Scope

Proposals are expected to develop and demonstrate cost-efficient and flexible cross-domain applications through large-scale pilots. These should build on an open, API-based, interoperable and federated IoT architecture and include a reference implementation supporting flexible integration of heterogeneous services. Pilots should bridge the interoperability gap of the smart object platforms and create markets for service - and application providers as well as platform operators, supported by a vibrant ecosystem of developers, service providers and user communities.

In developing the pilots, proposals are expected to address all of the following aspects:

• The integration of data and information across different platforms for sustainable and efficient service provision, where appropriate based on Artificial Intelligence. The approach should showcase platform interoperability in line with relevant standards.
• To develop an open marketplace with an open application interface for cross-cutting services to cater for new business opportunities
• Reference implementations including proof-of-concept, large-scale demonstrations and validation leveraging on platforms developed elsewhere
• To create innovation ecosystems based on ‘Platforms for Connected Smart Objects and Services’, to support citizens and businesses for a multiplicity of novel applications.
• The development of pilots demonstrating benefits, cost-efficiency, flexibility and realistic business models required in rural areas around existing infrastructure, and to utilise links to other European, national or private funding sources to leverage infrastructure delivery.
• Potential application areas could include one or more of the following: public services, energy, autonomous robotics transport, logistics, education, tourism, health and care. The applications should support the implementation of the smart villages concept^[1] oriented towards relatively underdeveloped and remotely located rural areas and communities. Innovative and technical inspiration could be sought in previous work in the following domains: smart cities, smart living and ageing well, smart - and/or social farming, forest management, distributed energy, smart logistics and mobility and e-governance.

Pilots should follow an evolutionary agile, well-delineated, and lean approach. The developed platforms should be concurrently validated in at least three large-scale regional pilots in rural settings involving partners with strong relation to public authorities. The Pilots should propose scalable technical solutions capable of meeting social and economic targets relevant to boost new rural services and business.

Key performance indicators should be defined to measure progress on citizen's benefits in rural areas, quality of life, economic growth, job creation, new business development etc.

Proposals may involve financial support to third parties, particularly for SMEs. Conditions for third parties support are set out in Part K of the General Annexes. Consortia need to define the selection process of organisations, for which financial support will be granted. Maximum 20% of the EU funding can be allocated to this purpose. The financial support to third parties can only be provided in the form of grants. The respective options of Article 15.1 and Article 15.3 of the Model Grant Agreement will be applied.

The development of the pilots should follow a participatory approach using where appropriate well-functioning existing societal groups (including for example Local Actions Groups, Rural networks, public administrations responsible for Rural Development Policies) and liaise with territorial digital dynamic development. Proposal should develop strategic approaches that will help policy makers, rural actors, citizens and project promoters on the ground to deliver results, considering the comparative strengths and needs of their respective territory, to improve the implementation of EU policies in rural areas. When necessary, internet providers should be involved in the project to ensure connectivity, which is a prerequisite for rural ICT exploitation.

For this topic, the four activities described in the introductory section 'Platforms and Pilots' must be applied. Pilot projects are expected to contribute to the consolidation and coherence work that will be implemented by the CSA supporting the activities defined under the topic "DT-ICT-13-2019: Digital Platforms/Pilots Horizontal Activities".