As we reach the midpoint of RURAL RiSE, we pause to reflect on how far we’ve come — from foundational research to transformative labs, and toward new local actions — all driven by people, places and shared vision.
Anchoring change through research
Early in the project, the RURAL RiSE Report laid the groundwork by mapping social economy practices, rural challenges and opportunities across Spain, Italy, Serbia and Belgium. It uncovered key levers for sustainable development in rural areas — such as enhancing digital skills, strengthening local networks, and supporting women and youth entrepreneurship. This evidence base continues to guide the project’s direction and ensures that our interventions are responsive to real needs.
📖 Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4iJ0rtX
Capacity Building Lab 1 in Miglionico (Italy)
The first Lab, held in Miglionico, brought together local authorities, social economy actors and technical experts to co-design strategies for rural revitalisation. Participants explored how municipalities can empower social enterprises, connect youth to green jobs, and embed aesthetic and place-based approaches in development (inspired by New European Bauhaus values). The Lab set the tone: rural transformation is as much about identity and creativity as it is about infrastructure and finance.
You can read about the first CBL here: https://ruralrise.wazo.coop/capacity-building-lab-italy/
Capacity Building Lab 2 in Palilula – Niš (Serbia)
Following this, the second Lab in Palilula – Niš translated ideas into action. Through interactive tools (like the TRIP board game), peer learning and field visits, participants from Serbia, Spain and Italy explored how local contexts can innovate from within. Real stories from successful social initiatives (Italy, Spain, Serbia) grounded the sessions in practice, while joint work on Local Action Plans set the stage for local-level strategies in the coming months.
You can read about the second CBL here: https://ruralrise.wazo.coop/rural-rise-capacity-building-lab-2-nis-serbia/
Looking ahead: Lab 3 & Valdefuentes in March
The journey continues: in March 2026, the third Capacity Building Lab will take place in Valdefuentes (Spain). This session will emphasise Local Action Plans, with a focus on empowering women and youth in rural settings, fostering social entrepreneurship and linking territory-specific assets to sustainable business models.
As we converge in Valdefuentes, partners will draw from research insights, lessons from Italy and Serbia, and stakeholder networks to co-create actionable pathways for rural renewal.
What’s next
- Finalising stakeholder mapping and establishing national fora for exchange
- Launching pilot actions in selected territories, supported by Local Action Plans
- Preparing dissemination of interim results — through press releases, social media, events
- Continued coordination toward lab in Valdefuentes
📍 Stay connected with us: ruralrise.wazo.coop
🔗 Join the conversation: #RuralRise #SocialEconomy #RuralDevelopment #Innovation #GreenJobs #NEB #Inclusion
