Smart villages concept implemented in Masovian voivodeship by SGGW researchers

The Smart Villages concept implementation has been completed

Just before the 2023 summer holidays, the Contract for the provision of research services, aimed at supporting the local community and improving rural areas of Mazovia was completed. The meeting summarizing the project results took place in June 2023, at Warsaw University of Technology (project leader).

The main objectives of the project were: Preparation of diagnosis concerning economic, social and environmental state of Mazowieckie voivodeship; determination of regional specializations of Mazovia and proposals to change economy in the region; elaboration of Smart Villages concept for Mazovia; analysis of cultural, touristic and regional assets of rural areas in Mazowieckie voivodeship; preparation of the concept of computer infrastructure enabling implementation of Smart Villages concept; preparation of assumptions for testing and social verification of Smart Villages concept; preparation of concepts and assumptions for Smart Villages mobile application; preparation of concept of the Strategy of Development of Rural Areas in Mazowieckie voivodeship.

The project has a pilot research character and its realization is aimed at the preparation of the Smart Villages concept for Mazowieckie voivodeship and for strengthening collaboration between territorial units and research institutions.

The team of researchers representing the Institute of Economics and Finance, SGGW conducted some research and suggested some solutions in the following areas:

1. Preserving the biological diversity of rural areas that constitutes a significant development potential, especially in the case of ecological production and recreational and tourist services.
2. The role of local authorities and other entities operating in the agricultural environment in supporting the development of short supply chains in terms of their promotion, organization, and technological aspects.
3. Financing the agriculture.
4. Rural tourism in Masovia, its recipients, and their preferences (peaceful and quiet areas, authentic values, and attractions accompanied by high-quality services and Internet access).
5. Structural changes in the economy that may lead to depopulation of rural areas, which can be counteracted by creating conditions for the development of small businesses and remote work. It is also important to find external investors and develop public transport that facilitates commuting to larger urban centers, and to create the possibility of using public transport among smaller towns (not just towards the central city).