COnnecting Remote Areas with digital infrastructure and services (CORA)

Transcription

1 COnnecting Remote Areas with digital infrastructure and services (CORA) A.1 Master data Project Type Call Full Application Call 3 December 2016: Full Applications A.2 Summary 1.1 Project title COnnecting Remote Areas with digital infrastructure and services 1.2 Project acronym CORA 1.3 Lead Beneficiary Intercommunale Leiedal 1.4 Start Date 01/07/ End Date 30/06/ Programme Priority Priority 1 Thinking Growth: Supporting growth in North Sea Region economies 1.6. Specific objective 1.3 Stimulate the public sector to generate innovation demand and innovative solutions for improving public service delivery A.2 Project Summary Digital divide across rural areas of the NSR is limiting their attractiveness for families and businesses. This phenomenon represents a market failure, as infrastructural investment is not adequately delivered due to high financial risks. Digital skills also fail to meet a certain level of progress. Local authorities are often not aware of their future-coming digital needs and endusers have limited skills to create an effective level of demand. CORA targets this and emphasizes on main components of digital divide namely digital infrastructure, services and skills. It enables local authorities to identify their common challenges and empowers them to exchange experiences and test innovative solutions to create an advanced digital environment. To do so, CORA partners develop a model called SSE Systematic Synergy Enhancement model, which provides a comprehensive set of guiding measures towards digitalization in rural areas. It employs fixed and mobile digital hub concept for providing in-place advice, technology demonstration and incubator spaces. Built on Training the Trainer, face-to-face and online training concept will be tested to enhance digital skills. 10 regions will demonstrate one or more dimensions of digitalization depending on their baselines and local priorities. The results will be utilized to formulate digital strategies for rural areas to be streamlined to the regional, national and European authorities and influence EU digital inclusion policy. B Partnership B.1 Project beneficiaries Main details Contact details Questions Intercommunale Leiedal (Intercommunal Leiedal, ICL) Lead Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Regional public authority VAT Number: BE Address: President Kennedypark 10, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium NUTS Code: - BE254 / NSRP Wouter.degadt@leiedal.be Phone/Fax: , Website: -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 1 of 54

2 Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? Leiedal has extensive experience in digital service delivery for 13 municipalities in South-West Flanders. As an inter-communal organization, Leiedal has a team dedicated to e-government and smart region development. The organization has a vision to develop a smarter region and create a connected environment among bigger cities, rural municipalities, academic institutions and industrial premises. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Reliable and future proof connectivity is the condition sine qua non to create a smart region. Contemporary governmental networks are becoming more and more dependent on open data, open standards and open innovation hubs. In this context, the project has a unique approach to tackle investments and technological barriers in digital infrastructure and services and test innovative solutions to advance competences needed to valorise the investments especially in rural areas. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Leiedal has been the lead beneficiary and project partner in multiple European projects. In the INTERREG NSR, Leiedal has proven valuable results in the Smart Cities project, iage, Opening Up, Vital Rural Areas, DANS, DANS ON and several other projects. Next to interregional European projects, Leiedal also participates in Horizon2020 projects. What is your main role in the project? Leiedal is the Lead Beneficiary in CORA and coordinates all project management tasks in WP1. Developing guiding measures for co-financing infrastructure investments and improving the digital competences of stakeholders in rural areas are the focus of Leiedal in WP3 & 4. In WP5, Leiedal aims to develop and test an open cooperation model where innovation thrives economic investments without vendor lock-in. It also supports in drafting policy briefings and mainstreaming results (WP6). Agentur für Kommunikation, Organisation und Management (Agency for Communication, Organization and Management, atene KOM GmbH) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Private State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: SME VAT Number: DE Address: Bördestr. 9, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Germany NUTS Code: - DE936 / NSRP p.khodabakhsh@atenekom.eu Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? atene KOM is active throughout Europe with premises in Berlin, Osterholz-Scharmbeck, Leipzig, Brussels etc. Supporting local authorities to improve their competitiveness is the aims of agency. atene KOM has been active as the German Federal Broadband Bureau and the official project promoter of Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure. It has access to key expertise and stakeholders in matters related to broadband and digitalization such as the European Commission DG CONNECT. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Learning and testing innovative solutions to overcome rural digital divide and transferring the know-how to the German context (as the federal broadband bureau) is its main objective of atene KOM. As an agency responsible for coordination of national and regional broadband competence centers in Germany, atene KOM will learn from the experiences in CORA and would transfer the acquired knowledge to the regional and local authorities in Germany. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. atene KOM participates in CORA with the experiences of several previous INTERREG and transnational projects, such as HyTrEc, ITRACT, Smart Cities, E-CLIC, DANS, NorthSeaSEP and DANS ON in the NSR. Min-Novation, LOWCAP and PEA in the BSR, and COLIBRI in Erasmus+. In these projects, atene KOM has been playing different roles as project partner, project and financial manager as well as WP leader. It also has been responsible for Broadband Europe platform and awards on behalf of DG CONNECT. What is your main role in the project? atene KOM leads the communication WP in CORA. It plays an active content related work in WP3 & 4 for developing the SSE Model and guiding measures for local authorities. IN WP5, atene KOM follows the pilot activities in all partner regions and actively support the German pilot for integrating CORA approach. Developing policy briefing and streamlining the results to the national and European authorities is another activity of atene KOM in WP 6. Vejle Kommune (Municipality of Vejle, VK) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Local public authority VAT Number: Address: Vejle Bibliotekerne, Willy Sørensens Plads 1, 7100 Vejle, Denmark NUTS Code: - DK032 / NSRP msk@vejlebib.dk Phone/Fax: , Website: Vejle.dk / Vejlebib.dk -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 2 of 54

3 Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? Vejle municipality is well experienced in the transition to digital post and the Danish national login NemID. In this context, the libraries as central players provided courses and daily help to individuals and enterprises by experienced trainers. Vejle has a rich program of IT courses to improve the level of public digital skill. This include courses for beginners, advance courses as well as technology demonstration for wide range of target groups. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Vejle plans to test solution to reach target groups, which normally are excluded. CORA is an opportunity for Vejle to apply new skill development solutions. The target is to strengthen knowledge sharing, creating digital inclusion and ensuring cohesion across the municipality. Learning new solutions to make digital possibilities available to the small communities i.e. training of volunteers to become IT trainers as well as fixed and mobile digital hubs are the most important benefit for Vejle. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Vejle Municipality has experience with participation in many EU funded and international projects. Vejle Municipality is one of the cities in Rockefeller Foundations of 100 Resilient Cities ( Resilient-Cities.aspx). Furthermore, Vejle libraries, which are accounted for a large part of Vejle's contribution to CORA project, have previously participated in the EU project "Stepping Stones into the Digital World" (Grundtvig 2). What is your main role in the project? Identifying local problems and developing training concept and material (train the trainer and train the volunteer) is an important step for Vejle (WP4). In WP5, Vejle tests solutions on improving digital skills of citizens and SMEs in rural areas through the demo labs concept and training courses in Vejle Libraries digital learning centre DIGIzonen. Labs cover a range of activities such as a demo, inspiration, learning, workshops and maker spaces. Middelfart Kommune (Municipality of Middelfart, MK) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Local public authority VAT Number: CVR Address: Oestergade 21, 5580 Noerre Aaby, Denmark NUTS Code: - DK031 / NSRP Morten.westergaard@middelfart.dk Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? Middelfart is a small municipality ( inh.) with majority of inhabitants living in rural areas. It has experience towards digital post and Danish national login NemID and recently established the network of rural councils (lokalråd). Development and utilization of big data is another competence of the municipality. Middelfart has been chosen as the winner of Innovation in Smart City projects award in 2016 by the national assembly of technical leaders in Danish municipalities. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? The municipality plans to investigate sustainable transportation alternatives based on telecommunication technologies and sharing economy principles. CORA provides the opportunity to test new transport solutions such as innovative car-sharing platforms. As strategic learning, the municipality is eager to learn how centralized public/welfare solutions can be blended or substituted by distributed models. The findings help to develop innovative models for future welfare-solutions in rural areas. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Middelfart municipality has experience of EU co-financed projects. The department, which CORA project will be embedded in, has been the lead partner in INTERREG project called Cykler uden grænser and the project partner in Shared Space. The department has been also participating in Horizon 2020 such as Intensss PA project. What is your main role in the project? Middlefart will actively support partners in all project work packages. However its main activities are concentrated in WP4 (diagnostic survey to identify local challenges) and WP5, where the municipality develops and tests a new car-sharing model and required training in rural areas. Policy briefing and streamlining the lessons learned to higher political authorities is another activity of the municipality in WP6. Aalborg Universitet (Aalborg University, AAU) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Higher education and research VAT Number: DK Address: Fredrik Bajers Vej 7A, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark NUTS Code: - DK050 / NSRP jens@es.aau.dk Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? Aalborg university has a comprehensive knowledge and expertise in the field of internet services and applications. Solid understanding of NGA technologies, including cost-efficient planning of NGA networks for rural areas as well as determination of right technologies and deployment methods are other relevant areas of expertise in AAU. In addition, AAU has extensive experience and knowledge in creating of e-learning materials, concepts and -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 3 of 54

4 methodologies. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? CORA will support the ongoing research activities in AAU, both through the funding and by valuable shared results from pilot activities. It provides an opportunity for AAU to advance its research based scientific solutions and methodologies for evaluating different approaches in telecommunication development and use in rural areas. CORA provides a context to employ innovative e-learning concepts from a practical perspective. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Aalborg University has lots of experience in EU co-financed projects, both as partner and coordinator. AAU has a strong and knowledgeable administrative setup and has been participating in the projects such as: COLIBRI (Erasmus ) Reliable, secure and stable date communication for the intelligent farms ( Regional Development funding 2015) MOBiNET (FP ) SmartC2Net (FP ) Collaborating Living Labs (Nordforsk ). What is your main role in the project? AAU contributes to the development of the SSE model, especially focusing on technology and network planning concepts. It contributes to the development of training concept and materials (WP3& WP4) and provides the concept for the online training tool. It also monitors and analyzes data acquired from pilot activities (WP5). In WP6, AAU supports the development of strategies in cooperation with other partners, using the results from pilot activities (WP6). Rijksuniversiteit Groningen (University of Groningen, UoG) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Higher education and research VAT Number: NL B01 Address: Landleven 1, 9747 AD Groningen, The Netherlands NUTS Code: - NL113 / NSRP d.strijker@rug.nl Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? The Department of Cultural Geography of UoG is focussing on rural development, with a track record in EU-projects, most recently in Interreg project ITRACT and a H2020 project IMAJINE on territorial inequality. Its focus is on nonagricultural interest in rural areas. Moreover, recently the department published in key journals (Journal Rural studies, Sociologia Ruralis, Local Economy, Community Dev. Journal, etc.) on broadband provision by citizens initiatives and social innovations. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? CORA would bring UoG s knowledge to a more transnational context in cooperation with new partners from all involved sectors. These partners are not only knowledge institutions but also organisations in the applied field, (regional and local) government representatives as well as industry and business sector. This provides great opportunities to exchange knowledge and earn experience around rural digital divide. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. As mentioned above,the Department of Cultural Geography has participated in several Interreg projects such as ITRACT, Vital Rural Areas and currently in a H2020 project with the focus on geographical segmentation and rural areas. Colleagues are engaged in H2020 projects SMARTSPEC, ELTER and INTENSSS. Furthermore, Prof.Philip McCann of the Dept. of Economic Geography has been the advisor of the Commissioner for Regional Development Policies. What is your main role in the project? As the leader of WP3, UoG plays an active role in development of the SSE model and guiding measures for local and regional authorities (WP3&4). Another key role is the monitoring of pilot activities in the Netherlands and other regions, and putting forward the knowledge of department on bottom-up broadband provision and utilization. Following and evaluating the results form pilot activities and integration of findings in the SSE Model and guiding measures are other activities by UoG (WP5 & 6). Gemeente Oldambt (Oldambt Municipality, -) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Regional public authority VAT Number: NL B01 Address: Johan Modastraat 6, 9670 AD Winschoten, The Netherlands NUTS Code: - NL111 / NSRP Hans.dewolf@gemeente-oldambt.nl Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 4 of 54

5 Oldambt is a regional municipality appointed from the Province of Groningen as pilot area in CORA. The municipality has a target to provide superfast connection and a high quality level of digital services for all inhabitants and businesses in its territory. To achieve this target, the municipality has been intensively cooperating with several local stakeholder e.g. the church and the foundation "Oldambt Verbindt, ("Oldambt Connected"). What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Oldambt aims to find out innovative solutions to improve communication infrastructure and take up of digital services in its territory. CORA provides an excellent learning opportunity, by exchanging knowledge, experience and practical results among transnational partners. The project supports the municipality to examine solutions to inform and involve entrepreneurs, knowledge institutes and citizens for efficient realization of network as well as digital service development and take up. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Oldambt has been active in several INTERREG IVA and VA projects. Example of projects are: Interreg IV B program: ITRACT Interreg IV A Program: Auf dem Weg von Anne Frank Interreg IV A Project Netzwerk: Integratie op maat I, SamenGroeien, Grenzelos Gesprach and Servicebureau. Interreg V A program: Dachproject Arbeitsmarkt and Binet. What is your main role in the project? Oldambt municipality participates in diagnostic surveys to find out its existing gaps (WP3 & 4). This will be followed by pilot activities in cooperation with Oldambt Verbindt. The pilot focuses on testing measures for cost efficient broadband development, solutions to enhance the uptake of digital services, promotion of new services i.e. demonstrating smart homes, as well as supporting enterprises and start-ups in their digitalization i.e. developing an incubator space (WP5). Groningen Internet Exchange Foundation (Groningen Internet Exchange Foundation, GN-IX) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Private State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Infrastructure and (public) service provider VAT Number: NL B01 Address: Friesestraatweg 219, 9743AD Groningen, The Netherlands NUTS Code: - NL113 / NSRP Bix.jacobse@gn-ix.net Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? GN-IX is a non-profit organisation of City of Groningen, the Groningen University and NOM (development organisation for the Northern Netherlands). Its goal is to promote and facilitate the ICT and telecommunication sector in the Northern Netherlands. GN-IX has experience with development and support of various broadband projects in rural areas. Supporting digital start-ups to stimulate the use of telecommunication technologies is another field of activity by GN-IX. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? For the GN-IX organisation it is extremely important to exchange different innovative initiatives and methods among similar organisations in the North Sea Region. As an organization which is supporting local authorities towards digital innovation, the learning from CORA would be transferred to other local and public authorities in Netherlands by GN-IX. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. GN-IX has been quite active in several EU funded projects. The organization has participated in former EU projects BIRD, E-click and DANS ON. In this context, GN-IX worked closely together with the Groningen University and the Hanzehogeschool in the development of new concepts and methods to stimulate innovative projects and supporting start-ups. What is your main role in the project? GN-IX will participates in WP3 & 4 and provide inputs for the SSE Model and developing guiding measures (cost efficient digital infrastructure development and enhancing digital competences). In WP5, GN-IX supports Oldambt municipality to promote the investments in fiber networks and stimulating the use of these networks. Supporting local start-ups with the aim of stimulating the local economy through establishing the local digital hub (incubator) is another area of activity by GN-IX. University of Lincoln (University of Lincoln, -) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Higher education and research VAT Number: GB Address: Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, LN6 7TS Lincoln, United Kingdom NUTS Code: - UKF3 / NSRP lprice@lincoln.ac.uk Phone/Fax: , Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 5 of 54

6 Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? The University of Lincoln has competences around the evaluation of policies to facilitate adoption of NGA in rural areas, and support to SMEs in use of digital technology. These include two large evaluations of broadband policy, funded through ERDF, which include the Lincolnshire Technology Hubs. It has worked with SMEs to test out new business models, based on use of digital technology. More recently, the University has undertaken a work to map the digital landscape of the local region. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? The University has developed a body of research and expertise around rural NGA adoption and use. CORA will enable it to build on this research, by compiling evidence from several regions about rural digital innovation. The University is keen to develop impact from its research, and ensure research findings are accessible to policymakers and, ultimately, benefit rural communities. It has the opportunity to contribute to a pool of success stories and the development of policy guidelines. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. The University has delivered several ERDF projects in the region. The largest, Robust Futures (2008-9), involved working with 50 SMEs to support resilience during the 2008 recession. Other EU projects include an FP5 consortium, PAXIS (2003-6) which promoted sharing of innovation policy among the 22 regions of innovation excellence in Europe as well as a FP7 on potential of GIS and precision agriculture land use. It has organized a new Marie Curie network to support PhD students for What is your main role in the project? The University will contribute to WP3,4 &5, by sharing examples of community-based NGA initiatives and digital hubs, drawing on experience of policy evaluation and enterprise support projects. It carries out digital hub pilot and will design a methodology for benchmarking these across partner regions. The University will take a lead on WP 6, which focuses on dissemination of learning from the project. Here it will work with partners to develop policy briefings, and showcase solutions from CORA. BürgerBreitbandNetz GmbH & Co. KG (-, BBNG) Project Beneficiary Legal Status: Private State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Infrastructure and (public) service provider VAT Number: DE Address: Industriestraße 33a, Husum / Nordsee, Germany NUTS Code: - DEF07 / NSRP sb@bbng.de Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? BBNG is an enterprise with the aim of supporting rural communities in bridging their digital divide and enhancing their telecommunication networks built on participatory methods. Extensive expansion/coverage of fibre network (FTTHB/H) throughout 59 communities in the southern Nordfriesland is the fundamental aim of BBNG. Besides infrastructural development, another target is to enhance the level of service take-up by households and other endusers in rural communities. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? The topic of broadband, fiber optic development and its utilization in daily life is still unknown or not present for many people in rural communities. CORA provides an opportunity to test new solutions for introducing the importance of super-fast connections to people and businesses in rural communities and demonstrate innovative fields of technological applications in an effective and more touchable way in the region. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. BBNG has been nominated as the finalist of the European Broadband Awards in 2016 in the category dedicate to innovative financing, business and investment model. What is your main role in the project? BBNG participates in WP3 & 4 by carrying out local surveys in southern Nordfriesland. It also shares its far-reaching knowledge and experience in marketing and communication concepts for developing the SSE Model and guiding measures. In WP5, BBNG focuses on enhancing rural communities awareness and skills and tests fixed and mobile digital hub concept (i.e. 3 equipped car trailers) to demonstrate new technologies in rural communities. It will also participate to mainstream the findings in WP6. Syddjurs Kommune (Municipality of South Djurs, SK) Coordinating Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Local public authority VAT Number: Address: Lundbergsvej 2, 8400 Ebeltoft, Denmark NUTS Code: - DK042 / NSRP friis@syddjurs.dk Phone/Fax: , Website: -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 6 of 54

7 Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? SK has knowledge and experience in working with broadband implementation challenges in low density and rural areas. It has been active in the development of welfare technologies by utilizing its newly deployed fiber network. The municipality has been preparing regional digitalization strategies and implementation plans of new public online services in the territory. Moreover, SK has a long tradition in organizing events focused on socio-economic impact of telecommunication in rural areas. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? SK is highly interested to cooperate with other institutions from the NSR around NGA and digitalization topics. Sharing knowledge and innovative solutions with other CORA partners is one of the main benefits for SK. In addition, SK can identify strong synergies between CORA and the SMART SYDDJURS framework, aimed to promote IT related innovation projects in the municipality ( Therefore, a high level of interaction between the two initiatives is expected. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. SK is currently involved in EU funded projects such as Coast to Coast Climate Challenge - Life Program ( It also has participated in the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project EGOPRISE, with the aim of making public authority services more receptive to the needs of businesses ( In addition, SK has previously participated in Interreg projects such as VER-DI ( What is your main role in the project? SK provides input to WP3 & 4 regarding local challenges in development, adoption, and use of new telecommunication technologies. SK will also provide input regarding the set-up and results of pilot activities and contributes in developing the training measures. SK will carry out the pilot on telepresence services as welfare enabler, as its main activity in WP5. It will also organize several dissemination and training events, using local digital hub and SK s Campaign Bus (WP5 & 6). Hedmark fylkeskommune (Hedmark County Council, HCC) Coordinating Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Regional public authority VAT Number: Address: Parkggata 64, 2325 Hamar, Norway NUTS Code: - NO021 / NSRP eva.lundin@hedmark.org Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? Digitalization is on top of HCC s agenda. The HCC appointed the broadband coordinator who is responsible for the implementation of digital agenda in regard to broadband development and use in the county. More, HCC has recently implemented an ERP system (Enterprise Resource Planning) in order to enhance the administrative cost efficiencies and maximize the use of telecommunication.these activities are followed by a new digital strategy, which has been enacted for the county council since What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Hedmark County Council will benefit from the transnational partners experiences concerning regional planning and coordination with the focus on NGA expansion and use in rural areas. The learning from CORA will be integrated in strategic planning of the county as well as County s digital strategy. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. HCC has a long and profound experience in Interreg and EU projects. HCC has been involved in several interreg A, B and C projects in the previous programme, such as DANS ON in NSR programme. HCC was WP 3 leader in the Interreg IV C project I-SPEED focusing on public digital services and tourism. In addition, Hedmark County Council also host the Interreg A Sweden-Norway secretariat. What is your main role in the project? HCC will be the coordinator of the Norwegian local partnership. Besides diagnostic surveys and common strategies (WP3&4), HCC harmonizes and supervises the pilot activities of participating municipalities from Norway (WP5). It also contributes in policy briefings and transferring the cross-border infrastructure sharing model to other rural border areas in Norway (WP6). Länsstyrelsen Värmland (Värmland County Administrative Board, VCAB) Coordinating Beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Regional public authority VAT Number: SE Address: Våxnäsgatan 5, Karlstad, Sweden NUTS Code: - SE311 / NSRP Katarina.Nordmark@lansstyrelsen.se Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? VCAB is a regional authority responsible for coordinating rural development and disseminating knowledge in -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 7 of 54

8 Värmland. Improving the digital environment is a top priority in VCAB s agenda. In this context, VCAB is the Managing Authority of the Rural Development Programme, which includes funding for broadband expansion in the territory. In addition, VCAB has environmental goals and carries out environmental monitoring, water management, as well as climate and energy related activities. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Advanced digital infrastructure and services are becoming integral element for regional development and therefore a crucial topic for VCAB. CORA provides an opportunity for VCAB to deal with the idea of cross-border synergy and infrastructure sharing models. It also provides alternatives to enhance digital competences of stakeholders and increases their awareness around digital technologies. This will in long-term lead to better living and working conditions in border rural areas. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. VCAB holds great experiences working with transnational and inter-regional EU-projects. During the last program period ( ) VCAB participated in ten EU-projects, five in the Interreg IVB North Sea Region Programme and five in the Interreg IVC. The main focus areas of the projects have been the Digital Agenda, innovation, inland waterways, flooding and border regional issues. VCAB was the Lead Beneficiary of the successful Interreg IVB NSR projects E-CLIC and DANS ON. What is your main role in the project? VCAB will be the coordinating partner for SE local partnership and has a strategic role as the leader of WP5. Besides investigating regulations for cross-border NGA (WP3 & 4), VCAB supports Torsby in their pilot, mobilizes stakeholders and disseminate results in the region and beyond (WP 5). VCAB will make sure that other municipalities and stakeholders are informed and well communicated about the findings (WP6). It does that by close work with HCC local partnership in the Norwegian side. Norddjurs Kommune (Municipality of North Djurs, NK) Co-beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Local public authority VAT Number: Address: Torvet 3, 8500 Grenaa, Denmark NUTS Code: - DK042 / NSRP maks@norddjurs.dk Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? The municipality has been strongly engaged in promoting new businesses and innovation development, with special focus to the opportunities that NGA brings for local SMEs and boosting the tourism industry in the area of Djurs. NK believes in and promotes a transparent and inclusive communication within the triangle of public administration private business citizens. NK will also apply this communication model in CORA, through digital and face to face means. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? NK is highly interested in participating in CORA through a local partnership with South Djurs. CORA gives NK a unique opportunity for collaborating with similar profile municipalities in the North Sea area, experiencing similar challenges. NK will benefit from their knowledge and expertise in relation to boosting local businesses and economy by effective utilization of digital technologies. More, CORA gives NK the chance of piloting new uses of NGA and digital services in the local digital hub. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. NK is currently involved in EU funded projects such as Coast to Coast Climate Challenge (Life Program - NK has participated in the Interreg BSR project EGOPRISE, with the aim of making public authority services more receptive to the needs of businesses ( Another project is an Intereg IVA LISA focusing on rural development in Scandinavia with the aim of increasing the attractiveness of rural area within the partner municipalities for citizens to move to. What is your main role in the project? NK will provide input to WP3 & 4 regarding the local economic and business situation in the areas well as the current use of NGA by local business, including the tourism industry. NK will carry out the pilot strategies for boosting business development in the region of Djurs in WP5. The results from pilot activities will be used to upgrade the SSE model and supporting measures in WP3 & 4. Besides, NK will organize several local dissemination events to enhance public digital skill. Eidskog Kommune (Municipality of Eidskog, -) Co-beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Local public authority VAT Number: Address: Rådhusveien 11, 2230 Skotterud, Norway NUTS Code: - NO021 / NSRP steinar.gronnerud@eidskog.kommune.no Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 8 of 54

9 Eidskog Municipality has employed a Digital Coordinator since 2017 with the main responsibility for the development and implementation of a local broadband strategy. The Digital Coordinator will harmonize the activities, which previously have been shared among several departments. The strategic target of the municipality is to improve connections for further development of e-services such as e-health for inhabitants in rural areas. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Eidskog municipality will benefit from the knowledge and experiences of other transnational partners on how to plan and develop efficient NGA infrastructure and services. Eidskog municipality will also benefit from the mobilization and development of a model on how to connect NGA between two neighboring countries (SE & NO). The work in the local partnership between Swedish and Norwegian municipalities is a unique opportunity on how to exploit synergies in border regions. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Eidskog Municipality has experience in project funded by regional and national funds. What is your main role in the project? The main role will be to carry out the activities in the pilot project together with Swedish and Norwegian municipalities. This include mobilization activities, transnational study trips, identifying and contacting telecom operators and suppliers that can contribute and participate in the project (WP5). The identified cross-border model will be integrated to the policy briefings (WP6). Moreover, Eidskog municipality will contribute in WP 3 & 4 by running diagnostic surveys. Kongsvinger Kommune (Municipality of Kongsvinger, - ) Co-beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Local public authority VAT Number: Address: Postboks 900, 2226 Kongsvinger, Norway NUTS Code: - NO021 / NSRP Per-ivar.sveheim@kongsvinger.kommunde.no Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? Kongsvinger municipality has recently started a cooperation with its neighboring municipalities for development of a joint strategy and action plan for NGA in the area. The aim for this strategy is to give inhabitants the possibility to access broadband and on-line services offered by municipal authorities, such as e-learning and e-health services. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Kongsvinger municipality will benefit from knowledge and experiences of other transnational partners on how to plan and develop efficient NGA infrastructure and services. Kongsvinger municipality will also benefit from the mobilization and development of a model on how to connect NGA between two neighboring countries (SE & NO). The work in the local partnership between Swedish and Norwegian municipalities is a unique learning opportunity on how to exploit synergies in border regions. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Kongsvinger municipality has experience in projects financed by regional and national funds. What is your main role in the project? The aim is to develop a cross border infrastructure sharing model and promote the use of new digital public services in rural areas. Activities include mobilization of stakeholders, transnational study trips, identifying and contacting telecom operators and suppliers for cross border pilot activities (WP5). The identified cross-border model will be integrated to the policy briefings (WP6). Moreover, Kongsvinger municipality will contribute in WP3 & 4 by doing diagnostic surveys. Grue Kommune (Municipality of Grue, -) Co-beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Local public authority VAT Number: Address: Pb 64, 2261 Kirkenær, Norway NUTS Code: - NO021 / NSRP Haakon.gjems@grue.kommune.no Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? Grue municipality has been selected as a Digital Municipality by the National Health Department of Norway. One priority area in the municipality is to enhance the e-health services. To this background and in cooperation with the mobile operator Telenor, the Local Senior Association, and the Red Cross, the municipality aims at enhancing its NGA and carrying out activities on encouraging and training the elderly to use new developed e-health and other e- services provided by the municipality. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? Grue municipality will benefit from the knowledge and experiences from other transnational partner regions on how to plan and use telecommunication technologies for public welfare. It will also benefit from the mobilization and -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 9 of 54

10 development of a model on how to connect NGA between two neighboring countries (SE & NO). Working in the local partnership between Swedish and Norwegian municipalities is a great opportunity to learn how to exploit synergies in border regions. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Grue municipality has experience in projects financed by national and regional funds. What is your main role in the project? Grue municipality will be one of the beneficiaries for pilot investment in cooperation with SE & NO local partnerships. Activities include stakeholder mobilization, transnational study trips, identifying and contacting telecom operators and suppliers that can contribute in the cross border pilot (WP5). The identified cross-border model will be integrated to the policy briefings (WP6). Moreover, Grue municipality will contribute in WP3 & 4 by carrying our local diagnostic surveys. Torsby kommun (Torsby municipality, -) Co-beneficiary Legal Status: Public State Aid Status Not State Aid Relevant Type of beneficiary: Local public authority VAT Number: SE Address: 20. IT-avdelningen, Torsby, Sweden NUTS Code: - SE311 / NSRP Cecilia.sjoden@torsby.se Phone/Fax: , Website: Which are the organisation s thematic competences and experiences relevant for the project? Torsby has an on-going fiber-project since 2012 by involving residents and forming local fiber-associations. In order to develop local fiber-nets and offer new services, Torsby has created a cooperative environment among government and county agencies, such as the Swedish Transport Department (Trafikverket), Värmland County Administrative Board, the Swedish Post and Telecom Agency(PTS), as well as with contractors and telecom operators such as Telia. What is the benefit for the organisation from participating in the project? CORA provides a great opportunity to acquire practical knowledge concerning alternative solutions for telecommunication development as well as the possibility of cooperation across border with neighboring countries and a country outside of the European Union (i.e. Norway). Learning to create an advance environment for entrepreneurs to establish and/or develop companies in rural areas and ways to support the tourist industry are other benefits of participating in CORA. If applicable, describe the organisation s experience in participating in and/or managing EU co-financed projects or other international projects. Torsby municipality is part of an on-going EU co-financed project, Bredbandsutbyggnad i Värmland (Deployment of broadband in Värmland) on establishing optic fiber in big parts of the municipality s rural areas. Torsby municipality is also part of several other EU co-financed project in different areas, for example Scandinavian Heartland-Business Improvement, The Wood Region and Hållbar handelsutveckling i staden (Sustainable development of trade and businesses in the city). What is your main role in the project? Torsby is responsible for pilot and investment on the SE side. It does this in cooperation with VCAB, the NO partners, telecom operators and contractors. It examines the possibility of developing fiber and/or airborne solutions to provide high capacity internet in very rural areas over an EU-border. It also tests solutions to promote the use of digital services by enterprises and in tourist sector (WP5). One results is a cross border synergy and infrastructure-sharing model for WP3 &6. B.2 Beneficiaries contacts Name Contact Address Meuris Filip Beneficiary: Intercommunale Leiedal Authorised Signatory: Yes Khodabakhsh Peyman Beneficiary: Agentur für Kommunikation, Organisation und Management Authorised Signatory: No Skjærris Michael Beneficiary: Vejle Kommune Authorised Signatory: No filip.meuris@leiedal.be p.khodabakhsh@atenekom.eu msk@vejlebib.dk President Kennedypark 10, 8500 Kortrijk, Belgium Bördestr. 9, Osterholz Scharmbeck, Germany Vejle Bibliotekerne, Willy Sørensens Plads 1, 7100 Vejle, Denmark Westergaard Morten Morten.westergaard@midd Oestergade 21, Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 10 of 54

11 Beneficiary: Middelfart Kommune Authorised Signatory: No Friis Henrik Beneficiary: Syddjurs Kommune Authorised Signatory: No Kempel Sørensen Mads Beneficiary: Norddjurs Kommune Authorised Signatory: No Myrup Pedersen Jens Beneficiary: Aalborg Universitet Authorised Signatory: No Strijker Dirk Beneficiary: Rijksuniversiteit Groningen Authorised Signatory: No de Wolf Hans Beneficiary: Gemeente Oldambt Authorised Signatory: No Jacobse Bix Beneficiary: Groningen Internet Exchange Foundation Authorised Signatory: No Lundin Eva Beneficiary: Hedmark fylkeskommune Authorised Signatory: No Grønnerud Steinar Beneficiary: Eidskog Kommune Authorised Signatory: No Sveheim Per Ivar Beneficiary: Kongsvinger Kommune Authorised Signatory: No Gjems Haakon Beneficiary: Grue Kommune Authorised Signatory: No Price Liz Beneficiary: University of Lincoln Authorised Signatory: No Nordmark Katarina Beneficiary: Länsstyrelsen Värmland Authorised Signatory: No Sjödén Cecilia Beneficiary: Torsby kommun Authorised Signatory: No Birkigt Sabine Beneficiary: BürgerBreitbandNetz GmbH & Co. KG Authorised Signatory: No elfart.dk g.kommune.no mune.no yrelsen.se Noerre Aaby, Denmark Lundbergsvej 2, 8400 Ebeltoft, Denmark Torvet 3, 8500 Grenaa, Denmark Fredrik Bajers Vej 7A, 9220 Aalborg East, Denmark Landleven 1, Post code 9747 AD Groningen, The Netherlands Johan Modastraat 6, 9670 AD Winschoten, The Netherlands Friesestraatweg 219, 9743 AD Groningen, The Netherlands Parkggata 64, 2325 Hamar, Norway Rådhusveien 11, 2230 Skotterud, Norway Postboks 900, 2226 Kongsvinger, Norway Pb 64, 2261 Kirkenær, Norway Lincoln International Business School, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, LN6 7TS Lincoln, United Kingdom Våxnäsgatan 5, Karlstad, Sweden 20. IT-avdelningen, Torsby, Sweden Industriestraße 33a, Husum / Nordsee, Germany C.1 Rationale C.1.1 What are the shared territorial challenges that will be tackled by the project? Rural areas undergo plenty of structural disadvantages in comparison to larger urban settlements. Access to basic public and commercial services are remaining inconvenient due to their geographical barriers and longer distances. As a consequence, inhabitants (especially the young generation) are moving out and enterprises do not foresee enough opportunities to start or continue their businesses. To overcome these physical barriers, digitalization and digital -- Signed by Filip Meuris on 31/01/ :59:18 -- cb4de5221d0518c2eb3a8c561c311fc8 -- Exported on 31/01/ :59:25 / Page 11 of 54