RUSTIK & GRANULAR Final Conference highlighted the value of local knowledge for better rural policies
On 24–25 June 2026, the Horizon Europe projects RUSTIK and GRANULAR held their joint Final Conference in Brussels, bringing together researchers, policymakers, practitioners and rural stakeholders from across Europe. The event showcased the main results, practical tools, Living Lab experiences and policy recommendations developed over the past four years.
Representing ELARD, President Piotr Sadłocha was among the speakers in the panel discussion “Place-based policies in practice: the role of community-led approaches”, which explored how local knowledge and community-led approaches can contribute to effective place-based rural policies. Kristiina Tammets, representing the ELARD Knowledge Hub, also attended the conference, engaging with project partners and stakeholders.
Place-based approaches and the role of Local Action Groups
A central message throughout the conference was that place-based solutions require place-based knowledge. Local knowledge and local data are essential for designing policies that reflect the needs and opportunities of rural areas, while Community-Led Local Development (CLLD) provides an effective framework for turning this knowledge into action.
Local Action Groups (LAGs) were highlighted as valuable Living Labs and replication areas, providing opportunities to test, adapt and scale innovative solutions. As intermediaries, they help connect local communities with regional, national and European policymaking.
Better governance also depends on better integration of local knowledge into policymaking. Valuing local knowledge alongside scientific evidence helps fill gaps in data collection and analysis, contributing to more informed, inclusive and effective rural policies.
About the RUSTIK project
RUSTIK – Rural Sustainability Transitions through Integration of Knowledge for Improved Policy Processes is a four-year Horizon Europe research project that aims to help rural communities and policymakers design better strategies, initiatives and policies supporting sustainability transitions in rural areas.
The project focuses on co-creating innovations in data collection, integration and analysis, while improving governance and policy frameworks. To achieve this, RUSTIK has established a network of 14 Living Labs across ten European countries, where researchers and regional partners work together with rural communities to develop and test place-based solutions.
The project is coordinated by the Institute for Rural Development Research (IfLS) in Germany and brings together 31 partners from 10 European countries. The ELARD Knowledge Hub is one of the project partners.
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