EU-Aligned Interoperability and Integration Methodology for Rural Data Ecosystems
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: Rural areas are characterized by fragmented data landscapes and heterogeneous infrastructures that complicate the development of digital services. These challenges are particularly significant in multi-pilot initiatives, where geographically and administratively independent rural entities must coordinate their data practices to achieve shared project goals. This paper presents an EU-aligned interoperability and data integration methodology developed within the Horizon Europe project SMARTERA. The methodology provides a structured process that guides how heterogeneous local datasets can be transformed into a shared input format and subsequently used by technical solutions, such as dashboards and applications, tailored to the specific needs of each rural pilot. The data lifecycle is organized into five coordinated phases and is supported by a strong foundation in European interoperability frameworks, standards, and data governance principles. This EU-aligned foundation is particularly relevant for rural contexts, where technical and regulatory capacities vary significantly, and provides a structured basis for ensuring consistency across pilots as the methodology moves toward practical implementation.
Language: English
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7202242001