Benefit4Regions

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Benefit for Regions (B4R) initiates an essential functional Danish-German cooperation within the field of rural area development. Rural areas are in both countries often considered to be future “problem areas” with regards to their economic and social development. In light of continued globalisation and the associated changes in economic dynamics, projections of future trends indicate that these areas will decline, both socially and economically. Many rural areas face challenges such as rural-urban migration, ageing populations, lack of qualified labour, weak business environments and a generally negative image. The goal of B4R is to stop this trend by improving Danish-German cooperation. The Interreg region is an ideal area to seek common solutions, due to the similarities in geography, demographic challenges and common rural structures. A different development status on regional as well as national level in questions of promoting rural areas also creates great synergy and a fruitful basis of learning from each other. B4R will therefore point to possible areas of cooperation and identify a broad range of focus points for common actions and activities. Common goals, such as increasing regional added value or developing innovative solutions for common focus areas (for example health and tourism), will result in sustainable structures for cooperation at the institutional level. B4R will work with all parties within the network, creating an overview and structuring of the problems in rural areas to an extent not previously seen. This overview will for the first time make it possible that municipal aspirations for revitalising rural areas develop into tangible initiatives with details that are articulated in a concrete fashion. An important component of this is the development of a common methodological basis. Inclusion and communication methods are important in this process, as current methods are often not customised to suit the particular needs of rural areas. This is an important area that requires improvement, and B4R will endeavour to do so. In regard to incorporating results into municipal practices, the project takes a two-pronged approach by executing practical case studies, and developing in common a strategy for the Interreg-region, which will complement and optimise existing municipal initiatives. The establishment of a German-Danish digital information pool in the form of an information collection forms the basis for this. Benefit for Regions therefore makes an important contribution to strengthening rural communities and helps retain their capacity to act in relation to future challenges, such as the demographic transition.

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