Modern agriculture is largely based on new technological solutions closely related to the increasing use of information and communication technologies (ICT) and various software solutions, not only for monitoring, but also for managing production processes. In Bosnia and Montenegro agriculture remains largely dependent on manual farming, with technical and technological solutions being poorly explored. At the same time, both countries have strong ICT sectors employing sizeable number of highly educated professionals who develop front-end software solutions. Building a sustainable regional future for the large extent hence depends on the intersection of the two which, even though a concern that should be addressed in all parts of society as a critical strategic area for development and economic activity, has in so far not been given a fair attention in educational and training practices. With this in mind VIRAL project aims to trigger higher level of knowledge, skills and application with reference to use of ICT in agricultural education and training in both formal and informal settings. Henceforth, VIRAL connects key HEIs and industry learning communities’ participants in the process of co-creating and testing new in and out of the classroom methods and practices, initiating professional pitch competitions (hackathons), and spinning off a distinctive regional university-business collaboration platform. Core learning experience involving agricultural and IT engineering teaching staff and students and passing on the knowledge gained onto professional advisory services and collaboration practices with the companies in the field is realized through intensive training experience and study visits to European universities. On the impact level boosted ICTs use in agriculture underpins sustainable rural development, increases resilience of rural families, improves access of farmers to needed services, and further empowers women and youth living prospects in rural areas.
Overall project aims of VIRAL to support university and business collaboration (UBC) through accelerating the use of ICT across Western Balkans agro-communities. The concept is led by relevant regional AET facilities and based on enabling the use of different ICT solutions/techniques/tools in the classroom and outside of it in order to obtain desired integration of agriculture and it engineering which in effect reinforces UBC across regional agro-communities.
In BA and ME agriculture remains dependent on manual farming, with technical/technological solutions being poorly explored. Both countries have strong ICT sectors employing sizeable number of highly educated professionals who develop front-end software solutions. Building a sustainable regional future for the large extent hence depends on the intersection of the 2 which has in so far not been given a fair attention in educational and training practices.
<< Background >> In BA and ME agriculture remains dependent on manual farming, with technical/technological solutions being poorly explored. Both countries have strong ICT sectors employing sizeable number of highly educated professionals who develop front-end software solutions. Building a sustainable regional future for the large extent hence depends on the intersection of the 2 which has in so far not been given a fair attention in educational and training practices. << Objectives >> Overall project aims of VIRAL to support university and business collaboration (UBC) through accelerating the use of ICT across Western Balkans agro-communities. The concept is led by relevant regional AET facilities and based on enabling the use of different ICT solutions/techniques/tools in the classroom and outside of it in order to obtain desired integration of agriculture and it engineering which in effect reinforces UBC across regional agro-communities. << Implementation >> Implementation was hampered by COVID-19 pandemic, but 9 month non-cost extension enabled project consortium to achieve all envisaged objectives and results. Project activities were implemented to a very high extent in line with the work plan. The total of 39 activities distributed to 8 work packages were encompassed by project implementation. Project implementation was effective, all project indicators were met and many indicators were exceeded. << Results >> Purchase and installation of hard infrastructure/equipment; Organized EXPO events; Web portal; Created university ToT teams; Student pitching competitions-hackathons organized; Comparative analysis report; Needs analysis report; Practical Guide for the use of ICT in AET; Crash courses on ICT in agriculture; Video compendium; Improved competences of farmers, extension services, agro-cooperatives and SMEs, entrepreneurs, agronomists and students;