Broadband Competence Offices (BCOs) Network

“It is really important that we make sure that everybody has the opportunity to be part of the digital society because, to a certain extent, it is the society into which we have moved” states Rita Wezenbeek, Director of Connectivity within the Directorate General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, in this short video.

2021 Rural Inspiration Awards Winner, HofladenBOX digital platform’s online marketplace connects small local producers with customers to boost rural business in Fürth district, Bavaria. “We wanted to change the way we purchase our food” explains Mareike Schalk, who founded HofladenBOX with Birgit Wegner using EU LEADER funds. Creating a local market reduces costs and emissions, and supports the development of this rural area with jobs and improved services. Connectivity is essential for HofladenBOX: “To keep rural areas attractive, it is important to have the same connectivity as in cities.”

This workshop explores how recent innovation can improve the vitality and sustainability of rural and remote communities - from health, education and digitalisation to mobility and agriculture.

Marking the BCO Network's five-year milestone, the 2021 Annual Conference will address important EU policy and funding developments, as well as BCOs' achievements and goals. The agenda will include Rural Digital Futures, Gigabit targets and the Digital Compass, EU Structural Funds and the Recovery and Resilience Facility, State aid and evolving technology, and CEF2 Digital. The final agenda will be shared with participants directly. This online event is open to all members of the European Broadband Competence Offices Network.