European event focuses on business innovation

The European Network for Rural Development (ENRD) held the 'Revitalising Rural Areas through Business Innovation' event on 30 March 2017 in Brussels.

The Seminar explored how rural businesses – both farm and non-farm – can innovate in ways that “create the conditions for future prosperity and vitality”.

The event:

• examined a range of EU policies and tools for business innovation, including digitisation, smart specialisation, and social innovation;
• showcased inspiring examples of rural business innovation and explore how such initiatives can be supported and extended through the Rural Development Programmes.

Around 150 people attended and there was a strong Scottish contigent attending and/or presenting to a Europe-wide audience.

Amanda Bryan (Isle of Eigg Hertitage Trust), Jackie Brierton (Growbiz), Sarah Baird (Ayrshire LEADER) all gave presentations – others from Angus Local Action Group, James Hutton Institute, Scottish Government and Scotland Europa also participated.

You can find more information about the event, including all the presentations, on the ENRD website.