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".