The online general assembly of the GRANULAR project, focused on advancing data-driven solutions to support rural areas in Europe, took place on 19 November 2024. The meeting was attended by representatives of the Department of Information Technology of the PEF, as well as project partners and stakeholders, who assessed key achievements, discussed challenges and planned next steps for effective policymaking tailored to the needs of rural communities.
Rural diversity as a key priority
The main focus of the discussions was the Compass for Rural Diversity, a framework designed to capture the multifaceted nature of rural areas. This tool takes into account four dimensions: residential, productive, environmental and recreational. It allows policymakers to assess the impact of their decisions and tailor them to the specific needs of rural communities. The Compass also forms the basis for a Rural Audit methodology that combines stakeholder feedback with quantitative assessment for greater inclusiveness and effectiveness of policies.
New rural datasets
GRANULAR has made significant progress in creating new datasets focused on key aspects of rural areas, such as accessibility, housing markets, land use and tourism trends. These datasets are being created in collaboration with research labs and data providers, such as OpenStreetMap. The result is useful tools that strengthen the decision-making capabilities of rural communities and policymakers.
Future steps and challenges
The project will continue to use its Living Labs to test solutions in real-world settings and disseminate best practices through Replication Labs. Cross-lab visits are planned for 2025 to foster collaboration and harmonization of methodologies. Despite persistent challenges such as data availability, stakeholder engagement and policy gaps, GRANULAR remains committed to empowering rural communities through innovation and knowledge sharing.
The GRANULAR project thus continues to strengthen rural areas in Europe through modern tools, data innovations and intensive collaboration with stakeholders.