. IP Assessment and IPR Management ......................................................................... 13 2.2. Target audiences & key stakeholders ........................................................................ 13 2.2.1. Preliminary stakeholder identification .......................................................................... 13 2.2.2. Stakeholder profiling .................................................................................................... 14 2.3. Key messages at general and stakeholder level ....................................................... 19 2.3.1. A tailored approach to dissemination and communication ........................................... 20 2.4. Dissemination & Communication channels............................................................... 23 2.5. Dissemination & Communication materials, formats, and editorial contents ......... 24 2.5.1. Formats ....................................................................................................................... 24 2.5.2. Editorial contents ......................................................................................................... 25 2.6. Clustering, synergies, and events attendance .......................................................... 26 2.7. Management of communication, dissemination and exploitation ........................... 27 2.7.1. Responsibility in the consortium .................................................................................. 27 2.7.2. Stakeholder database .................................................................................................. 27 2.8. Monitoring .................................................................................................................... 28 2.8.1. ICONS’ monitoring process ......................................................................................... 28 2.8.2. Timeline....................................................................................................................... 28 2.9. The project’s visual identity........................................................................................ 29 3. Exploitation strategy ..................................................................................30 3.1. Preliminary Exploitation Strategies ............................................................................ 30 3.1.1. Knowledge transfer, policy advisory and replication..................................................... 30 3.1.2. Technology Upscaling and Commercialisation ............................................................ 32 3.1.3. Pilot sustainability and service improvement................................................................ 33 3.1.4. Academic and Research Exploitation .......................................................................... 33 3.1.5. Third party exploitation ................................................................................................ 34 4. Conclusions ...............................................................................................35 List of tables Table 1 Addressed needs and expected outcomes ......................................................................... 8 Table 2 SMART ERA’s Key Exploitable Results............................................................................ 11 Table 3 Project preliminary identified stakeholders ....................................................................... 14 Table 4 Key messages at the project level .................................................................................... 19 Table 5 Key messages at the target level...................................................................................... 19 Table 6 Difference between dissemination and communication .................................................... 21 D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 4 Table 7 DC tailored to SMART ERA’s stakeholders ...................................................................... 21 Table 8 Dissemination and communication channels at the target level ........................................ 23 Table 9 Dissemination and communication materials and formats ................................................ 24 Table 10 Editorial contents ............................................................................................................ 25 Table 11 Timeline events M1-M31 ................................................................................................ 26 Table 12 Clustering, synergies and events accountability ............................................................. 27 Table 13 Timeline D&C M1-M24 ................................................................................................... 28 List of figures Figure 1 DEC stages ..................................................................................................................... 20 Figure 2 SMART ERA's logo ......................................................................................................... 29 Figure 3 Key features of innovative Business Models ................................................................... 31 D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 5 Acronyms Acronym Description C&D Communication & Dissemination CSO Civil Society Organization DC Dissemination and communication DEC Dissemination, exploitation and communication CDE Communication, Dissemination, ad Exploitation DIH Digital Innovation Hub IP Intellectual Property IPR Intellectual Property Rights KPIs Key Performance Indicators KERs Key Exploitable Results MRS Macro Regional Strategies PCDE Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results SH Stakeholder SIPs Smart Innovation Packages SMEs Small and Medium Enterprises D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 6 D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 7 1. Introduction: an integrated approach to Exploitation, Dissemination and Communication 1.1. Introduction SMART ERA aims to address the challenges of depopulation in rural areas across Europe, primarily caused by the migration of young people, leading to an ageing population and structural issues such as limited job opportunities and deteriorating infrastructure. With the rise of digitalization and remote work options, there's an opportunity to reverse some of these migration trends and foster new sustainable growth models, leveraging concepts like multi-local living. SMART ERA intervenes precisely at this juncture. Central to SMART ERA's approach is the effective integration and execution of Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation (CDE) activities, synergistically aligned to achieve several objectives:  Increasing project visibility and communicating its benefits to target groups and wider communities (C).  Sharing knowledge and engaging key stakeholders with tailored strategies (D).  Establishing pathways for the exploitation and sustainability of SMART ERA's outcomes (E). The PCDE embodies an impact-oriented and holistic approach, aiming to generate impacts through awareness, acceptance of innovative approaches, and the uptake and scaling of project results beyond its duration. The PCDE methodically identifies key exploitable results (KERs) and stakeholder groups, facilitating targeted actions across different geographical levels and timeframes. Communication efforts commence early in the project, engaging relevant stakeholders such as local rural communities, policy makers, investors and SMEs. Networking plays a vital role in leveraging synergies with other projects and partnerships fostering resilience in rural areas. Monitoring and evaluation activities, utilising proprietary methodologies developed by ICONS, continuously assess the strategy's impacts and effectiveness, ensuring iterative refinement throughout the project lifecycle. The exploitation model encompasses all result types and pathways and is structured in three steps: 1. Setting the scene: Identifying Key Exploitable Results (KERs) and initial exploitation pathways. 2. Shaping the strategy: Developing a detailed plan to accelerate the adoption and replication of results. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 8 3. Involving enablers: Implementing targeted dissemination activities to enhance uptake and replication potential. Insights from stakeholder interactions will feed back into refining the strategy. This three-step approach maximises the impact and sustainability of SMART ERA's outcomes. The ultimate objective is to make it easier to adopt and support the SMART ERA results by stakeholders, extending beyond the project's lifespan. Updated strategies will be documented in D7.4 “Exploitation mapping report” (M18), ensuring continued relevance and effectiveness. Through the implementation of a robust CDE strategy, stakeholders are expected to endorse and utilise SMART ERA results, contributing to lasting positive change in European rural areas. Some paragraphs in this document refer to the Consortium Guidance Note for more detailed information on certain sections. The Consortium Guidance Note, created by ICONS, complements and facilitates the understanding of the Communication, Dissemination, and Exploitation Plan (WP7) by the project partners. The document is accessible via a password provided to consortium and the Project Officer. 1.2. Objectives and approach to dissemination, communication and exploitation Ensuring an effective DEC of project developments and its outcomes is pivotal to promote rural resilience through collaborative development of smart solutions. This endeavour aims to cultivate and disseminate knowledge, reducing hesitancy within the rural sector and enhancing public perception of the SMART ERA’s Smart Innovation Packages (SIPs). Our approach prioritises impact, focusing on:  Raising awareness among rural communities on the transition towards positive change.  Promoting smart innovation in rural areas, thereby fostering the adoption of solutions and informing the development of robust policy frameworks.  Ensuring the sustainability and practicality of project outcomes. This initiative commences with an analysis of the needs addressed by our efforts and the anticipated outcomes within SMART ERA: Table 1 Addressed needs and expected outcomes Specific needs Outcomes Enhance resilience and minimise vulnerabilities within rural regions. Develop a comprehensive methodology for smart rural transition, including a Smartness Assessment method and new datasets on rural socio-economic dynamics. Enable rural communities to drive innovation across sectors that directly impact their daily lives. Engage rural communities in co-designing innovative solutions tailored to their needs, facilitated by a Co-design toolkit, sustained by gamification-based methods to enhance the participatory processes. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 9 Address rural depopulation and its associated challenges, such as an ageing population, limited job opportunities, infrastructure degradation, and reduced service availability. Customise and integrate technological solutions into six SIPs for pilot rural areas, accompanied by a SMART ERA data dashboard. Advocate for innovative, sustainable growth models that prioritise environmental consciousness and community well-being. Validate SMART ERA methods and solutions in pilot locations and transfer successful models to four follower regions, ensuring tested SIPs for rural areas. Facilitate the integration of digitalization and remote work opportunities to counteract rural depopulation trends, fostering renewed interest in rural living. Extract insights to enhance national and EU policies through tailored policy recommendations and a Policy toolkit. Implement strategies to harness multi-local living trends, promoting sustainable and innovative growth models that accommodate diverse lifestyles and preferences within rural communities. Execute a robust dissemination strategy and promote macro-regional networking, including a comparative study on smart villages and a Strategy for EU-level adoption of project innovative solutions. 1.3. Enhancing local communication through community engagement Effective communication lies at the heart of successful community engagement within the SMART ERA project. We recognize that local communication strategies play a pivotal role in fostering meaningful connections, building trust, and empowering rural communities to actively participate in the project's initiatives. Apart from the structured approaches outlined in our communication, dissemination and engagement strategy presented in this deliverable (D7.2), we emphasize the importance of deploying tailored communication strategies that resonate with the unique characteristics and preferences of each pilot site. Local communication serves as a bridge between the project consortium and the diverse stakeholders within rural communities. It ensures that project objectives, activities, and opportunities for involvement are communicated clearly and effectively, reaching individuals across different age groups, cultural backgrounds, and socio-economic statuses. Through localized communication channels such as community newspapers, radio broadcasts, and face-to-face interactions, we aim to cultivate a sense of ownership and belonging among community members, inspiring them to contribute their insights, ideas, and aspirations to the SMART ERA project. Furthermore, local communication strategies facilitate the co-creation of knowledge and solutions by fostering dialogue, collaboration, and mutual learning among stakeholders. By actively soliciting feedback, sharing project updates, and celebrating successes, we nurture a culture of transparency and accountability, reinforcing the notion that the SMART ERA project is a collective endeavour driven by the aspirations and needs of the communities it serves. In essence, local communication serves as a catalyst for community engagement, amplifying the impact of our efforts to promote smart and sustainable development in rural areas. By prioritising meaningful interactions, listening attentively to local voices, and adapting our communication strategies to fit the context of each pilot site, we endeavour to D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 16  Local authorities in other regions: include regions not initially involved in SMART ERA that could be interested in the project's outcomes. They may participate in future funding opportunities and seek to replicate the proposed solutions in their areas, thereby expanding the project's impact and fostering wider adoption of smart rural innovations.  Regional Development Agencies: focus on economic growth and development within specific regions. They could aim to leverage SMART ERA’s outcomes to stimulate innovation, attract investments, and support sustainable development initiatives.  Other Local Agencies: include various administrative and service-oriented bodies at the local level, such as local health boards and agricultural agencies. They are interested in adopting SMART ERA methodologies and tools, particularly those implemented in the SIPs, to improve their operations and contribute to community well-being. Research and Academia This category includes universities, RTOs, and think tanks or policy research organisations. These stakeholders are key to advancing knowledge and innovation. Their interest in SMART ERA is driven by the opportunity to utilise project findings for academic research, and scientific publications. They could aim to apply SMART ERA methodologies, datasets and tools in further research to promote technological and social innovations in rural areas. The following sub-categories are identified:  Universities: higher education institutions engage in teaching and research. They are keen to incorporate SMART ERA findings into academic curricula, providing resources for PhD grants and courses thus advancing research in rural development and innovation.  Research and Technology Organisations (RTOs): conduct applied research and development to support innovation across industries. They seek to apply SMART ERA methodologies in their projects to drive technological advancements and social innovations in rural areas.  Think Tanks and Policy Research Organisations: focus on policy analysis and research to inform decision-making. They are interested in using SMART ERA’s insights to develop policy recommendations and propose solutions to rural development challenges. Technology and Service Providers This category includes consulting companies, software and smart solutions providers, and technology developers at both local and EU level. These stakeholders are crucial for the deployment and/or refinement of SMART ERA’s technological solutions, potentially participating in the project itself being applicant for the 1st Open Call. They can benefit from the knowledge produced to enhance their service offering targeting markets similar to the SMART ERA ones and facilitating replication of the solutions in other scenarios. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 17 The following sub-categories are identified:  Consulting companies: provide expert advice to businesses, organisations, and public authorities. They could be interested in leveraging SMART ERA’s methodologies and findings to update their service offering, thus being able to support local communities’ growth.  Software and Smart Solutions providers: are responsible for the development of solutions to be integrated in the SIPs offering. They seek to adopt and adapt SMART ERA’s innovations to create new products, software and services, enhancing their technological capabilities and potentially expanding their business in rural areas.  Technology providers and developers: focus on creating and supplying technological solutions. They are providers of technological components as the ones included in the SIPs, they could be interested in updating their offering based on the needs outlined in SMART ERA for rural communities. Policy Makers and Regulatory Agencies This category encompasses international policy makers, EU institutions, national governments, and regulatory agencies focused on areas such as environment, agriculture, and data protection. These stakeholders shape the regulatory and operational frameworks within which SMART ERA operates. Their primary interest is in adopting the project's policy recommendations to drive rural development initiatives, align with best practices, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. The following sub-categories are identified:  International Policy Makers: these entities influence policy across countries. They are interested in adopting SMART ERA’s policy recommendations to support global rural development initiatives.  EU Institutions: include the European Commission and European Parliament. They aim to integrate SMART ERA outcomes into EU-wide policies and funding programs to promote rural innovation. Examples of relevant institutions for SMART ERA could be DG AGRI, DG REGIO, European Committee of the Regions (CoR).  National Governments: seek to align national policies with SMART ERA recommendations to enhance rural development and smart transition in rural areas.  Regulatory Agencies: these agencies as the European Environment Agency, European Data Protection Board and many national and local agencies oversee specific sectors like environment, agriculture, and data protection. They are focused on ensuring SMART ERA’s solutions comply with regulatory standards and contribute to sustainable development. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 18 Civil Society This category includes rural citizens, tourists, the general public, NGOs, and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs). These stakeholders represent the broader community interests and are both beneficiaries and contributors to SMART ERA’s success. Their interest revolves around the improved quality of life, enhanced services, and increased opportunities that SMART ERA solutions bring to rural areas. The following sub-categories are identified:  Rural Citizens and tourists: are the primary beneficiaries of SMART ERA’s innovations. They are interested in improved services, enhanced quality of life, and increased opportunities in rural areas.  General Public: broad society that has interested in requalification of rural areas. They support innovations that contribute to societal well-being and sustainable development.  NGOs: work on various social, environmental, and economic issues. They are interested in SMART ERA to address rural development challenges and promote sustainable practices.  Civil Society Organisations (CSOs): represent the interests of communities and advocate for societal change. They aim to ensure that rural voices are heard in decision-making processes and support community-driven initiatives. Initiatives and Clusters This category includes EU-funded projects and other initiatives, including Digital Innovation Hub (DIHs), the EU Macro-Regional Strategies (MRs) and various relevant networks and associations aimed at fostering innovation and development in rural areas. These stakeholders are important for knowledge exchange and collaborative efforts. Their interest in SMART ERA is driven by the potential to share resources, best practices, and synergize efforts to achieve common goals in rural development. Examples of relevant projects included in the same call are RURACTIVE, FUTURAL, AURORAL, dRURAL, NATURELAB, RESONATE. Relevant EU-clusters for networking possibilities in SMART ERA could be PREPARE – Partnership for Rural Development, the Rural Smart Communities and the Smart Villages Portal. Other project SHs that will act as multipliers enabling the success of the C&D strategies are DIHs and other associations including EUHubs4Data, Rural DIH Network, Pact 4 Skills, EP Intergroup RUMRA and Smart villages, EURADA. Furthermore, networking activities will be carried on between the EU MRS for the Alpine area (EUSALP), Baltic Sea (EUSBSR), Adriatic-Ionian (EUSAIR) and Danube Regions (EUSDR) thus strengthening their rural communities' capacity to effectively address socioeconomic and environmental challenges using smart and sustainable solutions. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 19 Financial Bodies This category includes EU funding agencies and other public and private investors that provide financial support for rural development projects. These stakeholders are crucial for the implementation and scaling of SMART ERA solutions providing financial support for projects aligned with EU objectives. They are interested in funding SMART ERA initiatives that demonstrate potential for impactful rural development. Examples include the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD) and private actors as venture capitals or local investors. Media This category includes journalists and media organisations, including non-traditional media outlets, such as social media independent content creators (acting as 'local heroes') at both international and local levels that cover developments and innovations in rural areas. These stakeholders play a critical role in disseminating information about SMART ERA’s progress, outcomes, and impacts. 2.3. Key messages at general and stakeholder level Addressing the diverse range of targets within SMART ERA requires the development of a set of core messages that effectively communicate the project's objectives. By crafting tailored messages with specific keywords for different target audiences, we increase the project's resonance and potential for impactful outcomes. The following tables provide an overview of the SMART ERA’s key messages, at both the project and target levels. The messages were drafted starting from the inputs collected during a workshop session among project’s partners held at the project’s Kick-off Meeting in Trento. Table 4 Key messages at the project level Key Messages at the project level Empowering rural communities for a sustainable future with SMART ERA The vision of a smarter, greener and innovative rural areas is coming to life with SMART ERA Leading rural economies towards resilience and vibrancy, SMART ERA will make the impact last! Table 5 Key messages at the target level Target Key Message Local Rural Ecosystem SMART ERA empowers you to transform our villages into thriving, sustainable communities for generations to come. Turning local challenges into growth opportunities in rural areas. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 20 Local authorities and agencies Unlocking new market opportunities in rural areas through SMART ERA-driven innovations. Co-creating smart solutions with rural communities through impactful collaborations with SMART ERA. Research and Academia Informing the academic community with best practices and lessons from SMART ERA initiatives. Technology and service providers Driving rural innovation and digitalisation with SMART ERA technology solutions. Developing smart and sustainable rural ecosystems with SMART ERA Smart Innovation Packages. Civil Society Join SMART ERA to mobilise citizen engagement for a vibrant, sustainable rural future. Policy Makers and Regulatory Agencies Use SMART ERA insights to make policy decisions that reflect rural realities for impactful development. Leverage SMART ERA's innovative solutions to boost your rural development strategies. Initiatives and Clusters Strengthening collaboration and knowledge exchange among rural stakeholders through SMART ERA cluster networks. Financial Bodies Mitigate risks and maximise benefits by supporting SMART ERA project, driving sustainable rural development. Media Showcase community-driven innovation in shaping the future of rural landscapes with SMART ERA. For a full view of all key messages generated with inputs by all partners during a workshop coordinated by ICONS, please refer to the Consortium Guidance Note. 2.3.1. A tailored approach to dissemination and communication The project will develop a PCDE articulated upon the following stages: engage, produce, share and exchange. Figure 1 DEC stages D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 21 Communication and dissemination play a fundamental role in the “share”, “exchange” and “engage” stages. The dissemination efforts of the project aim to share its findings with the scientific community, policymakers, and industry stakeholders. The overarching goal is to support progress in scientific research, application of technology, and the development of policies based on evidence, all geared towards fostering long term impact. Conversely, communication efforts enhance the project's public visibility and the dissemination of its outcomes. Utilising accessible language, these endeavours aim to pique public interest in the project's subject matter and highlight the anticipated long-term benefits that SMART ERA is poised to deliver to rural people's lives. Table 6 Difference between dissemination and communication Dissemination Communication Objectives Public disclosure of scientific and technical results Promotion of the project and its benefits Audience Professional target groups, such as scientific communities, industry stakeholders, policy makers, etc. General public, including EU citizens, civil society Tone of voice Scientific/technical language Non-specialised/layman’s terms Channels Papers in peer-review journals, scientific conferences, sector events, the web, newsletters, etc. The web, social networks, journalistic articles, TV channels, radio, etc. In sync with communication and dissemination efforts, exploitation endeavours will focus on laying the groundwork for applying scientific findings and technological innovations throughout and beyond the project's conclusion. The following table illustrates how the project's dissemination and communication strategies will address each stakeholder category identified through the stakeholder mapping exercises. Table 7 DC tailored to SMART ERA’s stakeholders Stakeholders Dissemination formats Communication channels How DC supports exploitation Policy Makers and Decision Makers Leaflet, sector events, webinars, project presentations, infopacks, policy briefs, practice abstracts, videos, press and news releases, journalistic articles, video interviews Website, social media, newsletter, sister projects’ website, media multipliers, AEIDL’s network and channels Policy makers will be showcased as facilitators in SMART ERA's solutions for advancing towards sustainable rural development, tackling depopulation issues, and promoting resilience D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 22 Scientific Community and Academia Leaflet, scientific and tech publications, sector events, webinars, project presentations, videos, press and news releases, best practices book, EIPAGRI practice abstracts Website, social media, newsletter, sister projects’ websites, scientific journals Scientific papers generated by SMART ERA will fortify the credibility the solutions like the SIPs in rural areas, offering robust scientific evidence accessible to interested stakeholders SMEs, Industry and Service Providers Leaflet, scientific and tech publications, sector events, webinars, info-packs and policy briefs, best practices book Website, social media, newsletter Dissemination materials tailored for SMART ERA will encapsulate the expertise of the project, emphasising replicability across various sectors Multipliers, Media Press and news releases, journalistic articles Media multipliers For media and multipliers, SMART ERA aims to enhance awareness of fostering resilience in rural areas, where depopulation is increasingly prevalent Clusters Leaflet, sector events, webinars, project presentation, info-packs and factsheets, videos, press and news releases Website, social media, newsletters, sister projects’ website SMART ERA stakeholders will be offered the project's newsletter for broader outreach, fostering mutual expertise exchange and collaboration. Exclusive webinars will provide early access to results for their members Local Rural Networks Videos, press and news releases, journalistic articles, video interviews Website, social media, media multipliers SMART ERA will address public perceptions of the solutions brought thanks to the SIPs Civil society Leaflet, info-packs and factsheets, videos, press and news releases, journalistic articles, best practices book Website, social media, media multipliers The tone of voice in the communication targeted to them will be reassuring and will put an emphasis on the importance of rural areas Public and Private Investors Leaflet, project presentations, infopacks and factsheets, practice abstracts, videos, press and news releases Website, social media, newsletter, sister project’s website SMART ERA will showcase the investment potential in sustainable rural development through its dissemination materials, encouraging investors to support innovative solutions D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 23 City Administration Actors Leaflet, sector events, webinars, project presentations, infopacks, policy briefs videos, press and news releases Website, social media, newsletter, sister project’s website SMART ERA will provide insights and evidence-based recommendations to and a toolkit to help them implement policies and initiatives that support rural resilience and sustainable development Technology and Service Providers Leaflet, scientific and tech publications, sector events, webinars, info-packs and policy briefs, factsheets Website, social media, newsletter, tech publication SMART ERA will tailor dissemination materials to highlight the opportunities for technology and service providers in implementing smart solutions in rural areas Local Businesses Leaflet, info-packs, factsheets videos, press and news releases, journalistic articles. Website, social media, media multipliers SMART ERA DC will emphasise the importance of rural areas for local businesses and promote opportunities for sustainable growth and collaboration within these communities 2.4. Dissemination & Communication channels Table 8 Dissemination and communication channels at the target level Channel Description Target Website The project website will be used to showcase details about the project, its objectives, challenges, and results. It will act as the primary communication channel between the consortium and SMART ERA target audiences; it is also the source of information about the six pilot regions involved and will offer updates on their local activities. ALL Landing page The landing page is a preliminary version of the project website. This was put up online in M2, prior to the launch of the website. It contained an overview of the project and direct contacts to SMART ERA coordinator and communication partner ALL Social networks (X and LinkedIn) These will be used to actively engage with the online community of the project’s followers. This will be done by informing them about the progress made by SMART ERA and by inviting them to participate in a dialogue on the different topics/issues addressed by the project ALL Newsletter It is released on a six-monthly basis to inform about the progress made by the project. It is structured upon a summary of the key events, journalistic articles, news or press releases issued by the project. Sister projects, partnerships and clusters Local rural communities; EU partnerships; Industries and SMEs; D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 24 will be offered a space in the SMART ERA newsletter associations, clusters and membership organisations; education and research, scientific community; policy makers; media Media multipliers These are external platforms that republish the journalistic articles, relevant news and press releases written by SMART ERA General public; policy makers; rural communities; media SMART ERA online community The project's online community (SMART ERA community on Discord) has been launched by FBC as one of the communication and dissemination channels - this will target all types of project stakeholders and will act as a space to discuss, interact and share knowledge, news, comments around the project and the open calls. ALL 2.5. Dissemination & Communication materials, formats, and editorial contents 2.5.1. Formats In SMART ERA, ICONS will manage the creation of content-specific dissemination and communication formats, ensuring their distribution through appropriate channels to maximise awareness, acceptance, and uptake. The project will develop the following materials and formats: Table 9 Dissemination and communication materials and formats Materia/Format Description Target Communication Kit The SMART ERA communication kit will entail a leaflet, roll-up, PowerPoint template and presentation video. Communication materials will be distributed both online (as downloadable materials on the website), and offline (to be displayed at workshops, exhibitions and external events attended by the partners). The materials’ design will be consistent with the project’s visual identity. The kit will be ready in August 2024 (M8). ALL Scientific publications With support from ICONS, technical partners will produce scientific articles and papers to be published in peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Such scientific publications will present the cutting-edge results from SMART ERA. Scientific community and academia, universities Info-packs Info-packs will present results in a concise manner. They aim to provide essential details about a particular topic, product, service, or event. EU institutions, policymakers, researchers, project partners D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 25 Policy briefs Policy briefs can be a highly effective formats for disseminating technical information and influencing policy decisions. Policy makers and regulatory agencies, national governments, local governments, EU policy advisors, researchers EIP AGRI Practice Abstracts Practice abstracts serve as a valuable resource for farmers, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners, offering insights into successful agricultural innovations and inspiring further experimentation and adoption. Policy makers, EU initiatives, farmers, foresters, rural communities and their representatives Best practices book SMART ERA will publish a best practices book, drawing on project achievements to offer valuable insights for practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. By sharing successful approaches and lessons learned, the project aims to inspire innovation and collaboration in the field. Policy makers, researchers, project partners, industry professionals, service providers 2.5.2. Editorial contents Table 10 Editorial contents Editorial content Description Target Journalistic articles Independent articles and interviews with project experts and external stakeholders will be produced by professional journalists and distributed to online media, thematic portals, and other information outlets. General public, local rural ecosystem, media Press and news releases These materials serve to inform the community about key project achievements, milestones, and upcoming events. Additionally, they will provide valuable insights into innovations relevant to smart communities, serving an informational purpose. General public, policy makers, local business associations, initiatives and clusters, policy research organisations, media Video production SMART ERA videos will communicate the project in an easy and engaging way. Their format will be suitable for online distribution, although they may also be used to present the project at sector events. General public, rural citizens and tourists, policy makers, European partnerships, associations, clusters, media Regular monitoring of outreach efforts will enable us to continually refine the content of our communication materials, enhancing their impact over time. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 32 Furthermore, during the course of the project there will be a second Open Call for follower micro-pilots in other regions. This will enable the testing of the SIPs, methodologies and knowledge developed in SMART ERA, tailored in new scenarios with different socioeconomic challenges, thus actually supporting pilot replication, providing a foundation for continued scaling efforts post-project. For the carrying on of this process a Selection Committee will be established, composed by the pilot orchestrators, responsible for the supervision of the whole process 1 . 3.1.2. Technology Upscaling and Commercialisation SMART ERA is advancing the maturity of the integrated tools and technologies within the SIPs; they are expected to reach high maturity by the end of the project. This indicates that following the project end, additional research and development will be required to bring these technologies to higher TRLs, enabling full commercial exploitation. Furthermore, in order to secure the long-term utilisation and further development of the integrated technologies, there will be a strong focus on the sustainability and update of the tools and solutions upscaled. The relative owners responsible for the continuous utilisation and update of the technologies after the project end, will be defined later in the project. Exploitation activities will detail the strategies to achieve this upscaling, focusing on the following key areas: - Identification of further research needs: pinpoint specific areas that require further research and development to optimise the technologies developed and ensure their full readiness for commercial deployment. - Resource and capital evaluation: assess the necessary human and financial resources required for the upscaling process, ensuring that all elements are in place for an effective TRL upscaling. - Assessment of financing mechanisms: explore and identify potential funding sources, including national and regional programs (e.g., COMET), internal funds, crowdfunding, and commissioned research from interested stakeholders. This will ensure that the necessary financial support is secured for the upscaling activities. - Planning for further demonstrations: organise and execute additional demonstration activities with the help of pilot leaders, winners of the Open Calls, and other contacts established during dissemination and communication activities. These demonstrations will provide practical evidence of the technology's capabilities and readiness for broader deployment. - Development of business models and commercial strategies: formulate robust business models and commercial strategies to guide the market introduction of the upscaled technologies. These strategies will ensure that the technologies are not only technically viable but also commercially attractive. 1 Each financial support to third parties (FSTP) project will be expected to include exploitation plans in their final reporting documentation. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 33 The market potential and opportunities will steer the TRL upscaling process to ensure that post-project research and development efforts align with regulatory requirements and reflect market demands. The commercial exploitation strategy for SMART ERA ensures the market viability and sustainability of the developed solutions. This strategy is inevitably tied to the technology upscaling that sets the ground to make the solutions reach full market potential. A potential pathway for seeking commercial exploitation could be through the development and maintenance of the technological solutions integrated in the SIPs. Thus, involving the pilots as the initial users and customers of these solutions at discounted rates. Following the technology upscaling to TRL 9, there could be evaluation of potential commercialisation and update of offering portfolio to other clients. 3.1.3. Pilot sustainability and service improvement The exploitation strategy for pilot sustainability in SMART ERA focuses on ensuring the long-term viability and maintenance of the implemented solutions. This includes securing continuous funding to support the ongoing operations and securing the continuity of the SIPs through regular maintenance, and timely updates to keep the systems efficient and effective. Additionally, there is a need to foresee adaptability of the pilots, allowing solutions to evolve in response to changing environments and emerging needs in rural communities. Furthermore, the improvement and upscaling of services post-project will directly contribute to the sustainability of solutions. This involves expanding target users by reaching different types of target segments and geographic areas, as well as adding new functionalities. By enhancing and broadening the scope of the services, SMART ERA ensures that the benefits are sustained and upscaled over time, fostering continued innovation and impact in rural development. Examples of main post-project evolutions can be: - Tourism products for local travel agency offerings and related marketing and promotional plans; - Policy recommendations integrated into provincial/regional programming to replicate results in other rural areas; - Promotion of public discussions among village residents in the local municipalities; - Update of regional and city strategies and support SIPs adoption by residents and SMEs. 3.1.4. Academic and Research Exploitation This strategy leverages SMART ERA’s outcomes for academic and research advancements. The academic and RTO partners will integrate project findings into ongoing and future research projects, and publications, disseminating knowledge on smart D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 34 assessment tools and social innovations in rural areas. This will also result in the utilisation of project’s findings to enhance their academic offering, thus developing new PhD grants, courses, and project proposals based on SMART ERA outcomes to enhance education and foster further research. This approach will contribute to the academic community’s understanding of smart rural development and promote continued innovation in the field. 3.1.5. Third party exploitation The development of solutions and services within SMART ERA will unlock potential for third parties, such as local businesses and service providers, to enhance their operations, develop new services, and enter new markets. The Final Exploitation Plan will detail specific strategies to facilitate further adoption post-project, thus ensuring broad awareness and engagement with SMART ERA innovations, directly benefiting local service and business development. By fostering local innovation and continuous improvement, SMART ERA aims to create a sustainable impact on rural communities, driving long-term economic growth and enhanced service quality. D7.2 - “Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results v1” 35 4. Conclusions This Plan for Dissemination and Exploitation of Results outlines the comprehensive PCDE strategy for SMART ERA. Partners can utilise this document to synchronise their local communication activities with the overall project strategy, as it includes visual and content guidelines. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the primary tools and channels to be used for disseminating project outcomes, as well as the monitoring strategy that will be implemented. The channels and formats described in this deliverable aim to ensure awareness, engagement, and uptake among professional stakeholders and the general public. Their effectiveness and reach will be regularly evaluated, allowing the project to fine-tune its content and dissemination strategy over time. In M24, the updated Plan for Communication, Dissemination and Exploitation of Results will be delivered (D7.5). This document also serves as the basis for the exploitation strategy, beginning with the initial identification of KERs and stakeholder groups. It provides partners with the methodology that will be used to develop both joint and individual exploitation strategies, and outlines the steps needed to ensure effective and sustainable exploitation of project results. Throughout the project's duration, this deliverable will be updated to refine the strategy. At the project's conclusion, the exploitation strategy will be consolidated, offering a comprehensive view of exploitation approaches and target segments in the Final Exploitation Plan (D7.9, M48).