Co-Creation in Action: CASPER Workshops in Creuse
Creuse, France – As part of the CASPER Project’s ongoing mission to activate rural communities, a series of dynamic workshops were held in Saint-Léonard-de-Noblat, Creuse, during the CASPER partner visit in April 2024. These workshops were designed to foster citizen participation, gather feedback, and build inclusive strategies that respond to the unique challenges of shrinking rural areas.
Workshop 1: Reverse Brainstorming for Policy Innovation
The first session introduced the method of reverse brainstorming, a creative exercise that encourages participants to think of ways to worsen a situation and then reverse those ideas into constructive solutions. Local stakeholders, including community members and CASPER project partners, were invited to explore the question: "How could we make our territory less attractive?"
Responses ranged from removing local services to making transportation more difficult. This intentional negativity opened the door to inventive thinking. Once the ideas were flipped, the group identified positive, actionable policies like improving youth engagement, maintaining local amenities, and enhancing mobility.
This method proved highly effective in breaking mental blocks and generating new pathways for revitalizing rural areas. It also encouraged an open atmosphere, where unconventional ideas could lead to meaningful dialogue and strategy.
Workshop 2: Sociogram Mapping to Identify Local Actors
The second session focused on actor mapping through a sociogram exercise. Participants were asked to identify individuals, institutions, and networks that influence their territory. Using colored lines, they mapped out the relationships between actors based on strength, influence, and quality of collaboration.
The exercise revealed both strong connections and gaps. For instance, while ties between cultural organizations and municipalities were well established, the private sector appeared less integrated in local development discussions. This realization emphasized the need to bring underrepresented actors into the policy process.
More importantly, the sociogram helped visualize the invisible infrastructure of cooperation within Creuse. It offered participants a clearer understanding of who holds influence, who is missing, and how to build a more connected, resilient community.
Participatory Design and Inclusion at the Forefront
Both workshops were built on participatory design principles, ensuring that citizens are not just consulted but actively co-create the solutions that affect their everyday lives. The tools used were simple yet powerful, enabling a wide range of stakeholders to engage regardless of their background.
These sessions also reflected one of CASPER’s core values: inclusion. By encouraging dialogue between youth, local authorities, NGOs, and everyday residents, the project strengthens the democratic fabric of rural regions and gives voice to those often excluded from traditional policymaking.
Lasting Impact and Replicability
Beyond the immediate insights, the workshops served as a model for future engagements across Europe. They demonstrated that even in small rural communities, meaningful participation can flourish when the right tools and safe spaces are provided.
The feedback collected during these sessions will be integrated into CASPER’s broader strategy for place-based rural development. It also offers inspiration for other Interreg Europe projects seeking to bridge the gap between institutions and citizens.
Stay tuned for more updates as CASPER continues to empower communities and build resilient, inclusive rural futures.