Rural areas and rural communities
This European Commission AgriResearch factsheet provides an overview of EU research and innovation supporting rural areas and rural communities, particularly projects funded through Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe. It explains the role of research and innovation in understanding rural dynamics, needs and drivers of change and in supporting sustainable, balanced, fair and inclusive rural development.
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Author: Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), European Commission
The factsheet highlights the diversity of rural areas and the different challenges they can face, including ageing, depopulation, poverty, limited employment opportunities and access to services, infrastructure and amenities. It connects EU-funded research and innovation with the objectives of the EU rural visionand its ambition for stronger, connected, resilient and prosperous rural communities.
It provides a snapshot of EU investment in this field, identifying 15 Horizon 2020 and 13 Horizon Europe projects, with EU contributions of EUR 80 million and EUR 65 million respectively.
The factsheet presents examples of projects addressing three areas in greater detail: new entrants into farming and rural areas; better understanding of rural diversity to support policies tailored to different rural contexts; and women-led innovation in agriculture and rural areas. These include RURALIZATION, GRANULAR, RUSTIK, FLIARA, GRASS Ceiling and SWIFT.
A dedicated project overview on page 3 provides links to a broader selection of Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe initiatives covering topics such as social innovation, rural-urban relations, digitalisation, migration, cultural tourism, connectivity, nature-based solutions and rural community empowerment. The factsheet also directs readers to related EU initiatives, including Smart Villages and the Startup Village Forum.
Why it is useful for rural areas
The factsheet offers a concise entry point to EU-funded research and innovation specifically addressing rural areas and communities. Rather than exploring individual research findings in depth, its value lies in mapping a broad range of projects and directing users towards further information and results through CORDIS.
It can help rural stakeholders identify research, knowledge, tools and project experience relevant to their particular interests, from rural innovation and entrepreneurship to gender equality, demographic change, connectivity and territorial governance. It also illustrates how EU research and innovation contributes to the objectives of the long-term vision for rural areas.
Who is this resource for?
The resource may be particularly useful for rural policymakers and public authorities; researchers and research organisations; rural networks and development practitioners; Local Action Groups; innovation actors; and other stakeholders looking for EU-funded research and projects addressing rural challenges and opportunities.
About the organisation
The factsheet was produced by the European Commission as part of its AgriResearch information resources. EU agricultural research and innovation supports the development and sharing of knowledge and innovative solutions for agriculture, forestry and rural areas, including through research funded under the EU’s Horizon programmes.
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