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- Are enterprises from lagging regions digitally connected?Publication . Fernandes, Joana; Pires, Luís; Nogueira, Sónia P.This study focuses on how enterprises located on lagging regions are using online resources and how can they enhance their usage. Most companies have transitioned to the “online world”, however, in rural and more deprived regions, it is perceived that companies still have difficulties accessing some online resources or accessing qualified workers in ICT areas. As such, this paper focus on 29 enterprises from the northeast of Portugal, a recognized lagging region. In the context of an international project, CRECEER creation of business cooperation networks in rural cross-border regions between companies in the gourmet agri-food and tourism sectors, the use of ICT was analysed, what online tools were used and what could be done to improve their ICT use in their business.As a result, it was found that the majority of the companies only had a minimal investment in business online tools, they are not aware of the majority of cloud computing software, and they do not use it in their business. Even though the studied companies were willing to evolve digitally, they recognized the severe restrictions they had, namely the requirement of specific currently unavailable knowledge, the necessity of qualified workers that they couldn’t afford, and even the hardware necessity they couldn’t supress.It is clear that for these companies had it not been the CRECEER project, even the smallest changes and improvements, would not be achieved in a short period. It is rather crucial to have European funds dedicated to enhance the ICT competencies of these businesses.
- Using mobile devices applications for monitoring and assist elder population in rural áreasPublication . Letra, Isaías; Mendonça, Vítor; Morais, Elisabete Paulo; Fernandes, Joana; Cunha, Carlos R.The provision of gerontological care in rural areas represents an added challenge when applied to rural scenarios. This paper discusses the role of technology in gerontology and specifically how technology based solutions can be developed to assist the elderly population in rural areas. It is also characterized the Northeast Portuguese region exposing its rural characteristics and presented some demographic numbers. Finally, a conceptual model and a prototype supported by mobile devices are presented to assist and monitor the elderly. The developed prototype allows not only to assist the elderly in a set of typical elderly population routines - such as those related to health - but also to improve the interaction between the elderly and their relatives and / or caregivers. This work is part of a more extensive effort that has been made in the search for effective solutions to assist the elderly population in rural areas, typically distant from the main health and / or support services; contributing to relieve these deficits.
- The potential of cloud computing to leverage the creation of cooperation networks in rural regionsPublication . Cunha, Carlos R.; Mendonça, Vítor; Fernandes, JoanaThe need for organizations to cooperate, especially SMEs, is currently considered an appropriate way to gain competitive capacity, and ICT are an enabler to support the creation of interorganizational cooperation networks. However, in rural regions, investment in technology is scarce and often seen as an unbearable cost. In order to respond to this reality, this work presents a conceptual technological model capable of leveraging and supporting the creation of cooperation networks, with the contextualization of the business in rural regions being previously done, exploring the fundamentals of cloud computing and cooperation networks.
- The role of european funding in the development of rural tourismPublication . Nogueira, Sónia P.; Fernandes, Joana; Pires, LuísThe development of rural regions and the promotion of tourism within these areas are crucial for fostering economic growth, preserving cultural heritage, and ensuring social inclusivity. Governments, particularly in Europe, play a vital supporting role through funding and strategic initiatives. This paper highlights the importance of European funding in driving the development of rural regions and enhancing their tourism potential, through the project “Creation of business coop- eration networks in rural cross-border regions between companies in the gourmet agri-food and tourism sectors”, with the Portuguese acronym CRECEER. Within this project, it was possible to involve 20 enterprises, specifically rural accommoda- tion enterprises (RAE) and manufacturing endogenous products’ enterprises, from cross-border regions of northern Portugal. It was understandable that the develop- ment of rural regions and the promotion of tourism within these areas are essential for sustainable economic growth, cultural preservation, and social inclusivity. It was also found that European funding is pivotal in providing the necessary resources and support to overcome infrastructure and marketing challenges, foster regional devel- opment, and empower local communities. By investing in rural regions, governments and the European Union play a crucial role in harnessing the immense potential of these areas, thereby ensuring a more balanced and prosperous society.
- The importance of touristic collaborative networks for peripheral regions: the CRECEER projectPublication . Fernandes, Joana; Pires, Luís; Nogueira, Sónia P.This chapter describes a specific project that was coordinated and implemented by a Higher Education Institution (HEI), the Polytechnic Institute of Bragança (IPB) to increase regional competitiveness. The project named “Creation of business cooperation networks in rural cross-border regions between companies in the gourmet agri-food and tourism sectors”, with the Portuguese acronym CRECEER, was implemented in two regions, Douro and Terras de Trás-os-Montes. In order to increase the competitiveness of companies located in peripheral regions, the project focused in enhancing the quality of their supply, their visibility, the development of a common framework for online business, and the creation of a collaborative network that jointly commercialized gourmet products and touristic services. The implementation of the project, the activities developed, and the results obtained through the creation of a regional collaborative network with different participants, will be described.
- Using mobile devices and apps to assist the elder population in rural areas and generate business opportunitiesPublication . Cunha, Carlos R.; Mendonça, Vítor; Morais, Elisabete Paulo; Fernandes, Joana; Letra, IsaíasProviding gerontological cares represents an increased challenge when applied to rural scenarios. This paper discusses the role of technology in gerontology and specifically how technology-based solutions can be developed to assist the elderly population in rural areas. We also characterize the Northeast Portuguese region exposing its rural characteristics and presented some demographic numbers. Finally, a conceptual model and a prototype supported by mobile devices are presented to assist and monitor the elderly and enhance business opportunities. The developed prototype allows not only to assist the elderly in a set of typical elderly population routines - such as those related to health - but also to improve the interaction between the elderly and their relatives and / or caregivers. This work is part of a more extensive effort that has been made in the search for effective solutions to assist the elderly population in rural areas, typically distant from the main health and / or support services; contributing to relieve these deficits.