Knowledge hub

LIVERUR project resources on innovative rural business models

The LIVERUR project resources explore the use of Living Labs as an approach to developing innovative business models in rural areas, with particular attention to circular economy approaches. The EU-funded LIVERUR project ran from 2018 to 2021 and involved more than 20 European partners, as well as a partner in Tunisia.

Access the resource

Author: LIVERUR project

The project outputs are organised into three broad areas. The circular economy section includes practical and analytical outputs relating to circular approaches in rural territories. The innovative business model section contains reports and other materials examining existing business models, benchmarking approaches, challenges, business models identified in pilot regions, and the development and testing of new approaches. The Living Labs methodology section brings together outputs on rural Living Lab definitions, mapping and implementation challenges, as well as training, policy and knowledge-transfer materials. 

Among the resources listed are reports on business models, pilot regions, impact assessment, training activities, policy and the development of the project's Regional Circular Living Lab approach. 

Why it is useful for rural areas

The LIVERUR project resources address how innovation, cooperation and new business models can be explored in rural contexts. The project's approach starts from the premise that Living Labs are user-centred, open-innovation ecosystems in which research and innovation processes are developed through partnerships involving relevant stakeholders. 

The collection is particularly relevant for stakeholders interested in rural entrepreneurship, circular economy and territorial innovation. Its outputs include material on identifying suitable business models for different pilot territories, analysing implementation challenges, assessing impacts and providing guidance for implementation.

Who is this resource for?

The resource collection may be useful to:

  • rural and local authorities and policymakers;

  • rural entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises;

  • researchers and innovation practitioners;

  • agricultural and rural development organisations;

  • stakeholders working on circular economy and value chains.

About the organisation

LIVERUR (Living Lab research concept in Rural Areas) was an EU-funded Horizon 2020 research and innovation project coordinated by the Fundación Universitaria San Antonio (UCAM) in Spain. The project ran from May 2018 to October 2021 and brought together more than 20 European partners from rural and peripheral areas, alongside a partner in Tunisia. LIVERUR focused on Living Labs, innovative rural business models and circular economy approaches, and conducted research and pilot activities across selected territories. 

 

Rural Pact resources on entrepreneurship

News

Image by Oko_SwanOmurphy from Getty Images
15 Oct 2026

New JRC report looks at the state of rural innovation

A new publication from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) shows that rural companies are not inherently less innovative than urban firms, but they innovate differently. It identifies drivers and barriers affecting rural businesses and offers policy directions to support rural innovation.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
Read the new edition of the Rural Vision Magazine!
28 Sep 2026

Read the new edition of the Rural Vision Magazine!

Explore rural stakeholder perspectives on the future EU policy framework, integrated rural development and the Rural Pact in action across Europe in the fourth edition of the Rural Vision Magazine.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
Rural competitiveness: business support, local assets and social economy approaches
28 Sep 2026

Rural competitiveness: business support, local assets and social economy approaches – presentations and videos available

Strengthening rural competitiveness requires more than addressing the constraints faced by rural businesses. A Rural Pact Good Practice Webinar (17 September 2026) highlighted the importance of mobilising territorial assets and combining access to finance, business support, innovation and cooperation to create value locally.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform

Good Practices

© Marche-en-Famenne
Inspirational Idea | 29 Sep 2026

e-Square: a multi-service community hub in rural Wallonia, Belgium

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
© Burgas
Inspirational Idea | 29 Sep 2026

A hub for digital nomads on the Black Sea coast in rural Bulgaria

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
© Holapueblo

Publications

Rural Vision Magazine | Edition 4
Magazines |

Rural Vision Magazine | Edition 4

The fourth edition of the Rural Vision Magazine brings together rural stakeholder perspectives on a wealth of topics, including the future EU policy framework, integrated rural development and how the Rural Pact is taking shape across Europe.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
Good Practice Brochure 'Instruments for territorial development'
Brochures |

Good Practice Brochure 'Instruments for territorial development'

The third edition of the Rural Pact Good Practice Brochure focuses on territorial development. It highlights how integrated approaches like LEADER/CLLD, Integrated Territorial Investments (ITIs) and Smart Villages can help improve quality of life in rural areas.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
Highlights report | Good Practice Webinar on generational renewal
Event Highlights |

Highlights report | Good Practice Webinar on generational renewal

This highlights report showcases the main policy measures and examples presented during the Rural Pact Good Practice Webinar on generational renewal held on 10 June 2026.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform