1 Towards alternative rural economies: paths, mechanisms and options for the future Dr Sarah Skerratt Senior Researcher & Team Leader: Rural Society Research

2 Outline of presentation 1.Brief personal intro 2.Brief intro to rural Scotland 3.Barriers, challenges and capacity issues 4.Towards alternative rural economies 5.Policies and institutional frameworks 6.Some reflections

3 Brief personal introduction Leader of Rural Society research at SAC 21+ years working in rural community development, as a researcher and consultant Main research field: evaluating processes of sustainable rural community development, capacity- building, leadership & role of ICTs

4 Rural Scotland 75% = predominantly rural = top 10 of OECD countries 17% population living in rural regions (OECD share = 23%) and it is rising, especially in accessible regions

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Drivers… 7

Cycle & Zones…

Challenges to adaptation Capacity within the land-based sector business, human and environmental capacity Desire for change in land based sector: Changing role, changing “market” Tensions between different sectors: Urban & leisure access, environmental integrity, food production, economic regeneration Infrastructure for development Policy & funding – rural and affecting rural 9

How “alternative”? 10

Policy and institutional landscapes 11

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13 Single Outcome Agreement

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15 Regional Priorities: Thriving Communities

16 EU: LEADER 20 LAGS covering 95% rural Scotland Budget = 5% of SRDP = £38M Bottom-up method of delivering support for rural development through implementing a local rural development strategy. Capacity-building Multi-partner (3 sectors)

17 Reflections… Rural Futures?

18 OECD: Next steps… 1.Territorial rather than sectoral development 2.Government should move from a logic of spending to a logic of investment 3.Effective and inclusive governance is key to RURAL FUTURES: –Recognise change in role for top-level government –Engage local communities and integrate local expectations –Facilitate knowledge-pooling and simplify decision-making processes –Mainstream rural proofing of sectoral policy

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