The Non-Negligible Contribution of Rural Areas to Europe's Innovation Ambitions. AEIDL Policy Brief

This policy brief highlights the often-overlooked contribution of rural areas to Europe’s innovation and competitiveness agenda. Drawing on findings from the Horizon Europe project FUTURAL, it analyses the policy and governance frameworks shaping community-led rural innovation and their alignment with the EU’s 2028–2034 Multiannual Financial Framework proposal. The brief exposes current policy gaps—such as the loss of earmarked support for LEADER and Smart Villages—and proposes eight actionable recommendations to mainstream and safeguard community-led innovation in future EU programmes.