Study of policy impacts in rural areas made simpler
Project partners are developing computer models with the assistance of rural local authorities using information from local stakeholders. The models are based on a series of case studies that focus on changes in the population as a result of local conditions influencing the implementation of policy. A review of EU structural policies was conducted, including the use of Structural Funds (SFs), Cohesion Fund (CF), Pre-accession funds and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD). Researchers will also be able to identify the driving forces behind multi-functional land use activities at both the national and regional level, providing a baseline for developing fresh scenarios. Two groups of stakeholders are involved who can assist in the development of scenarios and models. These are the institutions which implement policy and can assist in developing and testing models, and those that are affected by the policy. The behaviour of those affected by the policies is applied to agent-based (AB) models of the impact of European structural policies at local authority level. Information from local authorities and data from the models can then be compared with existing models at the regional level. The results will be used to improve the scope of Impact Assessment (IA) techniques. Project partners are also carrying out an extensive literature review and conducting information surveys in order to develop a conceptual model that concentrates on the population dynamics and decision-making behaviour in rural areas. Data from the Prima project can be used to develop better models for helping policy makers develop rural areas within the EU and improve the quality of life for the local inhabitants as well as providing a boost for tourism in marginal areas.