Local cheese producers and Hotel Sunce agree on trial supply partnership

A Living Lab meeting under the RUSTIK project brings together dairy producers from the Municipality of Boljevac and Sokobanja’s flagship hotel to shorten the farm-to-table chain.

On 27 April 2026, Hotel Sunce in Sokobanja hosted a Living Lab meeting organized by RARIS (the Regional Development Agency for Eastern Serbia) and the Municipality of Boljevac. The gathering brought together dairy farmers and cheese producers from the Boljevac area and representatives of Hotel Sunce — one of the most prominent hotels in the Sokobanja tourist destination.

The meeting was convened to address a well-documented gap in local food supply chains: despite the richness of the region’s agricultural output, locally produced goods remain underrepresented in the menus and offerings of tourist facilities. A group of family farms and dairy company attended, each presenting product samples directly to Hotel Sunce’s management team.

The session concluded with a concrete agreement: Hotel Sunce will purchase trial quantities across the full range of products offered by the participating producers. Based on guest feedback received during this pilot phase, the Hotel intends to move to regular orders from local suppliers.

 

Research background

This meeting is a direct practical outcome of data experiment carried out under the RUSTIK project to improve short food supply chains in the region. In Sokobanja and Boljevac, researchers interviewed 37 restaurants, hotels, and rural tourism households, 29 agricultural holdings, and 12 small and medium-sized agri-food businesses. A key finding was that local products are insufficiently present in the tourist offering — a gap this partnership now directly begins to close.

“With today’s concrete agreements, we are creating the conditions for a stronger connection between tourism and agriculture.” — RARIS / RUSTIK project team.

Living Labs in Action: creating sustainable rural futures through new data and tools

The UK RUSTIK Regional Dissemination Event, held on 20 November 2025 at the historic Blackfriars Priory in Gloucester, brought together around 40 participants representing research, local government, community organisations, and policy. Titled “Creating Sustainable Rural Futures through New Data and Tools,” the half-day workshop explored how innovative data approaches and participatory mapping can inform more resilient and inclusive rural strategies.

 

Opening and Context

The event opened with welcoming remarks from Professor Matthew Reed, Director of the Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) and Head of Research at the University of Gloucestershire. His introduction set the tone for an afternoon focused on rural sustainability, grounded in both regional experience and wider European collaborations.

Participants then received updates from the UK Living Labs across the RUSTIK and GRANULAR projects. Speakers included Daniel Keech and Katarina Kubinakova (Gloucestershire Living Lab), Aimee Morse (Monmouthshire Living Lab), Demelza Jones (Monmouthshire County Council), and Jonathan Hopkins (James Hutton Institute, GRANULAR Scotland Living Lab).

 

Insights from the Living Labs

 

1. Monmouthshire Living Lab – Understanding demographic change

Aimee Morse and Demelza Jones presented a data experiment on demographic change implemented as part of the Living Lab, exploring ways to achieve better demographic balance by retaining and attracting younger working-aged people to live and work in the county. Their three-step approach included:

  1. Developing a prototype dashboard, using Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation data and satellite imagery.
  2. Gathering new data with Maptionnaire, targeting residents aged 16–44 to address gaps in existing datasets. Several interviews and focus groups were conducted to complement the survey.
  3. Analysing results to support local planning and decision-making.

Key issues affecting liveability for younger residents included high housing and living costs, limited educational and employment opportunities, public transport constraints, and a lack of social, leisure, or retail options. Positive comments highlighted green spaces, access to the countryside, and a peaceful, safe environment.

The findings provide Monmouthshire County Council with a baseline dataset on a group they previously had little information about, offering granular insights that can support decisions where “official statistics flatten local rural variations.”

Next steps include linking findings with the UKRI-funded Rural Wales Local Policy and Innovation Partnership, contributing to the Well-being of Future Generations Act regional wellbeing assessment, and undertaking deeper research on the public transport needs of younger working-age residents.

 

2. GRANULAR Scotland – New rural data for policy

From the James Hutton Institute, Jonathan Hopkins presented work from the GRANULAR project’s Scottish Living Lab. With 24 partners, 7 Living Labs, and 9 replication labs, GRANULAR focuses on generating spatially detailed rural knowledge.

Hopkins discussed research on:

  • Drivers of rural wellbeing advantages in Great Britain.
  • Daily mobility patterns and accessibility.
  • Rural proofing in collaboration with Ecorys.

The team confirmed the “rural wellbeing advantage”, a paradox where rural areas report higher subjective wellbeing despite reduced access to services—using a broad suite of geographic, socioeconomic, and environmental variables.

 

3. Gloucestershire Living Lab – Digital inclusion and data innovation

The Gloucestershire Living Lab team, represented by Daniel Keech and Katarina Kubinakova, presented work on digital transition challenges in the county’s four rural districts (additionally, there are two mainly urban districts in the county). Partnering with community-sector providers, a smart dashboard was developed by the University of Gloucestershire team enabling users (predominantly voluntary sector organisations) to import datasets, clean data, and perform analyses based on geographical levels. The dashboard also supports cross-reference analysis across different datasets and includes heat-map visualisation for both numerical and categorical data.

The Gloucestershire LL team also briefly presented some preliminary findings from their recent online survey linked to decentralised rural proofing of the DIIIS.  The survey shows that most digital support is directed towards vulnerable people, and that organisations targeting rural areas consistently report greater difficulty due to resource constraints and a rapidly changing public-service environment.

A key takeaway: fine-grain data doesn’t always inform policy, but the dashboard marks a significant improvement in rural data analysis, though its success also depends on social innovation and clearer strategic direction for rural digital transformation.

 

Panel: Mapping Tools for Policy and Engagement

A panel discussion chaired by Demelza Jones brought together:

The panel explored how mapping tools, participatory surveys, creative place-based methods, and continuous community dialogue can strengthen evidence-based policy. Scott Orford showcased work using poetry, videos, storytelling, and open-street mappers to mobilise community insights. Asta Hiippala highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue rather than one-off extraction of data, noting how some cities, such as Helsinki, publish anonymised results openly to encourage transparency.

After the break, lightning talks provided additional examples of how local data can support rural policy development and informed the day’s final activity: group discussions.

 

Rural Wales Local Policy and Innovation Partnership – Strengthening evidence for policy

The Rural Wales LPIP‘s work on building a wellbeing economy for rural Wales, with a focus on inclusive and sustainable growth was presented by Matthew Reed, on behalf of Professor Michael Woods (Aberystwyth University) and Scott Orford.

The projects approach includes:

  • Strengthening the evidence base for rural policymaking.
  • Community-led action research, enabling communities to identify local issues, design research, and use evidence.
  • A new LPIP data hub, designed to support stakeholders across rural Wales.

This work complements that of the RUSTIK Living Labs by expanding data access and improving regional policymaking capacity.

 

Closing remarks

The afternoon concluded with group discussions and a plenary session led by the RUSTIK UK team, summarising key takeaways on how local data, community-driven engagement, and fine-grained analysis can contribute to more resilient rural futures.

Building on earlier RUSTIK workshops in Galicia and Finland, the UK event reinforced the importance of collaboration, knowledge exchange, and adaptive, data-informed strategies in navigating demographic, digital, and environmental transitions.

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!

 

RUSTIK Project Meeting in Cheltenham: Advancing Insights for Europe’s Rural Future

The upcoming RUSTIK project meeting in Cheltenham, UK, will bring together partners from across Europe to advance the project’s understanding of rural transformation. The main focus of the meeting will lie in the thematic workshops established as part of Work Package 5 (WP5): Refined Understanding of Rural Dynamics, Impact Assessment, and Conclusions.

These workshops represent a key step in connecting findings from across RUSTIK’s Living Labs, refining insights, and co-developing recommendations that can strengthen the resilience and sustainability of Europe’s rural regions.

Each thematic workshop will bring together a dedicated group of Living Labs, each assigned based on their core expertise and regional context.

Core Themes of the Cheltenham Workshops
  1. Socio-economic vitality and rural businesses
    Discussions will explore strategies to reinforce rural business ecosystems, enhance local innovation, and build socio-economic resilience in the face of ongoing transitions. For the “Socio-economic vitality – Strengthening Rural Businesses” workshop, the assigned Living Labs are Mazowieckie and Świętokrzyskie in Poland,  and Nockregion – Oberkärnten, Austria, each known for proactive support of rural enterprises and rural economic development.
  1. Environmental and institutional transition
    Sessions will focus on climate adaptation, sustainable resource management, and the role of data-driven development in supporting greener and smarter rural futures. The Environmental and Institutional Transition – Land Use, Natural Resources & Data Tools workshop will feature the Living Labs from Parma, Piacenza & Ferrara (Italy), Galicia (Spain), Osona (Spain), and Gloucestershire (United Kingdom) as the main contributors. These regions are recognized for pioneering efforts in landscape management, innovative data usage, and integrated territorial governance.
  1. Sustainable food and forestry systems
    Participants will share best practices and explore collaborative approaches for ensuring robust, sustainable food production and forestry management. For the Socio-economic Vitality – Sustainable Food/Forestry Systems workshop, the assigned Living Labs are Troyan-Apriltsi-Ugаrchin (Bulgaria), Garfagnana (Italy), and Zaječar District (Serbia). Each of these regions brings significant experience in enhancing rural food production systems, supporting agri-food value chains, and promoting forestry innovation.
  1. Social cohesion and inclusion
    Workshops will address how to foster equality, social inclusion, and thriving communities as essential pillars of sustainable rural development. The Social Cohesion – Stimulating Social Inclusion workshop will be led by the Living Labs from Rhein-Hunsrück (Germany), Osrednjeslovenska regija (Central Slovenia), North Karelia (Finland), and Monmouthshire (United Kingdom). These regions each bring extensive experience in fostering inclusive rural communities, developing vibrant networks, and supporting diverse social initiatives.

These discussions build on the foundations of WP1 Conceptualising functional rural areas, transition and resilience of rural areas and the latest findings from 14 Living Labs, with the aim of synthesizing key lessons and translating them into concrete recommendations for rural policy and practice. The workshops are part of Task 5.1, led by BAB, in close collaboration with partners and Living Lab teams.

Beyond the Workshops: A Rich Programme of Activities

While the workshops form the heart of the meeting, several complementary activities will offer valuable opportunities for learning, reflection, and collaboration.

  • Work Package Coordination Meetings: Dedicated sessions for WP and task leads will support strategic alignment and ensure coherence across the project’s workstreams.
  • Site Visits to Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire: Participants will have the chance to visit these two Living Lab regions, gaining first-hand insights into local rural dynamics, challenges, and innovative practices driving regional transformation.

The outcomes of the Cheltenham meeting will play a crucial role in shaping RUSTIK’s scientific outputs and final European-wide seminar. Insights gained will inform transition pathways and generate actionable recommendations for strengthening rural resilience, sustainability, and inclusion across Europe.

As the RUSTIK community gathers in Cheltenham, this meeting promises to be a catalyst for collaboration — advancing shared understanding and contributing to the vibrant future of Europe’s rural regions.

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 

Innovative responses to rural demographic shifts: key takeaway from RUSTIK first regional workshop!

Gathered around the theme of demographic change and innovative responses to it, three living labs from the RUSTIK project: Rhein-Hunsrück (Germany), North Karelia (Finland), and Monmouthshire (UK) came together on June 5th to present and exchange ideas on shared challenges in the heart of Koli National Park, Finland.

This event aimed to disseminate the results developed within these real-life laboratory of the project and trigger peer-to-peer discussions.

Simo Rautiainen, a doctoral researcher at the University of Eastern Finland and the Karelian Institute, set the scene by introducing the host region North Karelia and outlining its demographic challenges over the period 1980 to 2024.

These three Living Labs, regional innovation hubs that experiment with real-world solutions to rural issues, then presented their unique, locally adapted approaches to addressing demographic specificities. Despite the geographical distance, many common patterns emerged.

Svea Thietje and Achim Kistner, both working within the Rhein-Hunsrück Living Lab, presented ongoing initiatives aimed at strengthening the region’s demographic resilience. They highlighted two key challenges: out-migration among young people aged 18 to 25, and the gap between supply and demand in the training and apprenticeship market.

Their Living Lab’s approach to addressing these challenges involved analysing mismatches in the apprenticeship landscape and improving alignment through a series of actions: organizing focus groups, co-designing surveys, and conducting interviews with both young people and employers (including agencies, job centres, and local administrations).
They shared the following key achievements:

  1. Created a well-founded database on the needs and obstacles faced by both young people and employers in relation to apprenticeships and vocational training.
  2. Ensured that young people’s voices were heard and considered in discussions around training.
  3. Created new networks and revived old ones, fostering dialogue among stakeholders.
  4. Attracted political attention — both at the district and regional levels — and initiated discussions with policymakers based on the findings.

In North Karelia, Aura Liski, project Manager at the Regional Council of North Karelia, presented a survey aimed at collecting data on the integration of immigrants in the region. The data is intended to help municipalities improve their integration services and better support the successful settlement of immigrants, given that the latest reform of the 2025 Integration Act, which made municipalities responsible for promoting the integration of immigrants, lacked the tools and data to evaluate and develop their integration services.

The survey was developed and launched in spring 2024 and has since been expanded to other municipalities in the region. An improved version of the survey is currently being prepared through a multidisciplinary collaboration with regional stakeholders.

Finally, Demelza Jones, Research Fellow at the University of Gloucestershire and representative of the Monmouthshire Living Lab, highlighted how a survey incorporating emotion-based questions on belonging and aspirations, combined with geo-referenced data and secondary datasets, enabled deeper insights and allowed for meaningful local-level comparisons.

In the context of Monmouthshire, which is marked by an ageing population as well as challenges related to housing, employment, and transport, this experimental approach provided valuable understanding of the needs and expectations of younger residents in the region.

Beyond the sharing of achievements, successes, and challenges, the panel discussions also revealed a strong desire to continue these initiatives beyond the timeframe of the project, as some of the results have proven to be valuable tools in themselves for other stakeholders.

Exploring Innovative Responses to Rural Demographic Challenges

Join the First RUSTIK Regional Workshop

Date: 5th June 2025

Time: 14:00 – 16:00 EET
Location: Vaarasali Auditorium, Koli Nature Centre Ukko, Finland  & Online

Check the full agenda

Register here

 

Across Europe, rural regions are facing complex and rapidly evolving demographic challenges — from youth outmigration to changing labour market needs and shifting patterns of immigration. Addressing these issues calls for tailored, place-based solutions rooted in both research and practice.

On 5th June 2025, the first RUSTIK Regional Dissemination Workshop, titled “RUSTIK Living Labs in Action: Responding to Rural Demographic Challenges”, will bring together researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to exchange insights and inspire change.

Why This Workshop Matters

Rural areas are not uniform — each faces unique challenges and opportunities when it comes to demographic shifts. Yet, through shared dialogue and the exchange of good practices, regions can learn from each other and co-create more resilient futures. The RUSTIK project supports this goal by developing Living Labs — regional innovation hubs that experiment with real-world solutions to rural issues.

This workshop focuses specifically on labour market dynamics, immigration, and youth engagement, spotlighting work from three RUSTIK Living Labs:

What to Expect

This two-hour hybrid event is designed to be both informative and interactive. The program features expert presentations, Living Lab case studies, and a moderated panel discussion. Participants can contribute questions and insights in real time through online tools like Slido, ensuring dynamic engagement from both on-site and remote attendees.

Join Us — Onsite or Online

Whether you’re a regional policymaker, researcher, civil servant, or rural development practitioner, this workshop is an opportunity to connect with a growing European network committed to rethinking rural futures.

Mark your calendar and get ready to share, learn, and co-create.