S02-EP05 - The Smart City illusion: Why cooperation is the missing ingredient in rural development

The 5th episode of the 2nd season of podNECE presents a study that explores the application of the Smart City paradigm within small, inland Portuguese municipalities, specifically Castelo Branco, Fundão, and Idanha-a-Nova. While technological urbanism is typically associated with large metropolitan areas, the authors argue that "smartification" and territorial marketing are vital tools for revitalizing rural regions and achieving sustainable development. The study identifies specific local strengths, such as Agrotech innovation in Fundão and organic agriculture in Idanha-a-Nova, yet it notes a significant lack of direct inter-municipal cooperation. The authors suggest that these territories currently operate in parallel development paths rather than leveraging their complementary assets. To overcome challenges like depopulation and digital exclusion, the paper advocates for a shift toward integrative territorial governance. Ultimately, the sources conclude that structured collaboration is the essential "missing ingredient" needed to transform individual municipal efforts into a cohesive, competitive Smart Region.podNECE is a podcast by NECE - Research Centre for Business Sciences, University of Beira Interior, Portugal.