Periodic Reporting for period 1 - RURALITIES (Climate smart, ecosystem-enhancing and knowledge-based rural expertise and training centres)
Reporting period: 2022-10-01 to 2024-03-31
The project "Climate Smart, Ecosystem-Enhancing, and Knowledge-Based Rural Expertise and Training Centers" (RURALITIES) delivers an ecosystem-enhancing and climate action-driven expertise and learning framework organized in hubs. The RURALITIES framework uses innovative methodologies centered around the learner, supported by a network of living labs and a digital platform. This multi-point approach involves multiple actors, disciplines, systems, scales, sectors, and levels.
RURALITIES focuses on recruiting, preparing, training, and coaching over 1,000 facilitators for various roles (e.g. trainers, facilitators, role models, hub coordinators). These facilitators are crucial in building and evolving the learning framework. RURALITIES aims to ideate, implement, future-proof, validate, and deliver expertise and learning centers through practical application in six simplified rural socio-ecological systems (SIMSES): two in Italy, one in the United Kingdom, one in Slovenia, one in Spain, and one in Romania. It coordinates actions of local and regional authorities to support rural innovation in regions and economic sectors where rural innovators are not yet engaged in relevant networks.
RURALITIES also coordinates SIMSES networks to promote rural innovation solutions and establish innovative multi-point RURALITIES Hubs of expertise and training on rural innovation. This coordination involves managing authorities and regional bodies influencing regional and national policy instruments in Italy, the UK, Slovenia, Spain, and Romania.
RURALITIES focuses on recruiting, preparing, training, and coaching over 1,000 facilitators for various roles (e.g. trainers, facilitators, role models, hub coordinators). These facilitators are crucial in building and evolving the learning framework. RURALITIES aims to ideate, implement, future-proof, validate, and deliver expertise and learning centers through practical application in six simplified rural socio-ecological systems (SIMSES): two in Italy, one in the United Kingdom, one in Slovenia, one in Spain, and one in Romania. It coordinates actions of local and regional authorities to support rural innovation in regions and economic sectors where rural innovators are not yet engaged in relevant networks.
RURALITIES also coordinates SIMSES networks to promote rural innovation solutions and establish innovative multi-point RURALITIES Hubs of expertise and training on rural innovation. This coordination involves managing authorities and regional bodies influencing regional and national policy instruments in Italy, the UK, Slovenia, Spain, and Romania.
The project successfully completed the mapping exercise, creating a significant milestone. Focused on identifying and categorizing stakeholders within the SIMSES framework, resulting in a comprehensive Multi-Actor repository which now facilitates better coordination and collaboration. To date, 986 SIMSES actors from diverse sectors and geographies have been identified, with plans to further expand this globally.
Additionally, 122 role models and replicators from six SIMSES pilot areas have been actively engaged. These individuals are crucial for disseminating best practices, mentoring new participants, and replicating successful initiatives in their domains, fostering a sustainable and scalable collaborative ecosystem.
Key findings highlight the dependence of the European Union's rural landscapes on specific agricultural policies, contrasting with Africa's lack of similar support structures. The characterization of SIMSES rural landscapes has led to the collection and integration of 10 practice abstracts enhancing the understanding of rural practices and socio-economic data.
The project has also developed the "RURALITIES Handbook on System Thinking Methodology", a vital resource currently under review and soon to be widely disseminated. This handbook provides detailed guidance on system thinking methodologies crucial for innovation projects.
Significant progress has been made in establishing the RURALITIES Co-Labs' living labs network, with seven labs operational to test, refine, and implement new ideas and solutions, enhancing the overall innovation process.
Lastly, several internal capacity-building workshops have been conducted, aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and the adoption of innovative solutions. These workshops have improved participant skills and capabilities, ensuring they are better equipped to implement the project's objectives effectively, thus ensuring its sustainability and scalability.
Additionally, 122 role models and replicators from six SIMSES pilot areas have been actively engaged. These individuals are crucial for disseminating best practices, mentoring new participants, and replicating successful initiatives in their domains, fostering a sustainable and scalable collaborative ecosystem.
Key findings highlight the dependence of the European Union's rural landscapes on specific agricultural policies, contrasting with Africa's lack of similar support structures. The characterization of SIMSES rural landscapes has led to the collection and integration of 10 practice abstracts enhancing the understanding of rural practices and socio-economic data.
The project has also developed the "RURALITIES Handbook on System Thinking Methodology", a vital resource currently under review and soon to be widely disseminated. This handbook provides detailed guidance on system thinking methodologies crucial for innovation projects.
Significant progress has been made in establishing the RURALITIES Co-Labs' living labs network, with seven labs operational to test, refine, and implement new ideas and solutions, enhancing the overall innovation process.
Lastly, several internal capacity-building workshops have been conducted, aimed at promoting knowledge exchange and the adoption of innovative solutions. These workshops have improved participant skills and capabilities, ensuring they are better equipped to implement the project's objectives effectively, thus ensuring its sustainability and scalability.
During the first reporting period, the project successfully achieved all deliverables, milestones, and key performance indicators (KPIs) across all objectives. A significant accomplishment was the creation of the Multi-Actor Repository, which will be further expanded within the SIMSES framework. This foundational mapping exercise paves the way for future engagement activities aimed at connecting and empowering rural actors in the targeted demonstration areas in the upcoming period.
The establishment of instruments such as the ‘RURALITIES Hub’—a platform and network of multi-actors within the RURNex, the ‘RURALITIES Co-Labs’ living labs, ‘Citizen Rural Sensing’, ‘RURALITIES Funding and Innovation Services’ (FINRUR), and the ‘RURALITIES First Seed’ funding scheme is expected to have a substantial impact on rural communities in the targeted areas, with an intensified focus in the forthcoming period.
Furthermore, the identification of 122 role models and replicators will accelerate the engagement process and significantly enhance the project’s outreach. Building on these developments, a network of RURALITIES expertise centers will be established, alongside the creation of the ‘RURALITIES Commons 2050 Learning Framework’ and RURALITIES training centers on rural development.
The establishment of instruments such as the ‘RURALITIES Hub’—a platform and network of multi-actors within the RURNex, the ‘RURALITIES Co-Labs’ living labs, ‘Citizen Rural Sensing’, ‘RURALITIES Funding and Innovation Services’ (FINRUR), and the ‘RURALITIES First Seed’ funding scheme is expected to have a substantial impact on rural communities in the targeted areas, with an intensified focus in the forthcoming period.
Furthermore, the identification of 122 role models and replicators will accelerate the engagement process and significantly enhance the project’s outreach. Building on these developments, a network of RURALITIES expertise centers will be established, alongside the creation of the ‘RURALITIES Commons 2050 Learning Framework’ and RURALITIES training centers on rural development.