BackSMART ERA launches second open call to support community-led innovation in rural Europe
The Horizon Europe-funded SMART ERA project has launched its second Open Call, inviting rural communities to become part of a European network advancing community-led innovation and sustainable rural development. The call is open until 15 September 2026 and will support up to four new Follower Micro-Pilots with funding of up to EUR 90,000 per project.
Building on the experiences of six pilot regions across Europe, SMART ERA promotes innovative, place-based approaches that empower local communities to address social, economic and environmental challenges. Through co-creation processes and Smart Innovation Packages (SIPs), the project helps rural areas develop solutions that reflect local needs while contributing to broader European priorities.
A key feature of the second Open Call is its macro-regional dimension. SMART ERA aims to select one Follower Micro-Pilot from each participating EU Macro-Regional Strategy area: the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR), and the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP). This approach will strengthen cooperation between regions facing similar rural development challenges while facilitating the exchange of knowledge, experiences and innovative practices across Europe.
The selected pilots will receive financial support and tailored mentoring to implement and adapt SMART ERA’s methodologies in their local contexts. At the same time, they will contribute to the objectives of their respective Macro-Regional Strategies by fostering rural resilience, strengthening social innovation, supporting the green and digital transitions, and promoting territorial cohesion.
For stakeholders in the Baltic Sea Region, the call offers an opportunity to actively contribute to the implementation of EUSBSR objectives while joining a wider European learning community. By working alongside pilot regions from other macro-regions, participants will help generate practical solutions and transferable knowledge that can support sustainable development in rural areas across Europe.
Applications for the Second Open Call are open until 15 September 2026 at 13:00 CEST. Further information, eligibility criteria and application guidelines are available on the SMART ERA website here.
