Bridge the Rural Digital Divide: The EU Project XGain Launches the Knowledge Facilitation Tool

The European project XGain proudly announces the launch of its flagship outcome: the Knowledge Facilitation Tool (KFT). Developed over the course of the three-year initiative, the KFT is a web-based platform designed to help rural stakeholders identify and evaluate the best digital infrastructure solutions tailored to their specific needs. 

Rural areas across Europe often face significant delays in adopting advanced technologies such as 5G or edge computing. The KFT addresses this digital gap by offering tailored recommendations that combine technological feasibility with socio-economic and environmental sustainability. 

Accessible via a user-friendly interface, the KFT guides users—ranging from farmers and SMEs to public authorities—through a series of simple selections and questions. These inputs help determine suitable technology mixes and deployment options. The tool evaluates each option across four pillars: technological, economic, environmental, and social impact. 

Key features include: 

• Personalized technology recommendations based on user needs, location, and device data. 

• Socio-environmental impact reports assessing inclusion, emissions, energy use, and biodiversity. 

• Techno-economic assessments, offering insights on CAPEX, OPEX, and cost trends. 

• Business model generation, supporting users in designing sustainable and value-driven approaches. 

The KFT has been tested through internal pilot cases and external user workshops, with feedback incorporated into the final design. Over 80 rural stakeholder groups contributed to the tool’s development, ensuring a grounded and user-oriented result. 

XGain is a research project funded by the European Union with a total grant of approximately 5 million euros. The project brings together a consortium of 17 partners from 12 countries, combining technical, academic, and local expertise. Its mission is to close the digital divide in rural and remote areas by promoting inclusive, sustainable, and innovative ICT solutions tailored to local needs.  

As XGain approaches its completion in August 2025, the launch of the KFT represents a major milestone toward digital inclusion and rural resilience. 

Visit the project’s website to explore the KFT and learn more about the XGain project.