RUSTIK at REROOTED Seminar on Demographic Change in Rural Territories

On 8 July 2026, the EU‑funded REROOTED project will host the online seminar “Assessing impacts of demographic trends in rural territories. Research methods in Europe and Japan” (8:30–11:30 CEST / 15:30–18:30 JPT) on MS Teams.

Demographic change in rural areas is a growing concern worldwide, with Japan offering long‑term evidence of demographic decline while many European regions are only beginning to experience and measure similar trends.

The seminar will explore how demographic trends in rural territories are defined and assessed, which social, economic and environmental dimensions are considered, and how different data and methods can be used to identify and classify rural clusters.

 

RUSTIK contribution: functional rural areas and resilience

Francesco Mantino, WP1 leader in the RUSTIK project (“Conceptualising functional rural areas, transition, and resilience of rural areas”), has been invited to present RUSTIK’s work in Round 2 of the seminar.

His talk, “Exploring Diversity in the Rural Continuum: Insights from the RUSTIK Project”, will showcase the project’s methodological framework for analysing diverse functional rural areas, with a focus on transitions and resilience.

In particular, the presentation will highlight:

  • How RUSTIK defines and operationalises functional rural areas in relation to wider territorial systems.
  • The variables, indicators and information needs identified to analyse key transition themes affecting rural territories.
  • Approaches to assessing the resilience capacity of different rural areas and their responses to ongoing demographic and socio‑economic transitions.

By connecting these elements, the session will underline how RUSTIK’s conceptual and empirical work can support better‑informed policies and strategies for rural regions facing demographic change.

 

Dialogue with Japanese case studies and EU projects

The seminar programme is structured in two rounds.

The first round presents Japanese case studies, including research on landscape maintainability under demographic shrinkage, co‑creative planning in Obuse Town (Nagano) and rural inmigration and gentrification in Niseko driven by ski tourism. These contributions provide rich examples of how long‑term demographic decline is measured and managed, and offer valuable insights for European researchers.

The second round brings together evidence from major EU projects: GRANULAR on demographic expansion in rapid‑growth rural areas, RUSTIK on the rural continuum and functional rural areas, and the EU Rural Observatory on demographic trends in rural regions. This combination of perspectives will foster a comparative dialogue on data, methods and indicators across different territorial and institutional contexts.

 

Organisation and invitation

The seminar is organised within REROOTED’s WP1 “Understanding driving forces and impacts of demographic trends in rural EU”, and specifically Task 1.1 “Narratives and indicators of demographic change”. It is coordinated by Claudia Cassatella and Enrico Gottero (Politecnico di Torino), together with Chika Takatori (University of Tokyo), and will close with a final discussion moderated by Christian Fertner (University of Copenhagen).

JOIN THE EVENT HERE

RUSTIK at the 4th European Rural Geographies Conference

The 4th European Rural Geographies Conference took place in Porto, Portugal from 22 to 26 June 2026, hosted by the University of Porto under the theme “Reinventing Rural Spaces: Resilience, Innovation and Sustainability in a Changing World”. The event brought together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from across Europe to exchange knowledge on the futures of rural territories.

RUSTIK contributed to this year’s programme with two posters and one oral presentation, reflecting the project’s work across social inclusion, transdisciplinary methods, and digital innovation in rural areas.

 

Two Posters, Two Perspectives

The poster session featured two RUSTIK contributions, from the Institute for Rural Development Research (IfLS), the institution that coordinates the RUSTIK project.

Poster 1 — Comparing Social Inclusion Challenges in Rural Europe

“Comparing Social Inclusion Challenges in Rural Europe: Insights from Four RUSTIK Living Labs”,by Svea Thietje, Sarah Peter, and Carla Wember (IfLS).

Social and spatial inequalities increasingly shape rural development across Europe, yet their manifestations remain highly context-specific and are often poorly captured by existing data. Rural regions face challenges such as demographic change, limited services, and uneven development opportunities. The perspectives of under-represented groups are frequently missing from policy processes, highlighting the need for more participatory forms of knowledge production. Drawing on four RUSTIK Living Labs, this poster compares how different regions approach social inclusion challenges and explores what participatory methods can contribute to policy and practice.

Poster 2 — Knowledge through Transdisciplinary Methods

“Integrating System, Target and Transformation Knowledge through Transdisciplinary Methods: Insights from 14 Rural Living Labs in Europe” by Simone Sterly, and Carla Wember (IfLS).

This poster takes a project-wide perspective, presenting findings from all 14 RUSTIK Living Labs operating across 14 Pilot Regions in 10 European countries. It documents how Living Labs have experimented with new data collection and analysis tools, developed policy panoramas and transition narratives, built Theories of Change, and tested Decentralised Rural Proofing to address their specific transition challenges. The Integrating System, Target and Transformation framework is presented as a methodological contribution for structuring and advancing rural sustainability transitions.

 

Oral Presentation — Digital Innovation in Rural Areas

On 23 June, RUSTIK also featured in the oral session PS 3.6 · Changes, New Methods and Digital Innovation in Rural Areas (FCUP Auditorium FC6-029), chaired by Hossein Azadi, University of Ghent.

Under submission No. #100, Daniel Keech, Katarina Kubinakova, Aimee Morse, and Demelza Jones from the Countryside and Community Research Institute, University of Gloucestershire (UK) presented:

“Rural functions and digital transition: lessons from western England”

The presentation drew directly on the work of the Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire Living Labs — two of the RUSTIK Living Labs based in western England and Wales. The Gloucestershire Living Lab has focused on digital inclusion and data innovation, while the Monmouthshire Living Lab has explored demographic change through participatory mapping and dashboard tools. Together, they offer concrete evidence of how digital transition in rural areas requires social innovation alongside technological change — a key insight the presentation brings to the Porto audience.

 

Beyond RUSTIK’s Own Contributions

The RUSTIK presence at the conference extends beyond the project’s direct submissions. On 22 June, the Opening Session featured an inaugural lecture by Marion Eckardt from the ELARD Knowledge Hub — a RUSTIK consortium partner — under the title “From Practice to Policy: A Practitioner’s Journey Through the Development of Rural Europe”. It is a reminder that the conversation between research and practice lies at the core of what RUSTIK set out to do.

If you are attending the conference, the RUSTIK team looks forward to seeing you in Porto.

RUSTIK & GRANULAR Final Conference

CHECK THE AGENDA

 

The GRANULAR and RUSTIK projects are pleased to invite you to their joint Final Conference, taking place on 24–25 June 2026 at Fondation Universitaire in Brussels, Belgium.

Objectives

  • Present and discuss the key results of the GRANULAR and RUSTIK Horizon Europe projects.
  • Showcase the tools and policy recommendations developed over the past four years.
  • Share insights and experiences from the GRANULAR and RUSTIK Multi-Actor Labs / Living Labs.
  • Facilitate exchange and networking among stakeholders working on rural development and innovation.

Programme Overview

Day 1 – 24 June (13:30–18:00)
Focus on the main research findings and outputs from both projects, including local perspectives and contributions from external speakers.
The day will conclude with a networking drink.

Day 2 – 25 June (09:00–14:00)
Explore future perspectives for rural policies and present practical, on-the-ground experiences based on the projects’ impact.
The conference will close with a networking lunch.

Who should attend?

This two-day event will bring together project partners, policymakers, practitioners, and rural stakeholders interested in rural development and innovation.

Important information

Please note that participants are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs.

Heading to Brussels? Find everything you need to plan your trip in our Participants toolkit.

Event details

  • Location: Fondation Universitaire (Rue d’Egmont 11, 1000 Brussels, Belgium)
  • Dates: 24–25 June 2026
  • Language: English

 

CHECK THE AGENDA

*Registration is now closed!

Save the Date: RUSTIK & GRANULAR Final Conference

The RUSTIK and GRANULAR projects will hold their joint Final Conference on 24–25 June 2026 at Fondation Universitaire in Brussels, Belgium.

The two-day event will bring together project partners, policymakers, practitioners and rural stakeholders to share key results and discuss future perspectives for rural development and innovation.

On the first day (24 June, 13:30–18:00), the programme will focus on presenting the main research outputs from both projects, including local perspectives and contributions from external speakers. The session will conclude with a networking drink.

The second day (25 June, 09:00–14:00) will look ahead to the future of rural policies and highlight practical, on-the-ground experiences based on the two projects impact. The conference will close with a networking lunch.

More information, including registration details and the full agenda, will be available soon. Stay tuned!

RUSTIK Regional Dissemination Event in the UK: Creating Sustainable Rural Futures Through Data and Tools

The RUSTIK Regional Dissemination Event in the UK will take place on Thursday, 20 November 2025, from 13:00 to 16:30 GMT at the historic Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester.

This half-day event, titled “Creating Sustainable Rural Futures through New Data and Tools,” will bring together researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and community leaders to explore how innovative data approaches and participatory mapping can inform more resilient and inclusive rural strategies.

 

Event Highlights

The afternoon will open with a welcome and introduction by Professor Matthew Reed, Director of the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) and Head of Research at the University of Gloucestershire. His remarks will set the tone for a dynamic discussion on rural sustainability, grounded in regional and European perspectives.

Participants will then hear an overview of work from the UK Living Labs, presented by the RUSTIK and GRANULAR project teams. Confirmed speakers include:

A panel discussion will follow, exploring the role of spatial data and mapping tools in strengthening community engagement and shaping effective local policy.
Panellists include:

After a short coffee break, a series of lightning talks will highlight innovative approaches to using local data in rural policy development. Presenters include Michael Woods (Aberystwyth University) and Scott Orford (Cardiff University).

The afternoon will continue with facilitated group discussions, inviting participants to share their insights and ideas on the future use of local data for sustainable rural policies. The event will close with a plenary session, gathering key takeaways and reflections, led by the RUSTIK UK team.

 

Why Attend

This event offers a valuable platform to:

  • Discover how data-driven tools and participatory methods are reshaping rural development.
  • Exchange knowledge and experiences across research, policy, and practice.
  • Contribute to ongoing discussions on evidence-based, locally grounded strategies for rural sustainability.

Attendees can expect lively debate, hands-on insights, and new connections to support rural innovation in the UK and across Europe.

 

Building on Previous Regional Workshops

This UK dissemination event builds on the success of previous RUSTIK regional workshops, including recent sessions in Galicia, which focused on multi-actor approaches to rural sustainability, and earlier discussions on innovative responses to rural demographic shifts, in Finland.

Together, these events highlight the growing importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and adaptive, data-informed strategies in shaping the future of rural regions.

 

Check the AGENDA!

 

Rural Proofing in Action: Making Policies Work for Rural Areas through Data and Earth Observation

Tuesday, 14 October 2025 |  16:00–17:30 CET | SQUARE Brussels, Rooms 213–215

As part of this year’s EU Regions Week, join us in Brussels for a high-level, interactive session on “Rural Proofing: Making Policies Work for Rural Areas through Data and Earth Observation.” This session will explore how innovative tools, Earth observation, and data-driven approaches can help tailor policies that leave no rural territory behind.

Hosted in collaboration with the GRANULAR, VALORADA, and RUSTIK projects, this event will highlight practical solutions to territorial challenges and examine how rural proofing can be better integrated into multi-level governance and policy development.

What to Expect

The session kicks off with a panel discussion featuring experts from the European Commission, OECD, and local and regional governments. They will share insights into how rural proofing is being applied across different levels of governance and how coordinated efforts can ensure fairer, more inclusive policy outcomes.

Following the panel, participants will take part in interactive peer-review discussions, engaging directly with initiatives from the GRANULAR, VALORADA, and RUSTIK projects. These real-world examples show how rural proofing has been applied to support rural communities and make policies more responsive to local needs.

It will be the opportunity to hear from two of RUSTIK living labs, with Petri Kahila, researcher at the University of eastern Finland and Karelian institute, and Francesco Mantino from the council for agricultural research and economics (CREA).

Why Attend?
  • Learn from EU and international rural policy experts.
  • Engage with cutting-edge research and projects using data and Earth observation.
  • Network with policymakers, researchers, and local leaders.
  • Contribute to shaping smarter, fairer rural development strategies.
Featured Speakers
  • Alexia Rouby – Administrator, European Commission.
  • Betty-Ann Bryce – Policy Expert, OECD.
  • Christos Moutsios – Secretary-General, Region of Central Greece.
Moderator:
  • Jack van der Hoek – Mayor, Municipality of Schouwen-Duiveland.
 Practical Details
  • Session Title: Rural Proofing: Making Policies Work for Rural Areas through Data and Earth Observation.
  • Date & Time: Tuesday, 14 October 2025 | 16:00–17:30 CET.
  • Location: Square Brussels, Rooms 213–215.
  • Format: Interactive session.
  • Language: English.
  • Theme: The Right to Stay: Unlocking the Potential of Every Territory.

Registration: Session Full – Check the EU Regions Week platform for updates

This session aligns with the European Commission’s long-term vision for rural areas and reinforces the right of all citizens to live, work, and thrive in the territory of their choice.

We look forward to welcoming you to a vibrant exchange of ideas and practices that can truly make a difference in rural policy.

RUSTIK Workshop on Exploring Multi-Actor Approaches to Rural Sustainability in Galicia

RUSTIK, in collaboration with the Granular and Down to Earth projects, held it second regional workshop on October 9, 2025 in Sober, Galicia (Spain). This event brought together a

wide range of participants—from researchers and practitioners to local and regional policymakers—to explore collaborative approaches to rural sustainability and development.

The workshop responds to pressing, interconnected challenges faced in Galicia and many rural areas across Europe, including depopulation, land abandonment, and increased wildfire risks. These issues require systemic responses and a stronger integration between science, community actors, and governance structures.

Focus of the Workshop:

The session explored the Living Labs and multi-actor approach as tools to support multilevel governance and evidence-based policymaking. Through structured, participatory exercises, the goal was to identify what is working, what gaps remain, and how these methodologies can meaningfully contribute to regional development strategies.

 

Field Visit: Aldea Modelo Francos de Proendos (Sober)

As part of the workshop, participants took part in a field visit to Francos de Proendos, a small village in the municipality of Sober (Lugo) designated as a “Model Village” (Aldea Modelo) by the regional government of Galicia in January 2022.

What is a “Model Village”?

The Aldea Modelo initiative, led by AGADER and the Xunta de Galicia, is designed to revive abandoned rural land, promote sustainable land use (agriculture, extensive grazing, agroforestry), and create natural firebreaks to reduce wildfire risk.

Key facts about Francos de Proendos:

  • Covers 16.81 hectares, of which 12.87 hectares are usable.
  • Includes 119 land plots belonging to 70 different owners.
  • Land is integrated into the Galician Land Bank, allowing local producers to lease it for sustainable use while owners retain ownership and receive an annual payment.
  • Target uses include extensive livestock farming, short-cycle vegetable production, and woody crops like fruit trees.

Cultural and Environmental Context

In addition to its innovative land use model, Francos de Proendos also holds rich cultural heritage, such as the Romanesque Church of Santa María de Proendos (12th century), which features reused Roman materials and 16th-century wall paintings.

Why Visit Francos de Proendos?

The field visit offered a unique opportunity to:

  • Understand how multi-actor governance and community-based land management work on the ground.
  • Explore how Living Labs can serve as real-life platforms for aligning scientific, community, and policy interests.
  • Witness practical efforts to revitalize rural areas through integrated environmental, social, and economic strategies.

RUSTIK at the 10th EUGEO Congress: Exploring Rural Transitions in a Changing Europe

The RUSTIK project will contribute to the upcoming 10th EUGEO Congress, taking place from 8–11 September 2025 at the Austrian Academy of Sciences in Vienna. Under the theme “Geographies of a Changing Europe”, the event will bring together geographers from across the continent to address Europe’s complex territorial and social transformations. 

RUSTIK is taking part in the scientific programme with Session 106: The relevance of diverse information collection in research on transition of rural areas, scheduled for Wednesday, 10 September 2025 (09:00–10:30). The session is chaired by Prof. Ewa Korcelli-Olejniczak and Prof. Jerzy Bański, and features contributions from RUSTIK Living Labs in Austria, Slovenia, Serbia, and Poland. 

Session Focus: How We Know What We Know 

The aim of the session is to explore the role that different data collection methods—both quantitative and qualitative—play in shaping how knowledge is built around rural transitions. Rather than focusing solely on the findings of research, the session will spotlight the “how”: how data is gathered, how participatory methods are implemented, and how research processes influence both the outcomes and the territories themselves. 

Drawing on experiences from RUSTIK’s pilot regions, participants will discuss how data collection tools and methods affect participatory action research, and reflect on questions of transferability, universality, and replicability. The session invites a methodological dialogue on the tools and approaches that can meaningfully support the transitions of rural and peri-urban areas across Europe. 

Presentations from RUSTIK Partners 
  1. Combining Data and Stakeholder Engagement to Support Rural Transitions
    Living Lab: Nockregion-Oberkärnten, Austria
    Karin Schroll, Daria Ernst, Ingrid Machold (Federal Institute of Agricultural Economics, Rural and Mountain Research)
    A mixed-methods approach to mapping and understanding the role of small rural businesses, with a focus on spatial data and participatory validation through mapping workshops. 
  2. Supporting Social Entrepreneurship and Food Redistribution: A Modelling Approach
    Living Lab: Osrednjeslovenska, Slovenia
    Matic Soklič, Emil Erjavec, Ilona Rac (University of Ljubljana)
    Development of a system dynamics model connecting food redistribution to social impact, combining logistics data with qualitative insights from a social cooperative. 
  3. A Living Lab Approach in Functional Rural Areas
    Living Lab: Radomski Subregion, Poland
    Marcin Mazur, Ewa Korcelli-Olejniczak (Institute of Geography and Spatial Organization PAS)
    An exploration of methodological experimentation in a socially challenged region, highlighting the integration of bottom-up knowledge and formal data sources. 
  4. Developing an Inclusive Short Food Supply Chain to Meet Tourism Demand
    Living Lab: Zaječar District, Serbia
    Natalija Bogdanov, Saša Todorović (University of Belgrade – Faculty of Agriculture)
    Use of surveys, social network analysis, and spatial mapping to connect local food producers with tourism demand, aiming to build resilient, short supply chains. 

The session supports RUSTIK’s overarching goal to co-produce data-driven and context-sensitive knowledge that empowers rural communities and informs better policy-making. Participation in the EUGEO Congress offers a valuable opportunity to engage with the broader geographical research community on methods, practices, and the future of rural transitions in Europe. 

RUSTIK at the XXI European Rural Development Network Conference: Advancing Rural Sustainability Through Living Labs

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.

RUSTIK to Participate in the International Mountain Conference 2025 in Innsbruck

The RUSTIK project will be represented at the upcoming International Mountain Conference (IMC), taking place from 14 to 18 September 2025 in Innsbruck, Austria. The IMC is a key international forum dedicated to mountain research, bringing together scientists and practitioners from various disciplines to exchange knowledge and explore strategies for resilient and sustainable mountain development. 

RUSTIK will contribute to the conference through participation in Focus Session 3.196: “Mountain diversities for shared innovative solutions: The role of SMEs for sustainable and resilient development in mountain rural areas.” This session is convened by Ingrid Machold (BAB, Austria), with co-conveners Petya Slavova, Daria Ernst, and Nina Denisova. 

The session focuses on the role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in mountain areas, exploring how their innovative approaches contribute to local employment, economic diversification, and resilience in the face of socio-economic and environmental challenges. The session will highlight diverse examples from across Europe and stimulate discussion on how to better integrate SMEs into regional development and policy frameworks. 

RUSTIK’s contributions include three presentations: 

  • Understanding and Enhancing the Visibility and Diversity of Small Rural Businesses
    Ingrid Machold, Karin Schroll, Daria Ernst
    This presentation explores the contribution of small rural businesses (SRBs) in Austria’s Nockregion-Oberkärnten, focusing on visibility, governance inclusion, and their key role in regional development. 
  • Exploring Territorial Development in the Central Balkan Mountain Area through SMEs
    Petya Slavova, Nina Denisova
    The presentation analyses SME business models in three municipalities in Bulgaria’s Central Balkan region, offering insights into how different local contexts shape development pathways. 
  • Multifunctional Forestry in Transition: Challenges and Opportunities for Small Enterprises in MontagnAppennino
    Mirta Sutter, Brigida Marovelli, Daniele Matteucci
    This contribution presents findings from the Italian RUSTIK Living Lab, where SMEs in forestry are working to revitalise mountain economies through sustainable forest management and ecosystem services. 

Through these contributions, RUSTIK will share practical insights from its Living Labs and ongoing research activities, supporting discussions on how SMEs can foster more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient futures in Europe’s mountain regions. 

More information on the International Mountain Conference can be found at: www.imc2025.info