In Hajdú-Bihar County, Hungary, the MTAV pilot “Piloting a New Digital Silver Economy Hub” has created a space where seniors and local entrepreneurs can strengthen their digital skills and actively participate in the digital economy. By combining assessment, tailored training, and open-access resources, the pilot empowers rural communities to stay connected, informed, and digitally confident.
Assessing Needs and Building Skills
The first step of the pilot involved primary surveys in three rural municipalities—Nádudvar, Ebes, and Bojt—to assess digital maturity and identify the most pressing digital skill needs for seniors and local entrepreneurs. Based on these insights, the team designed dedicated onsite training programs with tailored content to address specific skill gaps.
Through these initiatives:
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3 onsite trainings were conducted, engaging 60 participants.
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2 training materials were developed, addressing general senior digital needs and the specific requirements of local agri-food actors.
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Over 300 citizens were reached through the pilot’s activities, fostering digital inclusion across the region.
Open Access Resources
The pilot also launched the Senior Point platform, providing open access to digital skill improvement sources for rural residents and stakeholders. The platform ensures that training and knowledge remain available beyond the initial pilot, supporting continuous learning and empowerment.
Institutions Involved
The pilot brought together local authorities, academia, and business organizations:
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Municipalities: Nádudvar, Ebes, Bojt
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Research & Academia: University of Debrecen
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Business & Support: Hungarian Chamber of Agriculture
Contact
Ms. Tünde Szabó
Senior Regional Development Expert
Email: szabo.tunde@hbmo.hu
Phone: +36 20 413 2673
Links
By assessing digital needs, offering tailored trainings, and providing open-access resources, the Silver Economy Hub pilot demonstrates how rural seniors and local entrepreneurs can embrace digital tools, strengthen community engagement, and participate fully in today’s connected economy.