SMART-HUBs (Enhancing employment access developing NEET’ skills and capabilities to sustain the economic-SMART transition of socio-cultural-tourist destinations by CCIs HUBs contaminations) is an innovative cross-border initiative between Greece and Italy aimed at empowering NEETs (youth not in employment, education, or training), particularly young women, by building skills for employment in the cultural and tourism sectors. This is achieved through a digital learning platform that combines education with cultural engagement, promoting entrepreneurial, green, and digital skills essential for sustainable economic growth in underserved regions.

Central to the project is an e-learning platform that provides NEETs with interactive, user-friendly resources, including multimedia courses, video tutorials, and workshops focused on areas like cultural heritage management, tourism, and sustainable business practices. This flexibility addresses digital inequalities by reaching NEETs in both urban and rural areas, allowing them to learn at their own pace. and supporting skills retention.

SMART-HUBs also supports its platform to showcase regional cultural heritage. In collaboration with libraries, museums, and other cultural organizations, the project digitizes important artifacts, making them available online to foster local and international tourism interest. This integration of education and cultural storytelling deepens learners’ appreciation of local heritage while equipping them with practical knowledge in cultural preservation and tourism management.

Beyond digital resources, SMART-HUBs establishes six physical hubs across Greece and Italy. These hubs provide hands-on learning environments where NEETs can participate in practical workshops, on-the-job training, and immersive experiences using new media technologies like augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These interactive tools allow users to explore cultural sites virtually and simulate business scenarios, bridging theory with real-world application. The hubs also serve as testing grounds for new cultural engagement methods, encouraging innovation in presenting and preserving cultural heritage.

In addition to skill-building, SMART-HUBs fosters community engagement and capacity building among public and private stakeholders. Through a Capacity Building Program, the project hosts workshops and focus groups within the hubs, enabling collaboration among policymakers, educators, business owners, and cultural experts. These discussions shape the educational modules to address regional employment and cultural challenges, while also promoting cross-border knowledge exchange and best practices in cultural tourism.

SMART-HUBs enriches the cultural and digital landscape further through a series of creative events, such as theater performances and book-trailer workshops. Held at each hub, these events combine virtual and in-person elements, creating immersive cultural experiences that engage local communities and broaden tourism appeal.