From September 23 to 25, 2025, the vibrant city of Bucharest, Romania, will host the XXI European Rural Development Network (ERDN) Conference on the theme “Food systems transition for sustainable rural development.” This event will bring together experts, researchers, policymakers, and project leaders from across Europe, all united by the goal of fostering resilient and sustainable rural futures.
RUSTIK is proud to participate with a poster presentation titled: “Facilitating transition to a resilient and sustainable future of rural areas through Living Labs: The example of the Austrian Living Lab Nockregion-Oberkärnten.” The presentation will be delivered by Ingrid Machold from the Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural and Mountain Research (BAB), Vienna.
The Austrian Living Lab Nockregion-Oberkärnten focuses on the socio-economic transition challenges faced by small rural businesses (SRBs) — those with fewer than 50 employees — which represent 99% of businesses in the region. These SRBs are the backbone of the local economy, providing diverse services and employment opportunities critical for regional vitality.
The Living Lab’s core objective is to enhance the visibility and influence of SRBs in regional decision-making, strengthening their role as key drivers of sustainable development. The process unfolds in three iterative cycles that align research priorities with practical needs, define and implement data experiments, and translate findings into actionable strategies, policy designs, and development initiatives.
What to Expect at the Conference
The ERDN conference will offer a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, featuring thematic sessions with presentations followed by open debates moderated by experts. RUSTIK’s contribution to the session on rural transitions will enrich discussions on how innovative, data-informed approaches can accelerate rural resilience.
The conference will also foster collaboration across Horizon Europe projects, with panel discussions on critical topics such as the Rural Pact, sustainable food systems, and land governance. These dialogues will emphasize the need for integrated policies and community engagement to meet the ambitious vision of resilient rural areas by 2040.
Participants will also enjoy networking opportunities during traditional Romanian social events, strengthening bonds within the rural development community.
Looking Ahead
RUSTIK’s participation in the ERDN Conference will highlight the importance of Living Labs as catalysts for sustainable rural transformation. By sharing the Austrian experience, RUSTIK will contribute valuable lessons on supporting small rural businesses and enabling inclusive, place-based innovation.
As the project progresses, the insights gathered at this event will feed into RUSTIK’s ongoing efforts to shape policies and initiatives that ensure vibrant, resilient rural futures across Europe.
