As the DigiStake project concludes, we take a moment to reflect on its key achievements, challenges faced, and insights gained. Over the course of the project, we worked diligently to enhance stakeholder cooperation, digital transformation, and rural-urban collaboration in Slovakia. The project was led by CEDASK(https://www.cedask.eu/sk/) under the PoliRuralPlus Outreach Call (https://www.poliruralplus.eu/open-calls/outreach-call/). Our primary achievement was the successful development of an online collaboration platform, serving as a central hub for engagement, knowledge sharing, and digital innovation in rural development.

Key Achievements:

I. Establishment of an Online Collaboration Platform

The major output of the project was the creation of https://atraktivnyvidiek.sk—a digital space designed to foster communication and collaboration among rural and urban stakeholders. This platform has become a valuable tool for knowledge transfer, best practice exchange, and networking between government institutions, businesses, farmers, and research bodies.

II. Enhanced Stakeholder Engagement

DigiStake successfully engaged a broad range of stakeholders, including policymakers, local businesses, farmers, academia, and civil society organizations. By leveraging participatory methods, the project encouraged meaningful discussions, promoted inclusive decision-making, and aligned local needs with European Union rural policies.

III. Digital Skills Training and Capacity Building

A series of digital skills workshops and capacity-building sessions were conducted to empower stakeholders with the necessary competencies to navigate the digital landscape. These efforts improved awareness and adoption of digital tools among rural communities, allowing them to take full advantage of technological advancements.

IV. Alignment with EU Strategies

The project aligned with the EU Rural Pact and Horizon Europe, ensuring that Slovakia’s rural development initiatives remain well-integrated into broader European frameworks. The focus on digital transformation and sustainability will continue to guide national policies and strategies moving forward.

Challenges Faced

  1. Digital Literacy Gaps

One of the main challenges encountered was the varying levels of digital literacy among rural stakeholders. Many participants required additional support and training to effectively engage with online tools and collaborative platforms.

2. Infrastructure Limitations

Some rural regions in Slovakia experienced poor internet connectivity, limiting their ability to fully participate in the digital transformation efforts. While the platform has provided an essential bridge, future projects must advocate for better rural broadband access.

3. Sustaining Stakeholder Engagement

While DigiStake successfully engaged stakeholders, maintaining long-term active participation beyond the project’s scope remains a challenge. Encouraging continued interaction and investment in the online platform will be crucial.

Insights and Future Prospects

  1. The Value of a Centralized Digital Hub

The success of https://atraktivnyvidiek.sk demonstrated the importance of a centralized digital space where stakeholders can engage, collaborate, and access valuable resources. Future projects should build upon this foundation, ensuring its sustainability and continuous development.

2. Participatory Vision Building is Essential

Involving stakeholders from different sectors in co-creating solutions proved to be highly effective. This inclusive approach ensures that digital initiatives are tailored to the actual needs of the community, increasing adoption and long-term success.

3. Continuous Training and Support

The need for ongoing capacity building remains evident. Providing regular digital literacy workshops and technical assistance will help rural stakeholders stay engaged and maximize the benefits of digital transformation.

Next Steps

DigiStake has laid the groundwork for enhanced rural digitalization in Slovakia, but its long-term success depends on continued engagement and development. Moving forward, stakeholders are encouraged to actively utilize https://atraktivnyvidiek.sk, participate in discussions, and collaborate on new digital initiatives. Further investment in infrastructure improvements and policy integration will be critical in ensuring the lasting impact of the project.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all partners, stakeholders, and contributors who played a vital role in making this initiative a success.