Enhancing Rural Development through Innovative Data Experiments: Collaborative Efforts of RUSTIK Living Labs on the Balkan Peninsula

Collaborative Efforts of RUSTIK Living Labs on the Balkan Peninsula

The RUSTIK Living Labs (LLs) are now actively conducting their data experiments, looking at how to provide new data, identify new sources and explore them using innovative methods. The experiments aim to help rural areas better manage key transitions and challenges they are experiencing.

Collaborative Efforts of RUSTIK Living Labs on the Balkan Peninsula

Two of the RUSTIK laboratories – Zajechar and Troyan-Aprilsti-Ugarchin (TAU), both located on the Balkan Peninsula but on either side of the Serbo-Bulgarian border, have identified a similar transitional challenge – the unexplored potential for cooperation between food-related actors as a resource for territorial development.

In order to get to know both territories better and how to conduct a comparative data experiment, the members of the two LLs, namely RARIS – Regional Development Agency Eastern Serbia and the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Belgrade and Local Action Group Troyan-Apriltsi-Ugarchin and the Department of Sociology, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, organised a meeting hosted by Serbian partners.

During the meeting, both LLs presented their key socio-economic challenges with a focus on food-related actors and policies. Identified data sources were discussed together with instruments for data collection (questionnaires and interview guides). Ideas and materials for further conceptualisation of the identified data were discussed, such as social network analysis of short food supply chain collaborations.

Both laboratories have decided to obtain comparable data sets, explore similar data sources and focus on similar target groups when conducting their experiments. The aim is to identify common and different aspects of the ‘Balkan syndrome’ of unexplored potential for collaboration.

RARIS and LAG TAU have presented territorial instruments they use to support local actors, such as the regional brand Balcanica Superior operating in Eastern Serbia and various food-related projects developed on the TAU territory. Both RUSTIK LLs therefore expect to support local actors in rural areas, both public and private, collective and individual, business and policy makers, to learn more about their territories, make better informed decisions and adopt data-driven solutions.

Data Scraping Training Recap!

Data Scraping Training session Rustik toons at the workshop, talking to each other next to a giant computer with a presentation on it.

A Data Scraping Training session was hosted by MCRIT Multicriteria Planning, Work Package 2 (Co-design of data collection approaches, databases, and RUSTIK information system) leaders on 29 April, 2024. This training was tailored to meet the specific needs of Living Labs involved in the data experimentation process.

 What is Data Scraping?

Data scraping, also known as web scraping, is the automated process of extracting information from websites or databases. This enables us to efficiently gather large volumes of data for analysis, uncovering valuable insights and trends.

 Training Highlights

  • From Data to Geospatial Information: Participants learned how to convert raw data into meaningful geospatial information. This process is crucial for visualizing and understanding the spatial dimensions of the data collected.
  • Relevance of Geographical Information for RUSTIK: This part of the session highlighted the importance of geospatial analysis. Moreover, participants gained insights into territorial dynamics and learned how geospatial data facilitates informed decision-making in various domains such as urban planning, environmental management, and transportation logistics.

Scraping Techniques

Attendees discovered methods to extract data from various online sources, automating the process for streamlined workflows and access to up-to-date information. Tools such as Apify and Geofabrik were introduced.

  • Apify: A platform that allows users to automate web scraping tasks without writing any code, making it accessible to users of all skill levels.
  • Geofabrik: Provides geospatial data extracts and tools for OpenStreetMap, enabling users to access and process geographic data for a wide range of applications.
  • Transforming Scraped Data into Useful Information for Living Labs: the training focused on how to process and transform the data extracted from websites into actionable insights for the Living Labs‘ experimentation processes. Participants learned best practices for cleaning, structuring, and analysing the data to support their specific needs and objectives.

To conclude, as the training wraped up, it’s time to put the knowledge into action. Our Living Labs partners will leverage these tools for their data experiments. Stay tuned and follow the project to catch the exciting results!

Unlocking the Potential of Rural Tourism in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship

Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship embraces tourism as a beacon of hope amidst demographic challenges. From industrial vigor to rustic allure, join us on a journey of renewal and regeneration.

The Świętokrzyskie region, nestled in the heart of Poland, boasts a unique blend of industrial vigor in the north and rustic charm in the south. Encompassing vast expanses of land and numerous protected areas, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship offers an enticing mix of environmental splendor and cultural heritage. However, amidst its scenic beauty lies a socio-economic challenge that demands attention and strategic intervention.

The foremost concern facing the region is the adverse demographic trends plaguing its rural areas. Migration outflows, an aging populace, and dwindling birth rates have collectively contributed to a significant decline in population over the past two decades. The exodus of young residents, coupled with a burgeoning elderly demographic, paints a stark picture of the region’s demographic dilemma.

Recognizing the urgency of this issue, stakeholders have identified rural tourism as a potential catalyst for positive change. Tourism, with its promise of economic diversification and job creation, emerges as a beacon of hope amidst demographic gloom. By leveraging the region’s untapped tourism resources, stakeholders aim to not only arrest but reverse the tide of negative demographic trends.

The strategic roadmap for rural tourism development in Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship is underpinned by a holistic approach aimed at enhancing the region’s attractiveness, particularly among the younger populace. Initiatives to improve overall quality of life, bolster employment opportunities, and enhance access to essential services and cultural amenities are pivotal in this endeavor. Creating an environment conducive to attracting and retaining new residents is paramount to the region’s revitalization.

The Living Lab Challenge serves as a crucible for innovation, envisioning rural tourism as a transformative force capable of reshaping the region’s socio-economic landscape. By fostering the development of tourism infrastructure and promoting collaboration networks, the initiative seeks to elevate the region’s profile as a premier tourist destination. Moreover, through targeted marketing efforts and brand-building exercises, stakeholders aim to spotlight the myriad attractions of rural Świętokrzyskie.

Central to this initiative is the gathering of pertinent data to inform decision-making and guide policy formulation. While existing knowledge on rural tourism in the region remains scant, efforts are underway to conduct comprehensive research and data collection. Through social surveys, interviews, and meticulous inventorying of agritourism facilities, stakeholders endeavor to glean invaluable insights into tourist preferences, infrastructure needs, and the spatial distribution of resources.

In charting the course ahead, Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship stands poised at a crossroads, armed with the collective resolve to harness the transformative potential of rural tourism. As the region embarks on this journey of renewal and regeneration, it does so with a steadfast commitment to shaping a brighter, more vibrant future for generations to come.

Rural revival in Galicia: Navigating Land Fragmentation for Sustainable Development

Map of Spain with a marker for Galicia 's Living Lab

In an ambitious effort to address rural decline and mitigate wildfire risks, Galicia ‘s Pilot Region is pioneering a multifaceted approach to land management. Spanning 20 municipalities across the southern expanse of the region, this initiative aims to revitalize socio-economic structures while safeguarding the environment.

At the heart of this endeavor lies a complex interplay between land use and ownership patterns. With over a million land plots scattered across 2,653 square kilometers, Galicia grapples with staggering fragmentation, hindering the development of an active agricultural sector. Despite a significant presence of landowners – numbering over 110,000 – farming activities have dwindled, with only 5,700 active farms reported in 2020.

Population dynamics further compound these challenges, with rural areas experiencing steady depopulation driven by aging demographics and youth emigration in pursuit of better opportunities. Yet, amidst this exodus, a glimmer of hope emerges: a positive net migration rate fueled by retirees returning to their roots.

The challenges

Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Galicia’s regional administration has embarked on a comprehensive strategy, enacting legislation aimed at reclaiming agricultural land and fostering sustainable practices. Central to this effort are “model settlements” designed to encourage agricultural activity near communities, curbing vegetation encroachment and mitigating wildfire threats.

However, the road to rural revitalization is fraught with obstacles. Accessing vital information on land ownership proves arduous, while high transaction costs deter prospective farmers. Yet, the potential benefits are undeniable. Studies suggest that a resurgence in farming could bolster municipal economies by over 2.5%, breathing new life into struggling communities.

Moreover, the environmental stakes are high. As farmlands lie fallow, forests encroach, exacerbating wildfire risks exacerbated by climate change-induced droughts.

In response, Galicia’s Living Lab initiative embarks on a quest to reconcile land use and ownership. By leveraging existing data and engaging landowners, the aim is to unlock the untapped potential of underused land, fostering a symbiotic relationship between rural communities and their surroundings.

As Galicia charts a course towards a more sustainable future, the Pilot Region stands as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating the transformative power of collective action in the face of formidable challenges.