RuralProof

Addressing regional inequalities and the development lag of certain rural areas poses a significant challenge in many European countries. The relationship between urban and rural areas is unbalanced; the developmental gap between them has not only failed to decrease in many regions over the past decades but has actually widened, with rural areas facing depopulation, fragmented services, poor infrastructure, low economic potential, and limited job opportunities. Besides, 'one-size-fits-all' EU and national policies often overlook unique regional strengths and challenges, exacerbating regional inequalities.

Growing disparities and unsustainable development necessitate coordinated action at all governance levels to ensure positive prospects for all communities, as stated in the Territorial Agenda 2030. Therefore RuralProof sets out to reframe national/regional policies and strategies to provide comprehensive support for rural areas confronting various structural obstacles in its partner countries, through fostering the implementation of place-based, innovative governance approaches, with the aim of promoting equitable socio-economic development, evidence‐informed policy making and integrated territorial development.

By organising intensive inter- and intra-regional learning and knowledge exchange processes at both interregional and regional levels, RuralProof’s methodology aims to foster the implementation of place-based, innovative governance and create a comprehensive and effective approach to new ways of rural development and policy enhancement. Partners will immensely involve relevant stakeholders into this process, whose input and insight are key to meaningful policy enhancement. The consortium includes 9 partners and an Associated Policy Authority from 8 EU countries, representing various policy-implementing levels, as well as a Discovery and an Advisory Partner.