DIGI-RLF: a cross-border initiative for the digital future of Rhaeto-Romance languages

The newly funded project DIGI-RLF: Strategic digital transformation for public administrations in the Rhaeto‑Romance area, supported by the Interreg Italy–Switzerland Programme, will run from 1.01.2026 to 30.06.2028 and addresses a shared challenge in the Italy–Switzerland cross-border area, ensuring the digital inclusion of Rhaeto-Romance minority languages.

Ladin in South Tyrol, Romansh in the Canton of Grisons, and —through an external partner— Friulian face increasing risks of digital marginalisation due to the limited availability of technological resources. This situation affects citizens’ access to public services and reduces administrative efficiency, while the fragmentation of linguistic tools hinders institutional cooperation across neighbouring territories.

Objectives

The project aims to improve the efficiency of public administrations by:

• developing a joint cross-border strategy for digital transformation;
• creating innovative digital solutions for Ladin and Romansh;
• promoting the digital inclusion of minority language communities.

A central goal is the establishment of a coordinated and interoperable ecosystem of linguistic resources that supports multilingual public services, reduces manual translation costs and increases the availability of official information in local languages. Knowledge exchange will also benefit Friulian public administrations.

Partnership and cross-border approach

The project is coordinated by the Repartiziun Aministraziun dla scora y cultura ladina under the leadership of Director Mathias Stuflesser, and involves the following partners:

• Eurac Research – Institute for Applied Linguistics
• Free University of Bolzanp
• Lia Rumantscha
• ARLeF: Agjenzie Regjonâl pe Lenghe Furlane
• Istitut Ladin Micurá de Rü
• European Region Tyrol-Trentino-South Tyrol
• Terra Raetica

The cross-border collaboration is essential, as the Rhaeto-Romance languages share common roots and similar digital challenges despite being located in different national contexts. By combining complementary Italian and Swiss expertise, the consortium aims to reach the critical mass necessary for the development of advanced language technologies and sustainable governance models.

By integrating artificial intelligence with the safeguarding of linguistic heritage, DIGI-RLF contributes to a more inclusive, interoperable and sustainable digital public sector in the cross-border region.