During the project’s lifetime information on RUSTIK will be shared in this section.  The following public deliverables are foreseen in the project:

D1.1 Report on the methodological framework to define Functional Rural Areas and rural transitions

The report aims to define the concept of Functional Rural Area (FRA) and the differences/similarities with the current definitions of rural areas at the European level (including EU and non-EU countries). The report will be structured in four parts: a) The theoretical framework for analyzing the functions of rural areas; b) The current approaches to the functional area in the scientific and practical literature, with particular focus upon rural areas; d) Main proposals regarding the Functional Rural Areas and operational implications in terms of variables/indicators to be used and gaps to be filled; e) An indicative outline of the analysis of the 14 pilot regions to be conducted in Task 1.2.

D1.2 Synthesis report based on 14 narrative descriptions from the academic partners responsible for the Pilot Regions

Based on a standard outline proposed in Task 1.1, this deliverable aims to summarise the analysis of the 14 pilot regions. This report is structured into five sections: a) A short description of the pilot regions, concerning the main functions played by rural areas, the position against the three types of transitions; b) A first quantitative and qualitative analysis of the main functions and the dynamics under the different transitionsthrough available indicators(demographic, economic, climate-environmental, infrastructural (including digital means) aspects); c) An inventory of currently available data/ information, existing sources and main data gaps in this measurement attempt; d) An indicative list of modes of fulfilling the data gaps/needs; e) The relevant strategies of main stakeholders for the future and main concerned policy instruments. This report must be based on interviews of key actors, focus groups with local stakeholders involved in the LLs, inventory of current data and existing literature on the selected Pilot Regions.

D1.3 Report on rural proofing (RP): methodological aspects and implications for stakeholders

The report will be structured into five sections: a) the rural proofing’s role in the current European Rural Action Plan 20 and Rural Pact; b) approaches and methods of RP in the different countries (a short survey); c) the functions that RP can be play at sub-regional/territorial level and which use can be proposed in the living laboratories; d) the provision of a methodology of rural proofing to be discussed and tested within rural stakeholders in each Pilot Region in Task 4; d) operational implications in terms of data and information sources.

D2.1 Report on guidelines for LL

Report containing the basic guidance for data collection methods, from primary and secondary sources, design of data bases, and indicatorsfor impact assessment. The report istargeted to the personsresponsible for the preparation of Living Lab activities, that will participate as well in its elaboration.

D2.2 Comparative analysis of LL data needs investigations

The report thoroughly assesses Living Labs’ (LLs) data needs, emphasizing the role of the RUSTIK Information System and Core RUSTIK Database for local, regional, and policy stakeholders. First, it analyses LLs’ data availability, identifying common needs where collective action and collaboration can be beneficial, and the significant differences between LL that enrich the data experimentation process. The RUSTIK Information System, constructed to serve as an analytical interface providing valuable insights through datasets from the RUSTIK database, is presented, as well as future enhancements and integration plans. This system multiple layers, linking a central EU system with regional, Pilot Region-level systems, are also detailed. The Core RUSTIK Database facilitates data comparability and transferability among 14 LLs, while Living Lab Databases prioritize locally curated, relevant datasets. The report concludes with comprehensive guidance from the WP2 team, empowering LLs in data collection, analysis, and seamless integration into the RUSTIK System

D2.3 Report on data bases development

Report on the pilot application of agent-based modelling, using as input three LL databases. This report will describe the outcome of the investigation on how novel algorithms based on Artificial Intelligence may generate new data from 14 LL databases and/or estimate missing data useful for policy-impact assessment.

D2.4 Fully documented RUSTIK database system

Databases, customised software applications and report documenting it based on standard procedures, including data model, architecture, maintenance and exploitation. Report on legal and commercial aspects. All data and software free from third-party copyrights will be publicly available.

D3.1 Reports of Pilot Regions audits on data use and needs and transition policy challenges and opportunities

These will be short reports from each living lab to summarise their findings from the first cycle of work, taking stock of their data needs and challenges. CCRI will compile them into a single document with brief commentary on methods used. Further comparative analysis of the outputs will be developed in D2.2 (on data needs) and D4.2 (on challenges)

D3.2 Reports of results of 14 Pilot Regions experiments

These will be short reports from each living lab to summarise their findings from the first cycle of work, taking stock of their data needs and challenges. CCRI will compile them into a single document with brief commentary on methods used. Further comparative analysis of the outputs will be developed in D2.2 (on data needs) and D4.2 (on challenges)

D3.2 Reports of results of 14 Pilot Regions experiments

These will be short reports from each living lab to summarise their findings from the first cycle of work, taking stock of their data needs and challenges. CCRI will compile them into a single document with brief commentary on methods used. Further comparative analysis of the outputs will be developed in D2.2 (on data needs) and D4.2 (on challenges)

D3.3 Final synthesis report on LLs application and lessons learned

This will be a report which primarily reflects on the methodology of the living labs and its value for the project, summarising strengths and weaknesses and identifying lessons learned about how best to apply this method in rural development research. Note that the outcomes from the living labs will not be covered in depth – these will instead be fed directly into WP4, WP5 and WP6 deliverables (mainly 4.3, 5.1, 5.2, 5.3 and 6.6).

D4.1 Report on the operational use of data, indicators and evidence in the design and implementation of EU, MS and regional local transition policies.

The deliverable 4.1 targets to provide a “state of the art” overview of the operational use of indicators in a range of current policies, comprising climate change and environmental dimensions. This report is based on the results of WP1’s conceptual work and an overview of WP2 indicators. Main task of the report is to support implementation of the WP3 and pave the way to mobilise the living lab (LL) method effectively across all 14 pilot regions. The report will provide an analysis of the roles of a range of forms of evidence in the design, monitoring and implementation of specific policies addressing the transitions, at EU, Member State, Regional and local level.

D4.2 Report on the institutional structures and policy panoramas in the Pilot Regions

The deliverable 4.2 aims to map institutional structures and policy panoramas in the 14 pilot regions. WP4 will develop a systematic approach that will allow reporting the institutional arrangements in the pilot regions and distinguish different forms of multilevel governance. The report includes a thorough and comparative analysis of the 14 pilot regions.

D4.3 Report summarising comparative analysis and lessons learned regarding implied functional geographies, the use of novel and place-based indicators in policy development processes and rural proofing in the LLs

The deliverable 4.3 will comprise the overall analysis of the monitoring, evaluation and transferability of the transition policy actionsin the 14 pilot regions.First, the report targetsto assessthe comparable ‘place-based’ understanding of key issues, properties and challenges through separately developed transition narratives. Each 14 pilot regions will produce a transition narrative through common approach and structure that will allow a subsequent comparative analysis. Second, intervention logics, strategies, and transition responses in the 14 pilot regions are reported by applying a theory of change approach. Third, developed theory of change approach will be a base for reporting the extended to procedures for proofing and evaluation of existing or proposed policies. Last part of the report will include a comparison of relationships between variants of multi-level governance and place specific intervention logics. The report will also identify and report most promising policies that lead to good practice and success.

D5.1 Report on the analysis of the LL reports and findings on transition pathways

Outcomes of the LL process in 14 regions will be synthesized along thematic and spatial comparisons. Main topics will focus on Issues of socio-economic, climate change and environmental, digital and institutional resilience. Moreover, for all regions transition options for rural areas and recommendations for regional and European institutions will be core of the report’s conclusions.

D5.2 Collection of data analysis tools and assessment approaches

This report will summarize data analysis tools and assessment approaches elaborated through quantitative and qualitative methods and “tested” in different regional contexts by LLs. It will highlight on applications of existing and new data sources and its operability for supporting rural development strategies to enhance resilient pathways and required transition processes. Thus common learning lessons adapted to diverse types and challenges of rural regions across Europe are the primary target of this report.

D5.3 Report on rural impact

The report will conclude from regional case studies in LLs and present main interaction findings on rural change and adaption requirements for the design of rural policies to enhance cross-sectoral impacts for rural regions. These findings will be built on comparative analysis of policy processes in various rural contexts and aim at place-sensitive change activities that meet pressing transition needs of rural regions

D6.3 Dissemination activities and materials incl. practice abstracts

Report describing the dissemination activities implemented in the period, including main materials produced and the first batch of practice abstracts.

D6.4 Dissemination activities and materials incl. practice abstracts

Report describing the dissemination activities implemented in the period, including main materials produced and the second batch of practice abstracts and the policy brief/s

D5.3 Report on rural impact

The report will conclude from regional case studies in LLs and present main interaction findings on rural change and adaption requirements for the design of rural policies to enhance cross-sectoral impacts for rural regions. These findings will be built on comparative analysis of policy processes in various rural contexts and aim at place-sensitive change activities that meet pressing transition needs of rural regions

D6.3 Dissemination activities and materials incl. practice abstracts

Report describing the dissemination activities implemented in the period, including main materials produced and the first batch of practice abstracts.

D6.4 Dissemination activities and materials incl. practice abstracts

Report describing the dissemination activities implemented in the period, including main materials produced and the second batch of practice abstracts and the policy brief/s

D7.1 Data Management Plan

The Data Management Plan will be drafted covering the legal and financial aspects of primary and secondary data sources collected, harmonised or just generated by RUSTIK. It will describe the life cycle for the data to be collected, processed and/or generated. It will include information on the handling of RUSTIK data during & after the end of the research, which methodology will be applied to check data quality, whether data will be shared/made open access and how data will be updated and upgraded after the end of RUSTIK.

D7.2 Data Management Plan - update 1

Update of the first version of the DMP

D7.3 Data Management Plan - update 2

Update of the second version of the DMP covering second and third reporting period.