Rural Alliances

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RURAL ALLIANCES aims to address urgent challenges caused by rapid demographic change in rural areas by putting into practice a completely new alliance building concept. Enterprise-Community Alliances will be formed to build self-supporting. inclusive. confident rural communities. strengthening NWE’s rural competitive & cohesive position & countering negative effects of demographic change Progressive changes in the socio-economic framework of rural areas have led to increasing fragmentation with out-migration of young people. ageing populations. & reduced employment & community wellbeing. These demographic changes diminish vibrancy & the contribution of rural areas to the EU economy. Current pressure on public resources for modern services/infrastructure in rural areas increases this problem This new form of alliance involves people of all ages. backgrounds & residential status in partner areas (UK. IE. DE. FR. NL & BE) to undertake joint actions & be their own agents for change Alliances formed between entrepreneurs & their communities will integrate enterprise principles with community values. using the power of loyalty. pride & self-esteem to improve areas’ competitiveness. sustainability & inclusivity. supported by innovative financial engineering techniques. A new common method will be developed to measure rural vibrancy. Alliances will forge new relationships with the public sector to safeguard & enhance rural resources/services Partners will build on their recently shared knowledge & experiences (e.g. ‘do democracy’. ‘the rural account’. clustering. ambassadors) providing fast-track solutions to identified needs of local communities GOALS ¦Establish Enterprise-Community Alliances to increase rural vibrancy & counter negative demographic change¦New paradigms & roles for inclusive local governance¦Maximise potential & experience of citizens & businesses¦Joint service delivery for improved liveability¦Innovative business cases disseminated across EU

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