Background
Digital Commercial Districts are an initiative funded by the European Union through the NextGenerationEU programme and integrated into Portugal’s Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR). Their aim is to bring new life to traditional commerce by supporting the modernisation of local businesses, combining tradition and innovation to create more attractive, intelligent and sustainable spaces.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the European Union created NextGenerationEU, a plan to help countries recover and prepare for the future. In Portugal, the PRR — Recovery and Resilience Plan - was created, including direct investment in the digital transformation of businesses.
This is how the “Digital Commercial Districts” measure was created, integrated into Component 16 - Businesses 4.0 of the PRR. This measure is coordinated nationally by the Portugal Digital Mission Structure, with the support of IAPMEI and local authorities.
The idea is to transform urban commercial areas into modern ecosystems, where traditional commerce gains new strength through:
- Technology at the service of local businesses
- A more attractive and interactive public space
- Enhancement of the territory’s identity and culture
- Closer ties between merchants, customers and the community
Supporting local means growing together
Project
Valença — History and Commercial Tradition
The Digital Commercial District project, Valença — History and Commercial Tradition, aims to revitalise and modernise the historic centre of Valença, integrating local commercial tradition with innovative digital solutions.
Mission
To recreate a commercial area of excellence that enhances the historical and cultural heritage of Valença, promoting technological integration in the consumer experience to attract more visitors and contribute to social cohesion and economic development.
Vision
To become a benchmark model in the digital transformation of traditional commerce, where history and innovation move forward side by side, strengthening local identity and boosting the regional economy.
Values
- Tradition and Innovation: Preserving cultural heritage while adopting modern technologies to improve the commercial experience.
- Sustainability: Promoting practices that combine the digital transition with the green transition, contributing to responsible economic development.
- Collaboration: Fostering partnerships between merchants, local entities and technology partners for the effective implementation of digital solutions.
- Accessibility: Ensuring that technological innovations are within everyone’s reach, improving the consumer experience for residents and visitors.
Project Figures
Products
Shops
Events
Occupancy Rate in the Fortress
Area of Operation
Map
Our digital district, named Valença Digital, is centred on the Fortress of Valença, where tradition and innovation come together through interventions designed to stimulate commerce, attract people and create new opportunities.
Who makes it all possible
The Team
The success of the “Valença — History and Commercial Tradition” Digital Commercial District is based on a multidisciplinary and collaborative team, made up of public and associative entities, as well as professionals dedicated to implementing each measure of the action plan.
Municipality of Valença – Promoting Entity
Responsible for the institutional leadership, administrative and financial management of the project, coordination with the PRR and implementation of urban regeneration and public space digitalisation measures.
CEVAL – Confederação Empresarial do Alto Minho
Responsible for merchant capacity-building, digital training, the development of training content and support for the integration of businesses into the digital platform.
