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 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.

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 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. 

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.

Dialogue event: Youth and Vocational Training in the Rhein-Hunsrück district

On February 6 2025, the Dialogue event “Youth and Vocational Training Here” took place at the Performance and Innovation Center of the DFH Group in Simmern, offering an engaging platform to discuss the challenges and opportunities of vocational training in the Rhein-Hunsrück district. The target group was primarily regional companies that offer training, but also labour and training market players, schools and educational institutions, as well as political stakeholders.

In the Rhein-Hunsrück RUSTIK Living Lab, the Institute for Rural Development Research (Living Lab coordinator) and the Regionalrat Wirtschaft Rhein-Hunsrück (practice partner) have been working together to better understand the needs of young people and regional companies regarding vocational training. This event provided an opportunity to present to an audience of 150 participants the key insights from the first large-scale survey, which involved around 300 young people.

The event featured a dynamic panel discussion with representatives from the Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Transformation and Digitalization of Rhineland-Palatinate, the district administration of Rhein-Hunsrück, the DFH Group as one of the region’s key training companies, and the headmaster of a school in the Rhein-Hunsrück district. The discussion focused on identifying new perspectives and providing valuable impulses for the development of the regional training landscape. Another significant highlight was a presentation by the SINUS Institute, offering insights into the life worlds of young people and their relevance to career choices.

The event concluded with the announcement of the launch of an online survey targeting training companies in the region, marking another important step in the activities of the Living Lab within the RUSTIK project.

RUSTIK Project Meeting in Millstatt: A Successful Gathering

RUSTIK Project Meeting in Millstatt: A Successful Gathering

From October 14th to 17th, 2024, the RUSTIK project team held a productive meeting in the scenic town of Millstatt, Austria. This event brought together project partners, the External Advisory Board (EAB), and stakeholders to discuss key milestones and the next steps for the project as it moves into its third year of execution.

Key Highlights of the Meeting:
  • General Assembly & Project Updates: The meeting kicked off with a welcome from our hosts at RVN and reflections on the second year of the RUSTIK project. Can you imagine our 2nd year of Rustik as a journey on a sailboat? That’s what we did on our last meeting in Austria, having wind as our motivation, anchors as obstacles to overcome, rocks as the future risks, and land as our goal. Teamwork is key, so, in small groups, we discussed each of these tasks to reach a global vision. Partners shared insights and interactive sessions focused on Living Lab implementation and planning for the third cycle.
  • Living Lab Discussions: Lightning talks showcased the progress of data experiments in the Living Labs, with each lab providing updates. These presentations were followed by breakout discussions focusing on challenges, data experimentation, and the transition from research to policy. Some of the Living Labs also produced posters highlighting the results of their data experiments after completing the implementation phase, adding a visual dimension to their findings.
  • External Advisory Board (EAB) Meeting: Held in a hybrid format, the EAB provided valuable feedback on implementation and dissemination strategies. The discussions centered on key topics such as Functional Rural Areas, Rural Proofing, and the development of the Data Viewer tool, offering crucial insights for the next phase of the project.
  • Dissemination & Future Collaboration: Dissemination efforts were a key focus, with discussions on joint publications and future collaborations to extend the impact of the project beyond 2025.
  • Excursion to Nockberge Biosphere Park: The group enjoyed an excursion along the Nockalmstrasse to the artists’ town of Gmünd, which offered time for networking and exploring the local culture.
Looking Ahead:

With the meeting in Millstatt successfully concluded, the RUSTIK team is now focused on finalizing the third cycle of the Living Lab experiments and preparing for the mid-term conference in April 2025, which will be part of the Rural Pact Conference.

Stay tuned for further updates on our progress and upcoming events!

Unlocking Digital Potential: Gloucestershire’s Rural Renaissance

Gloucestershire, nestled in South West England, boasts a rich tapestry of rural life, home to nearly 650,000 residents. While urban centers like Cheltenham and Gloucester buzz with activity, our focus turns to the county’s rural heartland: Stroud, Forest of Dean, Cotswold, and Tewkesbury.

Transition Focus: Digital Divide

Despite 96.49% Superfast broadband coverage, rural communities face significant digital disparities. According to Citizens Online (2022), up to 8% of adults lack basic internet access or essential digital skills. This gap hinders economic and social inclusion, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to bridge these divides.

Living Lab Initiative in Gloucestershire:

In Cirencester and neighboring parishes, we’re pioneering community-level datasets to understand digital needs and capabilities better. By collaborating closely with local stakeholders—from social housing providers to town councils—we’re developing a nuanced understanding of how digital access impacts daily lives. This initiative isn’t just about data collection; it’s about fostering a robust digital ecosystem where everyone can participate and benefit equally.

Policy Relevance:

Aligned with Gloucestershire’s comprehensive Digital Inclusion Strategy, our efforts aim to empower communities with digital literacy and equitable access. By integrating local insights and partnerships, we’re shaping policies that resonate deeply with rural realities. This approach ensures no one is left behind in our collective journey towards a digitally inclusive society.

Emerging Data Needs:

To address the complex challenges of data integration, we’re leveraging expertise from the University of Gloucestershire to develop interactive dashboards. These tools empower decision-makers with real-time insights, guiding informed strategies for sustainable rural development. Our focus is on enhancing digital connectivity, fostering digital skills among diverse demographics, and supporting local businesses to thrive in a digital-first economy.

Join us in navigating Gloucestershire’s dynamic digital landscape, paving the way for inclusive growth, resilient communities, and a future-ready county where everyone can thrive!

 

Съвместни усилия на живите лаборатории на RUSTIK на Балканския полуостров

Collaborative Efforts of RUSTIK Living Labs on the Balkan Peninsula

“Живите лаборатории” на RUSTIK вече активно провеждат своите експерименти с данни, като търсят начини за осигуряване на нови данни, идентифициране на нови източници и проучването им чрез иновативни методи. Експериментите имат за цел да помогнат на селските райони да се справят по-добре с ключовите преходи и предизвикателства, които преживяват.

  • Съвместни усилия на живите лаборатории на RUSTIK на Балканския полуостров

Две от лабораториите на RUSTIK – Zajechar и Троян-Априлци-Угърчин (ТАУ), които се намират на Балканския полуостров, но от двете страни на сръбско-българската граница, идентифицираха за изследване общо предизвикателство – неизползвания потенциал за сътрудничество между участниците в хранително-вкусовата промишленост като ресурс за териториално развитие.

За да се запознаят по-добре с двете територии и с начина на провеждане на сравнителен експеримент с данни, членовете на двете МИГ, а именно RARIS – Агенцията за регионално развитие на Източна Сърбия и Департамента по аграрна икономика към Аграрният факултет на Белградския университет, Местната инициативна група Троян-Априлци-Угърчин и Катедрата по социология на Софийския университет “Свети Климент Охридски”, организираха среща, домакинствана от сръбските партньори.

По време на срещата двамата регионални партньори представиха основните си социално-икономически предизвикателства с акцент върху участниците и политиките, свързани с храните. Бяха обсъдени идентифицираните източници на данни, както и инструментите за събиране на данни (въпросници и ръководства за интервюта). Бяха обсъдени идеи и материали за по-нататъшно концептуализиране на идентифицираните данни, като например анализ на социалните мрежи за сътрудничество по късите вериги за доставка на храни.

Двете лаборатории решиха да събират набори от сравними данни, да проучат сходни източници на данни и да се съсредоточат върху сходни целеви групи при провеждането на експериментите си. Целта е да се идентифицират общите и различните аспекти на “балканския синдром” на неизследвания потенциал за сътрудничество между актьорите в агро-хранителните вериги.

RARIS и МИГ ТАУ представиха териториалните инструменти, които използват за подкрепа на местните участници, като например регионалната марка Balcanica Superior, действаща в Източна Сърбия, както и различни проекти, свързани с храните, разработени на територията на МИГ ТАУ.  Двамата регионални партньора – МИГ ТАУ и RARIS разчитат на проект РУСТИК да опознаят по-добре териториите си чрез данни и така да успеят да насочат подкрепа към местните участници в селските райони, които имат принос за подобряване работата на местните агро-хранителните вериги. Двамата партньори изразиха задоволство от това, че вече научат повече за своите територии, че вземат по-информирани решения и по-сигурно и широко използват данни, за да са по-ефективни в работата си.