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European social innovation research presented at international event

SIMRA project meeting in Aberdeen, Scotland (c) James Hutton Institute
“Given the international nature of the problems that rural areas face, the SIMRA team works closely with those initiating and benefiting from social innovations to learn about motivations, experiences and barriers encountered”

A Hutton-led research project studying social challenges faced by rural areas across Europe and the wider Mediterranean area was presented at the fifth CRISES (Centre de recherche sur les innovations sociales) international conference, held in Montreal, Canada. The event was attended by over 320 delegates including scientists, students, community-based practitioners, policymakers and civil society representatives.

Professor Maria Nijnik, SIMRA (Social Innovation in Marginalised Rural Areas) project coordinator, highlighted that social innovation responds to demands that are traditionally not addressed by markets or existing institutions.

“It manifests itself in new social relationships and collaborations. It also seeks to promote the development and uptake of new services and new fields of activity, such as social entrepreneurship and social enterprises that improve the quality of life of individuals and communities,” Professor Nijnik said.

Professor Nijnik discussed what successful social innovation looks like in areas as varied as NW Europe and Scandinavia, the Mediterranean and North Africa region, Alpine, and Central and Eastern Europe.

“Given the international nature of the problems that rural areas face across the studied region, the SIMRA team works closely with those initiating and benefiting from social innovations to learn about motivations, experiences and barriers encountered.”

SIMRA is funded by the European Union's Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme under grant agreement 677622, and its consortium comprises members from 15 countries from across the European Union and the wider Mediterranean area, including North Africa.

The conference programme and proceedings are available online, and selected papers will be published by the University of Quebec, Canada.

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The James Hutton Research Institute is the result of the merger in April 2011 of MLURI and SCRI. This merger formed a new powerhouse for research into food, land use, and climate change.