NewEcoSmart aims to create an inclusive social innovation approach to upskill adults aged 45 and above in rural areas, helping them adapt to the green and digital transitions in their current jobs or explore new opportunities in habitat-related sectors. This initiative also fosters social entrepreneurial skills and mindsets that encourage the adoption of circular and socially responsible business models.
To achieve NES goals, the consortium developed the NES Learning Toolkit and the NewEcoSmart approach which will now be tested and validated on a cross-country network of pilot sites located in Spain, Portugal, and Italy. These pilots aim to promote green and digital entrepreneurship for adults aged 45 and above, along with other participants, by integrating social innovation and real-scenario validation within habitat-related sectors.
Objectives of the Pilot Program
The NewEcoSmart pilots will validate the approach by demonstrating its ability to foster inclusiveness and fairness in the twin green and digital transitions, while proving its adaptability across diverse cultural and institutional contexts. Key activities include fostering collaboration among businesses, authorities, educators, and civil society to revitalize rural communities; developing localized research protocols to assess the impact and sustainability of good practices; collecting data on inclusiveness, fairness, and participant outcomes for a final report and scientific publication; and designing three targeted educational sessions at each site to address specific skills gaps.
Test and Validate Across Three Countries
The pilots will be organised in Murcia (Spain), Montemor-o-Velho (Portugal), and Pacentro (Italy) and will evaluate participants’ ability to apply circular economy principles in their communities and deliver real-world solutions focused on social innovation and entrepreneurship. They will also promote dialogue among businesses, authorities, educators, and civil society, fostering cooperation and revitalizing rural communities through circular economy practices.
Driving Sustainable Change
The NES toolkit delivers both knowledge and tools for practical implementation, empowering participants to adopt sustainable practices, contribute to economic recovery, and foster innovation in habitat-related industries.
At SHINE, we are happy to be part of this experience, which in Portugal will be led by AD ELO – Associação de Desenvolvimento Local da Bairrada e Mondego.
Start exploring the NES Learning Toolkit today and be part of this journey!
Try NES Learning toolkit here.
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