The latest GRANULAR Executive Board meeting brought exciting developments as PREPARE representative Goran Šoster presented three draft Action Plans for the project, supported by the HORIZON EUROPE program. These plans mark a significant milestone as the project enters its second year of implementation, focusing on creating meaningful change in rural areas across Europe.
GRANULAR at a Glance
The GRANULAR project comprises 7 Living Labs and 9 Replication Labs, each designed to address specific challenges in rural development. These Labs serve as hubs of innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing, leveraging data and tools to enhance rural policies and practices.
PREPARE is responsible for coordinating three of the nine Replication Labs, located in Moldova, Serbia, and Latvia. These Labs are now gearing up to launch activities with the support of local and regional stakeholders.
The PREPARE-Managed Replication Labs
Each of the three Replication Labs overseen by PREPARE brings a unique focus:
- Moldova: “The Coral Reef of the Prut”
Managed by LAG Drumul Gospodarilor, this Lab aims to strengthen rural tourism initiatives by addressing local challenges and building partnerships across communities. - Serbia: “Golia”
Managed by the IDA Development Agency, this Lab focuses on fostering collaboration between stakeholders to enhance rural tourism infrastructure and services in Serbia. - Latvia: “Sea Land Latvia”
Under the management of LAG Jūras Zeme, this Lab is dedicated to boosting tourism potential in coastal and rural areas while navigating the unique challenges faced in Latvia.
Action Plans: A Foundation for Growth
The newly presented Action Plans provide a roadmap for these Labs, outlining strategies to build local partnerships and effectively use data and tools to inform rural policy design. By addressing the specific needs and opportunities in each region, these plans lay the groundwork for impactful collaboration and innovation.
The Road Ahead
As the Replication Labs begin their activities, the focus remains on capacity building, knowledge exchange, and creating sustainable solutions tailored to local contexts. Stakeholders at local, regional, and national levels are key to achieving these goals, and their active participation will ensure the success of these initiatives.
The GRANULAR project is a testament to the potential of collaboration and innovation in addressing rural challenges. With the support of the HORIZON EUROPE program, the project is paving the way for smarter, more inclusive rural development policies.
Stay tuned for updates as the Replication Labs embark on this exciting journey!