DIVA Project: Innovation and Territorial Development

Discover how the DIVA project transforms territorial management through advanced digital tools and strategic collaborations.

Technological Innovation

Implementazione di soluzioni GIS e AI per una governance territoriale efficiente.

Strategic Collaboration

Partnership with local institutions for a lasting and replicable impact.

Project Overview

Objectives and Duration

The DIVA project is a two-year initiative aimed at revolutionizing territorial management through the integration of advanced technologies and collaboration with local institutions. With an overall duration of 24 months, from July 2025 to June 2027, the project focuses on research, development, training, and experimentation to create a scalable and replicable operational model.

During its two years of activity, DIVA aims to create a structured territorial database and an interactive digital platform integrating GIS and AI. The goal is to provide innovative tools for territorial governance and to transfer knowledge to local institutions, ensuring a positive and lasting impact on the communities involved.

Operational Phases of the Project

The DIVA project is structured into three main phases. The first phase, from July 2025 to June 2026, involves the creation of a territorial database through data collection and normalization, along with the development of UI/UX prototypes. The second phase, from January 2026 to March 2027, focuses on the development of the digital platform, including the implementation of analytical modules and AI functions. Finally, the third phase, from September 2026 to June 2027, covers validation, training, and scalability, involving public institutions and culminating in the release of the final version of the platform.

Development Timeline

Our journey began with a clear vision and a commitment to technological innovation and collaboration with local communities.

2023 - 2024

First Pilot Project

The idea behind this project began to take shape years ago, in collaboration with Landscape Architect Matteo Guccione, with the goal of developing an innovative platform for territorial analysis and public decision-making support. An initial attempt was submitted under an IPA call, but it was not possible to complete the application process.

The real opportunity came with the national NASRI (AKKSHI) call in 2024, which allowed us to further refine the model and propose a digital system capable of improving the management of territorial indicators and strengthening local governance. The project aims to enhance peripheral territories rich in environmental, cultural, historical, and gastronomic identity, offering an alternative to the traditional “Sun and Sea” narrative and positioning them as new cultural and tourism destinations.

The initiative received the support of the former Mayor of Berat and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation, marking the concrete start of our field experimentation journey.

2025

Territorial Consolidation

In 2025, we launched a structured process of collaboration with local institutions and territorial stakeholders, aiming to test and strengthen the platform through a participatory approach. This phase marks the transition from design to operational co-construction, involving public authorities, sector experts, and local communities.

The territory of Berat was chosen as the first experimentation laboratory, thanks to its rich cultural, environmental, and identity heritage, as well as the willingness of local institutions to invest in innovative digital tools to enhance governance and territorial valorization.

The upcoming workshops in Berat will represent a key moment to share results, launch technical training sessions, and strengthen the collaborative model between academia, public administration, and the local community.

2027

Applied Innovation and Scalability

In 2027, we plan to complete the advanced integration of digital tools based on AI, GIS, and automated information flows, making the platform even smarter, more intuitive, and more aligned with public decision-making processes.

The goal is to transform DIVA into a digital ecosystem capable of supporting local and territorial institutions in strategic planning, predictive analysis, and integrated data management, fostering governance processes that are more transparent, efficient, and participatory.

This phase represents the full maturity of the project: moving from field experimentation to territorial scalability, with the potential to replicate the model in other regional and international contexts to enhance cultural, environmental, and socio-economic heritage through data-driven solutions.

Main Features

Interactive Platform

A digital platform integrating GIS and AI for effective territorial management.

Advanced Analyses

Analytical tools that support the decision-making process through innovative AI modules.

Multi-language Interface

A user interface available in multiple languages to facilitate global accessibility.

Data Integration

Ability to integrate data from multiple sources for a comprehensive view of the territory.

Decision Support

Advanced functionalities to support the strategic decisions of local institutions.

Scalability

A scalable operational model adaptable to different regions and needs.

Expected Results

Project Objectives

By June 2027, we expect to have created a structured and replicable territorial database, supported by an interactive digital platform integrating GIS and AI. These tools will be essential for improving territorial governance by transferring key competencies to local institutions and communities. Our operational model will be scalable, enabling application in other regions and ensuring efficient data management in full compliance with current regulations.

DIVA Project: Timeline and Phases

Phase Title
Activities
Milestone
Infrastructure
Timeline
Partner
Informative Infrastructure
Phase 1: Creation of the Database
Definition of Indicators
Collection of Territorial Data
Database Implementation
Dataset Normalization
UI/UX Prototypes
Institutional Kick-Off
Server Installation at UCB
July 2025 – June 2026
UCB, Local Institutions, Potential National/Local Stakeholders
Digital Analytical Architecture
Phase 2: Platform Development
Backend and API Development
Analytical Modules
Integration of GIS and Territorial Systems
UX Interface Development
Testing and Interaction
Completion of Digital Framework & Beta Dashboard
Server and Institutional Data System
January 2026 – March 2027
UCB, Local Institutions, Territorial Stakeholders
Territorial Implementation and Governance
Phase 3: Validation and Scalability
Training of Public Institutions
Field Testing
Mapping & Feedback
Dashboard Launch v 1.0
Regional Replicability Strategy
Start of Training at the Municipality of Berat & Release of Version 1.0
Territorial Operational Ecosystem + Technical Support
April 2027 – December 2027
Municipality of Berat, UCB, Regional Institutional Network

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