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Project Micropol – Smart Work Centers in Non-Metropolitan Areas

Alise VitolaCross-sectoral Coordination Centre

& Riga Technical University

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The Micropol project• The promotion of ICT and smart work to restore life and

growth in rural areas across Europe• Focus on smart work centers (SWC) – special premises for

distant workers and free-lancers in rural areas

• 11 partners from 10 countries – Denmark, France, the Netherlands, UK, Spain, Italy, Hungary, Slovenia, Estonia and Latvia (Riga Technical University)

• Results – good practice collection (25 practices), typology of SWCs, sustainable business plan and policy recommendations

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Smart Work – working independently of organisations’ headquarters

Personal benefits:• Time economy• Flexible work arrangements• Work/life balance• Living in rural areas &

working in a knowledge economy

Economic benefits:• Increase in productivity• Reduction of costs (transport,

real estate etc.)• Recruitment and retention of

staff• The image / reputation

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• Rurality (to varying degrees)• Shared flexible employment centres with a range of business

space with ICT infrastructure and capabilities• Proactively managed spaces with support for businesses• Largely public or community sector ownership

• Difference in the type of users targeted (SMEs, teleworkers, public service users)

• Difference in services provided to users (enterprise support, employment spaces etc.)

Smart Work Centers – common features

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• Konnu and Kolga - small villages ~40 km from Tallin

• Established in 2010 by 5 local women in Konnu; in 2013 moved to Kolga (10 km from Konnu)

• 6-8 people working in design, translation, projects, public services

• Communication and social life – events, projects, consultations etc.

Kõnnu / Kolga SWC, Estonia

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Awareness campaign Get Online Week in Estonia