Background

SMEs located in rural areas are facing a variety of problems. Those issues include, but are not limited to, public transport, broadband internet connection, green energy use, waste water treatment, etc. However, local authorities in (smaller) villages often do not have enough resources to arrange investments in infrastructural changes and sustainability improvements. 

Challenge

This challenge deals with the cooperation of local companies and local governments as well as regional administrators to improve the living and working conditions of citizens and employees. The issue to be solved is to identify the needs of the companies located in rural areas and well as the local government authorities, and develop innovative, efficient, and sustainable ideas to satisfy the involved parties’ requirements. Consequently, the lead question is: What makes rural locations attractive for companies, employees, and authorities? Companies in rural locations face the described problems on a broad scale, hence, the solutions provided by this challenge helps them to rethink and further develop their business.

Expected Impact

To efficiently tackle these needs, conceptual measures need to be developed, evaluated for feasibility, and planned for implementation. Challenge participants are guided on their way through their idea development and planning, and will present their concepts before an audience. The jury will evaluate and discuss the presentations from a research as well as from a practical perspective in a final closing event.

Target Groups

Authorities, Boards of SMEs, Citizens, Mayors, Professionals, Students

The Challenge Project

The challenge project runs over a five-week period (9 November – 7 December, 2021):

Kick-off: 9 November, 14:00-16:00 (CET)

First interim presentation: 16 November, 14:00-16:00 (CET)

Second interim presentation: 30 November, 14:00-16:00 (CET)

Closing event: 7 December, 14:00-16:00 (CET)

Expectations from participants

Work in teams, average workload 2-5 hours/week for 5 weeks

Admission

The deadline for applications, including your name, email address, and status (student/professional/…) is 3 November, 23:59 (CET)

Admission process: There is no admission process required for this challenge. All admitted students will be informed shortly before the kick-off to receive the Zoom-link for the first meeting. For questions related to the content of the challenge or any other information, please contact the Teamchers.

Structure of challenge 

Online via Zoom. Technical equipment incl. webcam will be needed. 

Expected group size

2 - 10 participants, to be divided into 1-2 teams.

Activities

Interaction between the challenge provider (Norevo GmbH), teamchers, and participants.