On 6 April 2021, the commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, Mariya Gabriel, launched the Manifesto for Rural Innovation in partnership with the Rural European Innovation Area (REInA).
In this declaration, the European Commission supports this initiative which aims to fill the gap between rural and urban areas in terms of social, economic, and environmental differences. The fields targeted by the approach are research, education, industry, new technologies and digital framework.
The main recommendations to improve rural attractivity are:
- Skills and talent by implementing the latest technologies, Open Online Courses and rural incubators;
- Culture and Mindset Shift by developing local medias and creating innovation map;
- Connecting Innovation Actors by establishing networks, communication platforms, physical space for remote workers and European/national jobs;
- Attractive work-life environment for young professionals by promoting tax incentives for entrepreneurs, developing entertainment and adapt urbanism norms to rural areas;
- Leadership and Monitoring by appointing Chief Rural Innovation Officer (CRIO) and rewarding innovation champions.
The Manifesto is still available for support on the REInA website.
Happy to launch #RuralEuropeanInnovationArea w/ @jwojc @CristianSBusoi @RicardoR_Usal @StartupOle!
We need #innovation ecosystems in rural areas to help them get out of the crisis & remain attractive.🌱
Let’s unlock the #innovation potential in rural 🇪🇺! 💡#HorizonEU #EIT #EIC pic.twitter.com/d40O7Tw7dD
— Mariya Gabriel (@GabrielMariya) April 6, 2021