At Madeira, a team of software engineers at the University of Madeira loved to hike on the more than 50 adventurous trails in the splendid nature that the island offers. With the support of the regional government, they decided to apply their strengths to this favorite outdoor activity, to create the WalkMe app: a digital guide with all the information required for hikers on the island. The app offers a trail map and tour information, also without an internet connection, as well as points of interest, like waterfalls, lagoons and ‘levadas’. Since 2012, this WalkMe app is at the top of the list of applications of the Island of Madeira, downloaded by almost 100 thousand people, both tourists and residents, who explore the natural richness of the island. Being created by a team of local walkers, scientists and new ventures, the involved regional government and innovation agencies (including ARDITI, the Regional Authority for the Development of Research, Technology and Innovation of Madeira) are co-organizing facilities and means to maintain a leading position in this typical Madeira development area.
Source: walkmeguide.com
Example of strategy 2B:
Stimulate the Market for Local Products and Produce
Island municipalities and their larger regions can play a significant role,both directly and via indirect ways, in helping to stimulate the market for their locally produced goods and services. Directly: for instance, by becoming a -larger- user of the local producer’s services. Indirectly: by promoting those services or supporting the local organization with innovation subsidies and/or with the formation of a strong business- infrastructure, for example, with the options to trade and test local products during public events, e.g. festivals, fairs, etc.
