New OECD insights on strengthening rural innovation systems
A new OECD publication reveals how rural innovation is distinct from urban innovation in being driven by people, networks, technology and place-based creativity, rather than formal research and development (R&D) alone. It sets out concrete policy recommendations to strengthen rural innovation systems.
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The publication provides new evidence on how innovation unfolds outside metropolitan areas – drawing on a survey of 23 OECD countries and national case studies – and calls for effective policies to support rural innovation through approaches tailored to local realities.
Intended for policymakers and practitioners, the report sets out six policy recommendations to foster rural innovation:
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Establish preconditions for innovation by addressing the gaps in skills, digital infrastructure and access to services;
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Design policy for rural entrepreneurs by targeting policies to the needs of rural entrepreneurs and businesses;
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Build networks and linkages by strengthening regional connections to tackle challenges related to remoteness, smaller markets and limited local networks;
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Experiment for local solutions by supporting the creation, test and upscale of solutions by and for the local economy, involving a wider range of stakeholders;
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Facilitate with simplified and coordinated support by enabling access to services and one-stop shops for government services;
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Measure and learn with wide rural data access by setting up monitoring and evaluation of initiatives and improving wide public access to data reflecting rural realities.
It also invites governments to view rural areas not as places in decline, but as living laboratories where the seeds of transformation are already taking root.
Explore the latest Rural Pact resources on the topic of research and innovation.