Exploring Digitalisation on the Balearic Islands
From October 8 to 10, 2024, the vibrant city of Palma, Mallorca, became the center of collaboration and innovation as partners of the Interreg Europe Digital Islands project gathered for their first in-person meeting. Hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, this study visit marked a milestone in the project, which began in April 2024.
The event provided an opportunity for partners to deepen their collaboration, explore good practices, and strengthen the foundation of the project’s objectives to drive digital transformation across European islands.
Welcoming New Leadership
The meeting commenced with warm greetings from the Govern de les Illes Balears representatives, Susana Munar Sandström and Sebastián González. This was followed by the announcement of a leadership transition: Albert Ruiter stepped down, passing the reins to Dennis Sieperda, an experienced project leader with a robust background in digitalisation initiatives.
A Showcase of Island Identity
In a creative twist, partners introduced themselves and their islands by sharing symbolic items that reflected their regional identities. From the Netherlands’ traditional Schiersoap and stroopwafels to Mallorca’s sheep whistle, the diversity of cultures enriched the meeting and set the tone for collaborative work.
Delving Into Learning Tracks
A key focus of the meeting was the introduction of the three Learning Tracks (LTs):
- Economy – Led by Fryslân, Cres, and the Aegean Islands.
- Public Services – Spearheaded by the Azores, Mayotte, and Réunion.
- Quality of Life – Coordinated by Mallorca, Madeira, and Åland.
These tracks are designed to foster island-specific action plans through working groups, regional goal setting, and benchmarking. The first learning track, focusing on the economy, initiated its framework, including two working groups: digital skills for SMEs and data for the circular economy.
Study Visits: Exemplary Practices in Action
The highlight of the Mallorca visit was a series of study visits showcasing innovative digital solutions and sustainable practices:
- Port Authority of the Balearic Islands: Demonstrated a geospatial data model improving asset management and governance.
- TIRME Waste Treatment Plant: Presented Circulare, a circular economy initiative transforming hotel waste into agricultural inputs.
- IMEDEA Research Institute: Showed how digital tools enhance Mediterranean environmental research and societal knowledge transfer.
- Tianna Negre Winery: Highlighted agrifood digitisation through traceability programs, sensor usage, and production control.
- Bit Foundation and Digital Transformation Directorate: Shared insights into digitalisation services for entrepreneurs on the Balearic Islands.
- University of the Balearic Islands IoTIB Lab: Displayed cutting-edge IoT, 5G, and data analysis technologies.
- Travelgate X: Positioned Mallorca as a global tourism-data hub through its digital ecosystem.
Looking Ahead
The meeting concluded with excitement for future collaboration. Partners will next convene in Mayotte in April 2025, where they will review progress, refine strategies, and continue shaping the digital future of Europe’s islands.
The Mallorca study visit exemplified how islands can lead in innovation while preserving their unique identities. With strengthened partnerships and a shared vision, the Digital Islands project is set to create transformative, sustainable impacts for participating regions.
Stay tuned for more updates as the journey unfolds!