As RURAL RiSE reaches its midpoint, the project takes a moment to reflect on the journey so far: from initial research to transformative capacity-building labs, and towards new local actions — all driven by people, territories and a shared vision for rural Europe.
Consolidating change through research
At the beginning of the project, the RURAL RiSE Report laid the foundations by mapping social economy practices, rural challenges and opportunities across Spain, Italy, Serbia and Belgium.
The study identified key drivers for sustainable rural development, including digital skills development, the strengthening of local networks, and targeted support for women’s and youth entrepreneurship.
This evidence-based knowledge continues to guide the project’s direction, ensuring that all actions respond to the real needs of rural territories.
Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/4iJ0rtX
Capacity Building Lab 1 in Miglionico (Italy)
The first Capacity Building 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 young people with green jobs, and integrate aesthetic and place-based approaches into development policies, inspired by the values of the New European Bauhaus.
This first lab set the tone for the project: rural transformation is as much about identity, creativity and belonging as it is about infrastructure and funding.
More information about the first lab is available here:
https://ruralrise.wazo.coop/capacity-building-lab-italy/
Capacity Building Lab 2 in Niš (Serbia)
Building on this momentum, the second Capacity Building Lab in Niš focused on turning ideas into action.
Through interactive tools such as the TRIP board game, peer learning sessions and field visits, participants from Serbia, Spain and Italy explored how local contexts can innovate from within.
Real-life stories of successful social initiatives from Italy, Spain and Serbia provided practical inspiration, while collaborative work on Local Action Plans laid the groundwork for future territorial strategies.
More information about the second lab can be found here:
https://ruralrise.wazo.coop/rural-rise-capacity-building-lab-2-nis-serbia/
Looking ahead: Lab 3 in Valdefuentes, March 2026
The journey continues. In March 2026, the third Capacity Building Lab will take place in Valdefuentes, Spain.
This final lab will focus on Local Action Plans, with particular attention to empowering women and young people in rural areas, fostering social entrepreneurship and connecting territorial resources with sustainable business models.
In Valdefuentes, project partners will bring together insights from the research phase, experiences from Italy and Serbia, and local stakeholder networks to co-create concrete pathways for rural renewal.
Voices and reflections
“From research to real-life experimentation, RURAL RiSE is weaving together knowledge and community action across borders,” said one project partner.
During the first year of implementation, more than 50 key stakeholders have already been mapped and engaged, including municipal authorities, NGOs, social economy organisations, youth associations and local networks.
This growing ecosystem is amplifying the project’s reach and anchoring its work firmly in the lived reality of Europe’s rural territories.
Next steps
- Finalisation of stakeholder mapping and creation of national exchange forums
- Launch of pilot actions in selected territories, supported by Local Action Plans
- Dissemination of interim results through press releases, social media and events
- Continued coordination towards the Capacity Building Lab in Valdefuentes (Spain)
Follow the project’s progress at:
https://ruralrise.wazo.coop
Join the conversation:
#RuralRise #SocialEconomy #RuralDevelopment #Innovation #GreenJobs #NewEuropeanBauhaus #Inclusion
Funding and disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SME Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
