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Cultivating Tomorrow’s Agriculture: The AgriSkills Journey

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AgriSkills meetings and multiplier events

Let’s begin with an inspiring quote from the Japanese art critic Okakura Kakuzo: “The art of life is a constant re-adjustment to our surroundings.” We can adapt this inspiring saying to agriculture as: “The art of agriculture is a constant re-adjustment to emerging trends” like Precision Agriculture, IoT, Vertical Farming, Data Analytics, and many others. This idea embodies the essence of change, which is key to achieving better results.

In the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture, it is of utmost importance to stay ahead of demands not through traditional farming knowledge, but also with proficiency in digital innovation and entrepreneurial skills. We are excited to share with you the latest updates and accomplishments of the AgriSkills project, a transformative initiative launched in 2022 and funded by the European Erasmus+ Program. Our mission is to support rural development by fostering awareness and equipping farmers with the necessary skills for digital, smart, and precision farming.

As we near the conclusion of our project, we are excited to proudly share our results with you.

We created the AgriSkills Training Course

AgriSkills Training Course

At the heart of this groundbreaking endeavor lies the AgriSkills Training Course, a comprehensive curriculum crafted to address crucial gaps in the skills needed by farmers and the evolving demands of modern agriculture. This program goes beyond conventional farming techniques, diving into the realms of new digital technologies in agriculture, entrepreneurial skills, and sustainable practices. By bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and cutting-edge advancements, the AgriSkills Training Course ensures that participants are equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing agricultural landscape.

The AgriSkills Training Course is designed as a “guided tour” through the vast realm of digital opportunities in agriculture. It is available in English, German, Greek, Slovenian, Macedonian. The course consists of five comprehensive modules, tailored to address the needs identified through our initial survey: “Uncovering Essential Skills for Adopting Digital Technologies in Agriculture.”

We collected 45+ Good Practices

AgriSkills reference catalogue

Learn from real-world examples, discover good practices, and gain insights that can shape your own journey towards excellence in the digital realm of agriculture. Within our consortium, we’ve meticulously collected 47 good practices, all harmonized within a specialized reference catalogue titled the “AgriSkills Guidebook on Digitalization in Agriculture.” This catalogue serves as an indispensable complement to our training course, offering firsthand glimpses into the innovative strides made by real farms and agricultural organizations. Furthermore, the catalogue showcases innovative technologies for small and big farms and agronomic services. All good practices are thoughtfully organized based on their areas of application, presenting a diverse array of use cases that illustrate their impact across the agricultural value chain.

Moreover, the guidebook offers insightful insights into the current agricultural landscapes of Germany, North Macedonia, Greece, Slovenia, and Austria. By diving into the unique challenges and opportunities present in each region, it provides a roadmap for cultivating the essential skills necessary for fostering faster and more sustainable development.

The feedback from stakeholders speaks volumes: “We’ve long awaited such a practical source of information,” and “This guidebook has proven indispensable, offering much-needed guidance.”

We launched the AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform and mobile app

AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform: https://training.agriskills40.com/

Through AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform participants gain access to all resources created in the project. It is another key factor in the success of the project.

Whether learning about skills in precision farming or exploring the potential of agro-technical solutions, learners can do so at their own pace and convenience, removing barriers to education and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

One of the key strengths of the AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform is its adaptability and scalability. Built with a user-centric approach, the platform caters to diverse learning styles and preferences, ensuring that every participant receives a personalized and enriching educational experience. Additionally, its scalable infrastructure enables seamless integration of new content and modules, keeping the curriculum in line with the latest developments in agricultural technology and practices.

In its interactive database of good practices searchable by various criteria, learners can access only those that pique their interest.

All AgriSkills outcomes are freely available for use by anyone under a Creative Commons license. Suitable for self-learning and blended learning, interested vocational education and training (VET) organizations can integrate them into their educational practices, ensuring widespread access to valuable knowledge and skills.

As the agricultural sector continues to embrace digital transformation, initiatives such as AgriSkills play a key role in shaping the future of agriculture. By empowering people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a technology-driven environment, AgriSkills isn’t just revolutionizing agriculture – it’s cultivating a new generation of innovative and resilient farmers ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges head-on.

AgriSkills Mobile App for Android

About AgriSkills

“AgriSkills – Entrepreneurial Skills for Digitalization of Rural Agriculture” is a European project, funded by Erasmus+ Program. Our objective is to raise awareness about the digital transformation in agriculture and to provide a training program for entrepreneurial skills in digital, precision, and smart farming.

The AgriSkills consortium brings extensive experience in business development, vocational training, digital technologies, innovation management, and regional development.

The AgriSkills outcomes stimulate awareness, knowledge, and skills of learners and trainers in the field on the issues of digitalization and digital farming.

  • Initial Survey, titled “Survey Findings: Uncovering Essential Skills for Adopting Digital Technologies in Agriculture” is a study of the needs for the development of upskilling knowledge and competences useful for the adoption of digital technologies in agricultural production and management. The survey was conducted in five European countries: Germany, North Macedonia, Greece, Slovenia, and Austria. Link: https://agriskills40.com/goals-results/need-analysis-survey-findings/.
  • The AgriSkills Training Course developed as a ‘guided tour’ through the entire range of digital opportunities in agriculture, introduces the needed skills and competences implemented into a complete training. Link: https://training.agriskills40.com/training/.
  • AgriSkills reference catalogue, titled “AgriSkills Guidebook on Digitalization in Agriculture” promotes inspiring initiatives, good practices, and use cases with a special focus on fostering business development, thus making innovation happen in agriculture, especially in rural areas. Link: https://training.agriskills40.com/catalogue/.
  • The AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform serves as a virtual environment for interactive online courses, representing a completely new approach to understanding digital agriculture. Link: https://training.agriskills40.com.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000034651

All AgriSkills Intellectual Outputs are Open Educational Resources.

Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike 4.0 International License

Bridging Agriculture and Technology: AgriSkills Project Presents 47 Good practices showcased in a Reference Catalogue

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Learn from real-world examples, discover good practices, and gain insights that can shape your own journey towards excellence in the digital realm of agriculture. Within our consortium, we’ve meticulously collected 47 good practices, all harmonized within a specialized reference catalogue titled the “AgriSkills Guidebook on Digitalization in Agriculture.”

This catalogue serves as an indispensable complement to our training course, offering firsthand glimpses into the innovative approaches made by real farms and agricultural organizations. Furthermore, the catalogue showcases innovative technologies for small and big farms and agronomic services. All good practices are thoughtfully organized based on their areas of application, presenting a diverse array of use cases that illustrate their impact across the agricultural value chain.

Moreover, the guidebook offers insightful insights into the current agricultural landscapes of Germany, North Macedonia, Greece, Slovenia, and Austria. By diving into the unique challenges and opportunities present in each region, it provides a roadmap for cultivating the essential skills necessary for fostering faster and more sustainable agricultural development.

The feedback from stakeholders speaks volumes: “We’ve long awaited such a practical source of information,” and “This guidebook has proven indispensable, offering much-needed guidance.”

All good practices can also be found on the AgriSkills 4.0 eLearning Platform. The “Good Practices” section is organized as an interactive database searchable by various criteria.  You can easily select and access the ones that are of interest to you. Each good practice as well as the reference catalogue can be downloaded as a PDF file to your own computer for convenient reference. Access the platform here: https://training.agriskills40.com/, and let the journey begin!

Join us in this transformative educational experience and embrace the opportunities that Digital Agriculture presents.

About AgriSkills

“AgriSkills – Entrepreneurial Skills for Digitalization of Rural Agriculture”is a European project, funded by Erasmus+ Program. Our objective is to raise awareness about the digital transformation in agriculture and to provide a training program for entrepreneurial skills in digital, smart and precision farming.

The AgriSkills consortiumbrings extensive experience in business development, vocational training, digital technologies, innovation management, and regional development.

The AgriSkills outcomes stimulate awareness, knowledge, and skills of learners and trainers in the field on the issues of digitalization and digital farming.

The initial survey, titled “Uncovering Essential Skills for Adopting Digital Technologies in Agriculture” (https://agriskills40.com/goals-results/need-analysis-survey-findings/) is a study of the needs for the development of upskilling knowledge and competences useful for the adoption of digital technologies in agricultural production and management. The survey was conducted in five European countries: Germany, North Macedonia, Greece, Slovenia, and Austria.

AgriSkills Training Course (https://training.agriskills40.com/training/), developed as a ‘guided tour’ through the entire range of digital opportunities in agriculture, introduces the needed skills and competences implemented into a complete training.

AgriSkills reference catalogue,  titled “AgriSkills Guidebook on Digitalization in Agriculture” (https://training.agriskills40.com/catalogue/), promotes inspiring initiatives, good practices, and use cases with a special focus on fostering business development, thus making innovation happen in agriculture, especially in rural areas.

AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform (https://training.agriskills40.com) serves as a virtual environment for interactive online courses, representing a completely new approach to understanding digital agriculture.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000034651

All AgriSkills Intellectual Outputs are Open Educational Resources.

Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike 4.0 International License

Exciting Event in the World of Agriculture with BadenCampus and EIT Manufacturing

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In collaboration with the economic development agency of the Emmendingen region, EIT Manufacturing and BadenCampus, INI-Novation GmbH organized an exciting event in the world of agriculture on March 15th 2024.

Angela Ivanova introduced the AgriSkills 4.0 eLearning Platform, which highlighted the importance of continuous education and skills development in the rapidly changing agricultural world.

In addition to the keynote by Juergen Lieb from SICK AG, which offered a deep insight into the challenges and opportunities of the agricultural technology industry, the introduction to the Competence Center for Digital Wineculture 4.0 by Martin Linser was another highlight that showed how digital progress can be achieved even in traditional areas such as #winegrowing. This was also demonstrated in so-called “live demos” in the vineyard, where innovative equipment (drones, tractors) enriched with high-tech features (sensors, cameras, etc.) showed how these technologies can enrich traditional farming activities.

Speaking about innovative technologies: Experts from different application areas pitched during the event several technical capabilities and solutions:

  • VertiYard UG presented an innovative solution for vertical indoor farming that uses artificial intelligence and advanced imaging technology to make plant growth more efficient and controllable;
  • MAIWY revolutionizes vine disease diagnosis with an app that uses smartphone images and AI to quickly and accurately identify diseases;
  • OndoSense GmbH presented smart sensor solutions that provide precise data for monitoring plant growth, animal health, agricultural machinery maintenance and distance measurements to optimize agricultural processes;
  • Emqopter presented intelligent, autonomous drone systems suitable for a variety of agricultural applications, from surveillance to precise task execution; and
  • Nature Robots introduced a fully autonomous vegetable growing robot with advanced 5D (3D space, time, semantics) monitoring capabilities, enabling efficient navigation in agricultural and winemaking environments.

A big thank you to all speakers and everyone who made this day an unforgettable experience. The response and commitment of the participants was overwhelming and clearly showed that the innovation engine in agriculture is still running at full speed.

We’re still amazed by the great feedback I got from everyone.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000034651

All AgriSkills Intellectual Outputs are Open Educational Resources.

Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike 4.0 International License

AgriSkills Multiplier Event in Hochburg Emmendingen

Posted on by in AgriSkills, AgriSkills, AgriSkills, AgriSkills, Digital agriculture, Digital agriculture, Digital agriculture, Digital agriculture, Food innovation, Food innovation, Food innovation | Comments Off on AgriSkills Multiplier Event in Hochburg Emmendingen
AgriSkills Multiplier Event in Hochburg Emmendingen

We are looking forward to our Multiplier event on Friday, March 15, 2024, which is dedicated to the topic of digitalization of agriculture – AgriSkills 4.0 Smart Farming.

Angela Ivanova will present the AgriSkills 4.0 platform – a dynamic initiative to support up-skilling and re-skilling in digital agriculture in Europe.

Find out more about the latest developments and challenges in agricultural technology at our event, which will take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Hochburg Agricultural Education Center (Emmendingen).

Agenda highlights:

  • Keynote by Juergen Lieb on the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural machinery industry;
  • Technology presentations from leading companies such as VertiYard UG, MAIWY, OndoSense GmbH and more;
  • Presentation of the Viticulture 4.0 Competence Center by Martin Linser;
  • Live demos on smart farming applications and viticulture 4.0;
  • Live demo of the AgriSkills Training Platform by Angela Ivanova.

Take the opportunity to network and exchange ideas with leading experts and startups in this field.

Register now and be part of this exciting event:
https://lnkd.in/erthZGAP

Co-organizers: INI-Novation, EIT Manufacturing, BadenCampus

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000034651

All AgriSkills Intellectual Outputs are Open Educational Resources.

Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike 4.0 International License

AgriSkills E-learning Platform: Bridging Borders in Digital Agriculture Education

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We are thrilled to share the exciting news about the AgriSkills E-learning Platform—a dynamic initiative created in five languages (English, Slovenian, Macedonian, German, and Greek) to facilitate self-learning and vocational education and training (VET) in the realm of digital agriculture. Developed under a Creative Commons license, this platform is freely accessible to everyone interested in advancing their knowledge and skills in the field.

The platform contains four sections:

Embark on a transformative journey with our comprehensive Training Course, carefully crafted to provide a deep dive into the multifaceted world of Digital Agriculture. Accessible in five languages, this course equips learners with the essential skills needed for success in the ever-evolving landscape of agriculture. Engage at your own pace and discover the possibilities that digitalization brings to the field.

Dive into our Modules, designed to address specific aspects of Digital Agriculture. Whether you are interested in precision farming, smart technologies, or digital transformation strategies, our modular approach allows you to tailor your learning experience to suit your interests and goals.

Navigate through our extensive Catalogue, a rich repository of resources tailored to enhance your understanding and proficiency in Digital Agriculture. Practical knowledge is essential for highlighting successful digitalization practices implemented by others in their farms and regions. Furthermore, the Catalogue describes existing digital technologies and illustrates how farmers have already applied innovative solutions.

AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform: https://training.agriskills40.com/training/

Your Gateway to Good Practices and Use Cases

Learn from real-world examples, discover best practices, and gain insights that can shape your own journey towards excellence in the digital realm of agriculture. This is an interactive database searchable by various criteria.

Access the platform https://training.agriskills40.com/, and let the journey begin!

Join us in this transformative educational experience and embrace the opportunities that Digital Agriculture presents. The AgriSkills is not just a course; it’s a community-driven initiative, bringing together individuals passionate about shaping the future of agriculture.

About AgriSkills

“AgriSkills – Entrepreneurial Skills for Digitalization of Rural Agriculture”is a European project, funded by Erasmus+ Program. Our objective is to raise awareness about the digital transformation in agriculture and to provide a training program for entrepreneurial skills in digital, smart and precision farming.

The AgriSkills consortiumbrings extensive experience in business development, vocational training, digital technologies, innovation management, and regional development.

The AgriSkills outcomes stimulate awareness, knowledge, and skills of learners and trainers in the field on the issues of digitalization and digital farming.

The initial survey, titled “Uncovering Essential Skills for Adopting Digital Technologies in Agriculture” (https://agriskills40.com/goals-results/need-analysis-survey-findings/) is a study of the needs for the development of upskilling knowledge and competences useful for the adoption of digital technologies in agricultural production and management. The survey was conducted in five European countries: Germany, North Macedonia, Greece, Slovenia, and Austria.

AgriSkills Training Course (https://training.agriskills40.com/training/), developed as a ‘guided tour’ through the entire range of digital opportunities in agriculture, introduces the needed skills and competences implemented into a complete training.

AgriSkills reference catalogue,  titled “AgriSkills Guidebook on Digitalization in Agriculture” (https://training.agriskills40.com/catalogue/), promotes inspiring initiatives, good practices, and use cases with a special focus on fostering business development, thus making innovation happen in agriculture, especially in rural areas.

AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform (https://training.agriskills40.com) serves as a virtual environment for interactive online courses, representing a completely new approach to understanding digital agriculture.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000034651

All AgriSkills Intellectual Outputs are Open Educational Resources.

Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike 4.0 International License

Digital Agriculture Support: The AgriSkills Training Course is Released

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The Learning Path of AgriSkills Training Program

We are excited to share the latest updates and accomplishments of the AgriSkills project, an initiative that’s transforming the landscape of agriculture through digital innovation and entrepreneurial skills development. Launched in 2022 and funded by the European Erasmus+ Program, AgriSkills is on a mission to revolutionize the agriculture sector by fostering awareness and equipping individuals with the necessary skills for digital, smart and precision farming.

Our ongoing efforts are already yielding positive outcomes. The AgriSkills project is making a significant impact by elevating awareness, knowledge, and skills among learners and trainers in the field of digitalization and digital farming. We’re proud to contribute to building a community that is well-equipped to navigate the dynamic landscape of modern agriculture.

AgriSkills Training Course: A Guided Tour of Digital Opportunities

One of our key achievements is the development of the AgriSkills Training Course, designed as a “guided tour” through the vast realm of digital opportunities in agriculture. The course introduces essential skills and competences needed for success in digital, smart and precision farming. We’re closing a crucial training gap by offering this program, which is available in English and the languages of our partnership countries (German, Greek, Slovenian, Macedonian).

Training Modules and Insights

The course consists of five comprehensive modules, tailored to address the needs identified through our initial survey, “Survey Findings: Uncovering Essential Skills for Adopting Digital Technologies in Agriculture.” This survey, conducted in five European countries – Germany, North Macedonia, Greece, Slovenia, and Austria – shaped the foundation of our training modules. Check out the insightful analysis of our target groups’ needs here:

https://agriskills40.com/goals-results/need-analysis-survey-findings/

Accessibility and Application

The AgriSkills Training Course is freely available for use by anyone, and it has been developed under a Creative Commons license. Suitable for self-learning and blended learning, vocational education, and training organizations can integrate it into their educational purposes, ensuring widespread access to valuable knowledge and skills.

Explore the training modules here https://training.agriskills40.com/modules/ and join us on this exciting journey towards a sustainable and digitally empowered future for agriculture.

About AgriSkills

“AgriSkills – Entrepreneurial Skills for Digitalization of Rural Agriculture”is a European project, funded by Erasmus+ Program. Our objective is to raise awareness about the digital transformation in agriculture and to provide a training program for entrepreneurial skills in digital, precision, and smart farming.

The AgriSkills consortium brings extensive experience in business development, vocational training, digital technologies, innovation management, and regional development.

The AgriSkills outcomes stimulate awareness, knowledge, and skills of learners and trainers in the field on the issues of digitalization and digital farming.

Initial Survey, titled “Survey Findings: Uncovering Essential Skills for Adopting Digital Technologies in Agriculture” (https://agriskills40.com/goals-results/need-analysis-survey-findings/) is a study of the needs for the development of upskilling knowledge and competences useful for the adoption of digital technologies in agricultural production and management. The survey was conducted in five European countries: Germany, North Macedonia, Greece, Slovenia, and Austria.

AgriSkills Training Course (https://training.agriskills40.com/training/), developed as a ‘guided tour’ through the entire range of digital opportunities in agriculture, introduces the needed skills and competences implemented into a complete training.

AgriSkills reference catalogue,  titled “AgriSkills Guidebook on Digitalization in Agriculture” (https://training.agriskills40.com/catalogue/), promotes inspiring initiatives, good practices, and use cases with a special focus on fostering business development, thus making innovation happen in agriculture, especially in rural areas.

AgriSkills 4.0 e-Learning Platform (https://training.agriskills40.com) serves as a virtual environment for interactive online courses, representing a completely new approach to understanding digital agriculture.

Follow us on our social media channels:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/agriskills4.0/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/agriskills-4-0  

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them. 

Project number: 2021-1-DE02-KA220-VET-000034651

All AgriSkills Intellectual Outputs are Open Educational Resources.

Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial-Share-Alike 4.0 International License

Millennials for Millennials: Student Competition in Creating the SCCM Brand Identity

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The Millennials for Millennials project, “Social Competence Check for Millennials,” was launched at the beginning of October 2023. Immediately after the initial online meeting with all partners, the project lead team at INI-Novation GmbH decided to use a special approach to create the project identity.

Angela Ivanova, Business Development Manager of INI-Novation, contacted XU Exponential University of Applied Sciences in Potsdam for collaboration. Under the motto “Millennials for Millennials,” joint work began between the project leaders and five teams of students from the Bachelor program in Digital Marketing and Social Media, led by Prof. Dr. Petyo Budakov.

Over the course of two and a half months, several meetings were held, and the multiple teams of students competed with creative ideas for the project’s logo, banners, and flyers. During this period, the students learned a lot about the SCCM project. They enthusiastically shared their ideas and were eager to follow the project’s progress, stating, “This is one of the most interesting projects we have heard about. It will definitely be very useful for us!”

Prof. Budakov commented, “After our joint discussions, my students are always smiling and very enthusiastic.”

The final event was a grand occasion to announce the winners. More than 50 students, the dean of the department, and many other teachers and experts attended the event.

Special thanks to all the student teams. Choosing the winning brand identity of SCCM was very difficult for us. I wish everyone success from the bottom of my heart!

Beyond the Citylights: 7 Steps towards the Developing Digital Nomadism in Rural Areas with a Focus on Youth Work

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Odenwald © Susanne Fritzsche

Welcome to a future where rural areas thrive with digital nomad activity. This guidebook is your key to turning this vision into reality. Learn how to market your community, provide essential amenities, foster a vibrant remote work community, and ensure long-term success.

Whether you’re a local government official, entrepreneur, change-driven youth, or community leader, this guide is for you. Together, let’s transform rural areas into flourishing hubs for digital nomads, preserving them from outmigration.

Discover the growing appeal of the digital nomad lifestyle, where individuals can work online from anywhere worldwide. These highly skilled nomads, with disposable income, seek meaningful experiences in communities like yours. Rural areas offer affordable housing, breathtaking scenery, and a relaxed pace of life. Join us in creating a world where rural and digital coexistence thrives.

Learn more about youth work and what experiences you need to prepare a retreat for digital nomads! Explore financial opportunities for financing your retreat!

Read the Guide in English
Read the Guide in German

Digital Nomads and Youth Work – Impulses for Regional Development

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For many years, rural areas and smaller towns in the Odenwald have seen an outflow of young people and an increasing aging of the population. This leads to stagnation in regional development, social inequality, economic challenges and inadequate use of public infrastructure. Particularly since the economic crisis of 2008, migration has increased throughout the EU, with many young people often moving to larger urban areas in search of better opportunities.

At the same time, the digitalization of jobs and the emergence of new industries, such as digital content creation , digital marketing, etc., ushered in another trend: the possibility of remote work. This trend has continued to increase during the COVID-19 pandemic. The phenomenon of “digital nomadism” has also emerged, where thanks to modern technology, young freelancers can work from anywhere in the world and have the freedom to choose between different locations.

Since rural communities are often characterized by strong social connections, they could prove to be an ideal place for (digital) work and the life of digital nomads. Qualified youth work could therefore have positive effects for both digital nomads and local youth. Developing new opportunities for young people in the Odenwald will then help to stop migration and promote the growth and development of the region.

Are you interested in how digitalization and the settlement of young creative people can provide positive impulses for regional development in the Odenwald, e.g. in tourism? Are you looking for ideas to redesign “living in the country”?

Then we cordially invite you to take part in our discussion forum “Digitization – Mobility – Tourism: Regional Development in the Odenwald” on November 28th, 2023 in Waschenbach. The aim of this compact event is to show how developing new opportunities for young people in the Odenwald can help stop migration and promote the growth and development of the region.

Take advantage of the opportunity to learn about good practice examples and to openly discuss this topic with the speakers.

Address: Waschenbach community center, Maiacker 8, 64367 Mühltal

The event is free. Drinks, finger food and networking are provided.

12 reasons why you should visit Bergstrasse-Odenwald in Germany

Posted on by in Erasmus+, Erasmus+, Erasmus+, Erasmus+, Erasmus+, Erasmus+, Erasmus+, Erasmus+, Nomadland, Nomadland, Nomadland, Projects, Projects, Projects, Projects, Projects, Tourism, Tourism, Training, Training | Leave a comment
Aerial view of Frankenstein Castle in southern Hesse, © Biathlonua

The Bergstrasse-Odenwald region in Germany offers several attributes that make it attractive for both tourism and digital nomads. Here are some reasons:

1. A Germany’s Hidden Gem

The Odenwald region is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, including rolling hills, dense forests, and charming river valleys. It offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and nature exploration. The region’s scenic beauty and tranquility attract tourists seeking a peaceful escape and provide an inspiring environment for digital nomads looking for a serene work setting.

2. Immerse Yourself in History and Inspiration

The Odenwald region boasts a rich cultural heritage with its historic towns, castles, and traditional half-timbered houses. Places like Heidelberg, Michelstadt, and Erbach offer a glimpse into the region’s fascinating history and architecture. Tourists can immerse themselves in the local culture, visit museums and galleries, and experience traditional festivals. Digital nomads can find inspiration in the region’s historical ambiance while enjoying a vibrant community of artists and creatives.

3. Embrace Nature’s Playground in Odenwald

The Odenwald region offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, making it appealing to both tourists and digital nomads. The area is crisscrossed by an extensive network of hiking and cycling trails, providing opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty. Additionally, there are numerous lakes and rivers for swimming, boating, and fishing, providing ample leisure options.

4. Unveiling Odenwald’s Authentic Haven for Work and Leisure

The Odenwald region is known for its peaceful and authentic atmosphere. Away from the bustling city life, the region offers a slower pace of living and a close-knit community. This serene ambiance is highly valued by tourists seeking relaxation and digital nomads looking for a calm and focused work environment.

5. A Culinary and Cultural Journey Like No Other

The Odenwald region is renowned for its culinary traditions and local delicacies. Visitors can indulge in regional dishes, such as the famous Odenwälder Äppelwoi (apple wine) and hearty local cuisine. Exploring the local gastronomy adds to the overall tourist experience and provides digital nomads with opportunities to savor authentic flavors during their stay.

6. Where Accessibility and Serenity Meet

The Odenwald region benefits from its convenient location in central Germany. It is easily accessible by train, car, or bus from major cities such as Frankfurt, Heidelberg, or Mannheim. The well-connected transportation infrastructure enables tourists and digital nomads to reach the region quickly and efficiently.

7. Odenwald is Tech-Ready Haven for Digital Nomads

Digital nomads require reliable internet connectivity and adequate infrastructure to work remotely. The Odenwald region has made significant strides in providing high-speed internet access in both urban and rural areas. Several coworking spaces and business centers have also emerged, offering digital nomads the necessary facilities to work efficiently.

8. Thriving Community Life in Odenwald

The Odenwald region has a thriving community of artists, entrepreneurs, and professionals. This community creates opportunities for networking, collaboration, and social engagement. Digital nomads can benefit from connecting with like-minded individuals, attending local events, and joining professional networks in the region.

While the Odenwald region in Germany is known for its natural beauty and tranquility, it may not have as many dedicated coliving and coworking spaces as larger cities. However, there are some options available for digital nomads and remote workers who are interested in staying and working in the region. Here are a few possibilities:

  • CoWork & Sleep (Heppenheim): Located in Heppenheim, a town in the Odenwald region, CoWork & Sleep offers a combination of coworking and accommodation. It provides shared workspaces, private offices, meeting rooms, and fully furnished apartments. The space is designed to cater to the needs of digital nomads and offers a comfortable environment for both work and relaxation.
  • Coworking Space Erbach: In the town of Erbach, you can find a coworking space that provides a flexible workspace for individuals and small teams. It offers amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and a collaborative environment for professionals seeking a dedicated workspace.

9. Going beyond traditional workspaces

While not exclusively coliving or coworking spaces, there are regional initiatives and hubs in the Odenwald region that support entrepreneurship and digital nomadism. These initiatives may offer events, networking opportunities, and resources for remote workers. Examples include the Odenwald Start-up Center and regional economic development agencies that promote innovation and provide support to businesses.

As an alternative, you can also consider renting an Airbnb or vacation rental property in the Odenwald region. Some accommodations may provide suitable workspaces and amenities for remote work. It’s worth exploring the listings and contacting hosts to inquire about their internet connectivity and suitability for working remotely.

While the options for dedicated coliving and coworking spaces may be more limited in the Odenwald region compared to larger cities, the serene environment and community spirit can still be conducive to remote work. Additionally, exploring local cafes, libraries, or community centers can provide alternative workspaces with internet access.

It’s recommended to conduct thorough research, contact the available spaces, and inquire about their amenities, services, and pricing before making any decisions.

Overall, the Odenwald region’s combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, accessibility, infrastructure, and peaceful environment make it an appealing destination for both tourists seeking relaxation and digital nomads looking for an inspiring and well-connected work environment.

Learn more about digital nomadism and Nomadland project:

Go to Nomadland Project
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