Research and innovation
Topic

Research and innovation

Latest news

© European Union, 2026
12 Jan 2026

New opportunities for rural areas under Horizon Europe in 2026-2027

The European Commission has published the Horizon Europe work programme for 2026-2027, outlining upcoming funding opportunities under the EU’s research and innovation framework. The programme includes several calls of direct relevance for rural territories, notably under Cluster 6 ‘Food, Bioeconomy, Natural Resources, Agriculture and Environment’.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
© European Union, 2025
07 Jan 2026

Share your views on future-proofing EU agri-food through research and innovation by 25 January

The European Commission is seeking stakeholder feedback to develop a new strategic approach to agricultural research and innovation (R&I). Submit your answers to the questionnaire by 25 January 2026.

  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
Brainstorming session with post-its.
16 Dec 2025

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.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform

Upcoming events

Second EU rural innovation forum

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
Calendar

Latest publications

Rural Vision Magazine | Edition 3
Magazines |

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
Highlights Report | Good Practice Webinar ‘Rural innovation'
Event Highlights |

Highlights Report | Good Practice Webinar ‘Rural innovation’

This highlights report outlines inspiring initiatives and practical ways to strengthen innovation ecosystems and empower local communities to drive local innovation action.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
Rural Vision Magazine #2
Magazines |

Rural Vision Magazine | Edition 2

The second edition of the Magazine features a range of stakeholder voices on the most pressing developments around the EU’s rural vision and Pact in 2024.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform

Latest good practice

Source: PoliRuralPlus project
© Clara Löfvenhamn.
Project | 01 Dec 2025

Connecting rural entrepreneurs in Skåne, Sweden, to the wider innovation ecosystem

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
© Institute of Educational Policy (Greece)