Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement for Rural Innovation
A major success of ESIRA was its inclusive approach to identifying and engaging stakeholders for Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs). Instead of relying on pre-existing networks, the process applied clear inclusivity indicators—ensuring balanced representation across gender, age, sector, and vulnerable groups. Members were selected based on their legitimacy within communities and motivation to drive change. This approach ensured that MAP outcomes reflected diverse rural realities. What worked particularly well was involving stakeholders in setting the agenda and using transparency in selection, which built trust and ownership. Reaching isolated or less organised groups posed initial challenges, addressed through active outreach and flexible meeting formats. This experience shows that meaningful engagement must be intentional, tailored, and continuously adapted to context. Inclusion is not just ethical but also practical—more diverse MAPs produce more relevant, grounded, and innovative solutions. For those designing participatory processes, this case provides a replicable model of inclusive, effective stakeholder engagement in rural settings.
Enhancing Social Innovation in Rural Areas
Ongoing | 2024-2027
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, Poland, Spain, Norway, Republic of Serbia