In the heart of Spain, a startup is pioneering a approach to transform rural landscapes into smart, interconnected hubs of efficiency and innovation. Raúl Pastor, lead author and founder of Seam Start-Up in Madrid, is at the forefront of this revolution, merging cutting-edge technology with traditional agriculture and forestry to create what he calls a “Smart Agri-Region.” His recent research, published in the journal *Systems* (translated from Spanish), delves into the critical role of Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE), generative Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Natural Language Processing (NLP) in optimizing these rural environments.
Pastor’s work highlights the untapped potential of rural areas, not just as sources of raw materials but as integrated systems that can significantly impact the food, energy, and construction sectors. “We’re talking about a paradigm shift,” Pastor explains. “By applying value engineering principles and leveraging advanced technologies, we can turn rural regions into smart, sustainable ecosystems that benefit multiple industries.”
The research emphasizes the importance of engineering quality, reusability, and other measurable attributes outlined in ISO 25.000 and value engineering guidelines. These factors are often overlooked in traditional project decision-making processes, which can lead to increased risks and wasted resources. Pastor argues that integrating these considerations into program governance can mitigate these risks and enhance the overall value of rural development projects.
One of the key innovations Pastor’s team is exploring is the use of MBSE, AI, and NLP to automate systems engineering supervision. This approach allows for more efficient and effective management of complex projects, ensuring that value engineering principles are consistently applied. “Automation is a game-changer,” Pastor notes. “It enables us to supervise and optimize projects at a scale and speed that would be impossible with traditional methods.”
The implications for the energy sector are particularly significant. Smart rural environments can serve as hubs for renewable energy production, with integrated systems for solar, wind, and other sustainable energy sources. By optimizing these systems through advanced engineering and AI, rural areas can become key players in the global energy market.
Pastor’s research also underscores the importance of communications and services, construction, and renewables in creating smart rural environments. These sectors are interconnected, and advancements in one area can drive progress in others. For example, improved communication infrastructure can enhance the efficiency of renewable energy systems, while innovative construction techniques can support the development of sustainable rural communities.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change and resource depletion, the need for smart, sustainable solutions has never been greater. Pastor’s work offers a compelling vision for the future of rural development, one that harnesses the power of technology to create resilient, resource-efficient ecosystems. “This is about more than just technology,” Pastor says. “It’s about creating a better future for rural communities and the industries that depend on them.”
With the publication of this research in *Systems*, Pastor and his team are poised to make a significant impact on the field of rural development. Their work serves as a call to action for policymakers, engineers, and industry leaders to embrace a new approach to rural transformation, one that prioritizes value engineering, sustainability, and innovation. As the world looks to the future, the smart agri-region may well become a cornerstone of a more sustainable and resilient global economy.