• Objective 1

    amplify the voice of rural areas to bring them higher on the political agenda
Description

Organise a high-level event to showcase corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that contribute to the economic, social, and environmental sustainability of rural areas and strengthen cooperation between businesses and rural communities. The event promoted the exchange of good practices and highlight the role of CSR in supporting resilient, attractive, and inclusive rural territories. It also included a Rural Spirit CSR Award recognising individuals and organisations whose commitment has made a significant positive impact on rural development.

Themes
  • Resilient rural areas
  • Stronger Rural Areas
    • Stakeholder beneficiary(ies)
    • Citizen
    • Local Action Group
    • Private Business
    • Public authority
    Activities
    • Capacity building & knowledge sharing
    • Events & networking
    Expected Outcomes

    Increase knowledge and awareness of corporate social responsibility initiatives that support rural development, while improving the visibility of successful local practices and partnerships. Establish the event and the Rural Spirit CSR Award as a recurring annual initiative hosted in different rural regions each year, fostering continuous exchange, networking, and replication of good practices.

    Organisation/Company information

    LAG Regional Development regio3 Kitzbühel

    Local Action Group
    • 11-50
    • Regional
    TOPICS OF INTEREST
    LEADER/CLLD
    Status
    Completed
    Funding
    Action's fund
    National funding
    Budget
    Estimated budget
    EUR 15 000.00
    Planned additional investment
    no
    Further details
    Scope of action
    Regional
    Beneficiary country
    Austria
    Type of territories
    Rural area

    Results

    Key results

    • Number of people
      200
    • Number of projects
      10

    Final results

    The first Responsible Leadership Summit Tyrol was successfully organised on 17 March 2026  in Oberndorf (District of Kitzbühel), bringing together around 150 participants from business, academia, politics, municipalities, social organisations and the education sector. The event was fully booked weeks in advance and included a presentation on the European Rural Pact, strengthening links between local and European rural development initiatives.

    The summit created a strong multi-stakeholder platform for dialogue and cooperation, reinforcing the role of responsible leadership in supporting resilient, economically strong and socially balanced rural regions. Practical examples from municipalities, companies and organisations showcased innovative approaches in areas such as the circular economy, social innovation and digital transformation.

    A key outcome was the launch of the Responsible Leadership Award, which recognised outstanding local initiatives selected from more than 50 submissions. Strong partnerships were established with regional institutions and national organisations, including the State of Tyrol, the Location Agency Tyrol, the Innovation Network Kitzbühel and the F.A.Z. Institute in Frankfurt.

    The summit has been established as a recurring annual initiative, with the next edition already planned for East Tyrol in 2026. The event strengthened regional cooperation, increased the visibility of responsible leadership practices, and created a foundation for a long-term network supporting sustainable rural development in Tyrol.