Rural areas are vital to national economies and addressing global challenges, according to the policy statement released at the 11^th OECD Rural Development Conference held in Edinburgh this week. The policy statement, which provides guidance to governments to support rural economic development, also declared that innovation will be critical to the future competitiveness and sustainability of rural economies.

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The policy statement outlines the case for focusing on rural areas as engines of national prosperity and how policies should leverage this opportunity.

Jose Enrique Garcilazo, Head of OECD’s Regional and Rural Policy Unit, said:

“Rural regions are not synonymous with decline or agricultural specialisation, but places of growth, opportunity and inspiration, yet rural is still not central to government policy. Rural areas have a key part to play in some of our major global challenges. They are best placed to develop new energy sources, to help sustain our natural environment and to ensure food security.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, opportunities are emerging to promote rural prosperity. Digitalisation will propel rural economies forward, and the conference has highlighted that supporting innovation in rural areas will be key to the future prosperity and wellbeing of rural regions.”

The policy statement identifies 10 key drivers of change predicted to influence the future of rural economies and communities and their potential to prosper, including additive manufacturing (for example 3D printing); decentralised energy systems; digital connectivity; the future of health; shifting values and preferences; drones; and driverless cars.

The statement also recommends that, in addition to prioritising rural innovation, a robust rural policy should place social, environmental and economic wellbeing at the forefront of policy decisions and take an integrated view across policy sectors to avoid one policy detracting from another.

Alistair Prior, Head of the Scottish Rural Network, said:

“This is a landmark time for Scotland to be hosting this conference as we stand on the brink of unique opportunities both technologically and politically. Scotland continues to be a world leader in rural development and innovation, and by bringing together the world’s leading policy officials and international experts to map out a framework, we can take inspiration from around the world. We can continue to share effective practice and support our own rural communities – through policy decisions – to benefit from technological change and to promote job creation, economic growth and service delivery.”

The 2018 Conference, Enhancing Rural Innovation, was hosted by the Scottish Government and co-hosted by the European Commission and the UK, to provide a forum for key policy officials and academics from OECD member countries to engage and share ideas and experiences on rural policy.

It is the eleventh in the OECD Rural Conference Series, which has been held all over the world since its inception in 2002.

Prior to the main conference, a series of interactive sessions, led by the European Network for Rural Development, showcased exemplary projects and approaches already launched by rural communities to embrace 21^st century challenges and opportunities.

Following the conference, there were visits to leading Scottish rural businesses, illustrating the power of technology, robotics, business development and deconcentrated energy systems, and showcasing Scotland’s leadership in rural development.

The full policy statement can be found here.

The 10 megatrends driving change can be found here.