Work

The Non-Negligible Contribution of Rural Areas to Europe's Innovation Ambitions. AEIDL Policy Brief

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This policy brief highlights the often-overlooked contribution of rural areas to Europe’s innovation and competitiveness agenda. Drawing on findings from the Horizon Europe project FUTURAL, it analyses the policy and governance frameworks shaping community-led rural innovation and their alignment with the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework proposal. The brief exposes current policy gaps—such as the loss of earmarked support for LEADER and Smart Villages—and proposes eight actionable recommendations to mainstream and safeguard community-led innovation in future EU programmes.

Source: Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17338022

Author: Lostrangio, Carla

Language: English

Topic: Rural development and sustainability

Subfield: General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Field: Agricultural and Biological Sciences

Domain: Life Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: green

Funder: European Commission

Award: Empowering the future through innovative smart solutions for rural areas.