Research and innovation
Topic

Research and innovation

Latest news

Image by aluxum from Getty Images Signature on Canva
20 May 2026

AER meeting explores competitiveness and rural development in next EU budget

A recent Assembly of European Regions (AER) meeting looked at the role of competitiveness in rural development within the context of the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework. The discussion centred on the proposed European Competitiveness Fund (ECF), its interaction with regional development policies and the implications for rural territories.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
Image: ©NGO ‘Pērses krasts’ (Strengthening community identity and rural attractiveness through digital heritage and youth engagement in Koknese, Latvia)
06 Apr 2026

Inspiring initiatives on place-based innovation in our Good Practice Brochure

Discover six good practices that demonstrate how place-based innovation can boost resilience, competitiveness and social cohesion in rural areas in the first edition of the Rural Pact Good Practice Brochure.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform
New strategy supports EU eastern rural regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine
30 Mar 2026

New strategy supports EU eastern rural regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine

The European Commission has adopted a comprehensive strategy to step up support for the EU’s eastern regions bordering Russia, Belarus and Ukraine. Key actions for rural areas include investments in agriculture, forestry, innovation, connectivity and communities, and increased activities within the Rural Pact.

  • Rural Pact
  • Rural Revitalisation Platform

Latest publications

Good Practice Brochure 'Place-based innovation'
Brochures |

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
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

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)