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 

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.

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!