SHERPA rural project repository
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
- Research and innovation
- Governance
- Digital
- Stronger Rural Areas
- Connected rural areas
The SHERPA rural project repository is an online searchable database bringing together research outputs and findings from projects related to rural areas. It was developed through the EU-funded SHERPA project to make existing rural research knowledge easier to find and use.
Access the resource
Author: SHERPA project
The repository enables users to search across research projects and their outputs, findings and recommendations. Information can be explored according to rural topics and keywords, as well as funding and research programmes. It also provides access to SHERPA’s own discussion and position papers on selected rural issues.
The database covers a broad range of themes relevant to rural development. Dedicated sections bring together research concerning the long-term vision for rural areas, digitalisation and rural governance, while the individual project records provide access to research addressing further rural challenges and opportunities. The repository is based on a structured SHERPA methodology for identifying and analysing findings from rural-related research.
Why it is useful for rural areas
The repository provides a single entry point for exploring evidence generated by different rural research projects, helping users identify relevant knowledge without having to search individual projects separately. The repository also provides access to SHERPA outputs that translate evidence and stakeholder discussions into policy and research recommendations.
It can be particularly useful for rural stakeholders looking for research evidence, project findings and policy recommendations on a specific rural topic. This can support policy development, research, project design and knowledge exchange by making existing EU-funded research more accessible.
Who is this resource for?
The database may be particularly useful for rural policymakers and public authorities; researchers and research organisations; rural networks and development practitioners; civil society organisations; and other stakeholders seeking evidence and research findings on rural issues.
About the organisation
SHERPA, Sustainable Hub to Engage into Rural Policies with Actors, was a Horizon 2020 project funded by the European Union. It brought together research, policy and rural stakeholders, including through multi-actor platforms, to support evidence-based policymaking and dialogue on rural issues. The rural project repository was developed as part of this work to capitalise on knowledge generated by rural-related research projects.
Rural Pact resources on research and innovation
News
New Good Practice Brochure spotlights inspiring examples of territorial development
A new edition of our Good Practice Brochure highlights six diverse initiatives that show how territorial development instruments and approaches can help improve quality of life in rural areas.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Creating the conditions to stay: insights on territorial attractiveness from rural communities
What makes people choose to stay in a place – or leave it? As the European Commission develops its new ‘right to stay’ strategy, experiences from rural stakeholders shared through the Rural Pact offer practical insights into the factors that help rural areas remain attractive, resilient and vibrant places to live, work and build a future.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument opens two new calls for proposals
The European Commission’s Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument has launched two new calls offering financial and advisory support for joint innovation projects. Apply by 12 November 2026.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Good Practices
Connecting rural entrepreneurs in Skåne, Sweden, to the wider innovation ecosystem
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
‘Learning from the Extremes’: transforming rural schools into digital learning and innovation hubs
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Publications
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
Good Practice Brochure 'Place-based innovation'
This first edition of the Rural Pact Good Practice Brochure focuses on place-based innovation and its role in addressing economic, social and environmental challenges in rural areas. It highlights how solutions rooted in local realities, supported by collaboration and tailored approaches, can strengthen rural development.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform
Rural Vision Magazine | Edition 3
The third edition of the Rural Vision Magazine features a range of stakeholder voices on the most pressing developments around the EU rural vision and Pact in 2025.
- Rural Pact
- Rural Revitalisation Platform