DIH-SE is a Spanish-Portuguese project that was born last November with the clear objective of promoting economic activity and entrepreneurship in border regions, with the main reference to the silver economy. It is about creating a triple coalition that includes the introduction of innovative services for the silver population, the promotion of entrepreneurship through productive niche markets, and the sustainability of public systems. New technologies applied to the needs of older people living in border regions are the basis of this unique project.
Social interaction device installed in one of the “health homes”
The project is made up of several partners, each of whom, with their intellectual expertise, guarantees the implementation of high-value-added activities in the region occupied by the province of Zamora and the region of Trás os Montes in northern Portugal. Masu. In this sense, the Regional Council of Zamora is the main beneficiary, together with the Municipal Council of Braganza, the Caja Rural Foundation, the Burgos University Foundation, the Brigantia Ecopark and the CIM das Terras de Tras-Os-Montes. All actors involved are working together and gaining useful know-how in the field of silver economy at European level. The project will last for three years and has a budget of 1,636,823.57 euros.
Digital angiography for “healthy home” monitoring
Population decline and aging are phenomena affecting the entire European Union, but they are reaching unprecedented scale in states like Zamora. We must not forget that our state is the state with the largest population decline over the past decade, already exceeding 11.3% according to Eurostar and Population Challenge data. It is also the state with the highest aging rate in our country and the third highest in all of Europe.
Zamora has lost half the population it had in the 1950s. 65% of the population lives in rural areas. 50% for less than 250 residents. Only 16 municipalities have a population of more than 1,000 people, and 96.5% of municipalities have a population of less than 12.5%/km2. Another characteristic of Zamorano’s rural environment is an aging population. 31% of the population is 65 years old and more than 1,000 people. Celebrating its 100th anniversary, it is the oldest province in Spain and the third oldest in Europe. Only 13% of the population is under the age of 20 (the lowest proportion of all European regions). The Silver Economy seeks demographic and development solutions that make aging a driver of employment and entrepreneurship in rural areas.
The very similar radiographic picture across the border area is of concern to us and motivates the development of this joint cooperation project to combat population decline. Indeed, the silver economy today represents one of the most immediate solutions to the challenge of combating population decline. In states like Zamora, at least 7 out of every 10 jobs created are connected to the silver economy.
borders that connect us
Cross-border cooperation between Portugal and Spain is relatively recent, with its most active beginnings in the second half of the 20th century. However, despite periods of instability in its more than eight centuries of history, this border is said to be one of the most stable in history.
We now face an open and dynamic realm, where boundaries are blurring in favor of joint projects and initiatives. The accession of both countries to the European Union will greatly promote this path of cooperation and cooperation, which will be emphasized with their joint accession to the European Union in 1986. However, progress has converged between Zamora and Trás os Montes. The dynamics of the territory and its inhabitants.
The cross-border cooperation space has succeeded in overcoming obstacles and improving the level of development. However, there are also trends that are difficult to overcome, such as population decline, aging, and weak economic vitality. In the current case, the principle of “double marginality” also arises. This means a smaller population, fewer synergies, and ultimately a reduced ability to attract investment and development that facilitates population settlement. Looking at this X-ray photo,
The cross-border cooperation model implemented in the DIHSE project follows a multi-level co-governance process that ensures the active participation of all actors operating within the region. In this way, the project responds to a development strategy that seeks to challenge negative trends and reevaluate the cohesion and development of this space.
Project input
This project allows you to challenge yourself from a new perspective by focusing on the following activities:
Building a silver economy ecosystem. Through the development and improvement of research and innovation capabilities, we will promote the creation of knowledge and business networks for small and medium-sized enterprises and micro-enterprises, especially those related to the silver economy, and contribute to promoting digitalization and improving business competitiveness. system. Implementation of advanced technology in small and medium-sized enterprises in rural environments. Promoting the digitalization of processes through the “Test & Innovation” methodology, a methodology related to entrepreneurship aimed at the silver economy sector. THE DIHSE is an innovation space that promotes the digitalization of the Knowledge Exchange Laboratory created using the Mie approach. First, it provides companies with tools to help them undertake the process of transforming their business models based on sustainability standards and the opportunities presented by the new digital economy. Second, we provide high-quality training that contributes to professional development for professionals in companies within the region. And finally, we will provide entrepreneurs within the region with training in new cutting-edge methodologies for creating and financing new business projects. Innovation and SDGs in the silver economy. Health and well-being, reducing inequalities, and sustainable cities and communities are some of the SDGs that must be kept in mind when talking about regional cohesion. The Silver Economy Project reflects the needs of a declining and aging region and responds to these goals. The proposed actions focus on innovative solutions aimed at both the treatment and prevention of diseases associated with the population over 50 years of age, with digital treatments and treatments based on the dependence of each population and residence model. We provide monitoring solutions. Digital tools training and fundraising. The training of digital companies is one of the main challenges faced by the DIH_SE project, and we are undertaking two initiatives. Training companies on advanced digital tools that help improve their competitiveness. Secondly, the training of enterprises in traditional and digital financial processes, which contributes to successfully dealing with changes and new entrepreneurial projects.
The project therefore responds to the main challenges of the identified region, in particular the challenge of promoting economic activity of the region’s business structures based on digitalization processes and the growth of enterprises to a larger and more sustainable scale. to create quality jobs, retain talent, and generate new business initiatives.
The Zamora Regional Council has managed to make the silver economy a model for economic and demographic development through projects such as the recently approved INTERREG POCTEP 2021-2027 initiative DIH_SE within the framework of cross-border cooperation . Zamora has already managed to classify itself as a “Silver Territory of European Standards”, creating an open space for development and innovation under a clear model of co-governance, participation and the implementation of strategic alliances. are.
The geographical area in which the project intervenes consists of the territories of Zamora (Spain) and Trás os Montes (Portugal). Both rural areas are heavily affected by the aging population and loss of business base, as well as the depopulation phenomenon these areas are experiencing. The economic crisis that affected Europe in 2008 has left an indisputable mark on this border region, which would look very comfortable given the huge impact brought about by the coronavirus.
