Insights from the SERIGO project webinar.
Rural communities across Europe are not just dealing with challenges such as population decline, loss of services and environmental pressures, they’re finding new and creative ways to move forward, through economic models that are inclusive, community-led, and built for long-term resilience.
The SERIGO webinar, hosted as part of the Community of Practice (CoP), brought together policymakers, researchers and practitioners, to explore Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE) models that promote resilience, inclusion, and sustainable service provision in rural regions.
Here’s what we learned.
Policy tools to support rural SSE models
From Francisco Martínez (Diesis Network), we saw the opportunities at EU level to support local actors. The Social Economy Action Plan, together with funding tools like ESF+, LEADER, and InvestEU, provides important backing for local development. But what really stood out were the examples -like a local delivery service bringing essential goods to rural villages in Spain, or a cooperative turning a struggling area in Poland into a vibrant destination.
Understanding alternative economic models: key insights from SERIGO research
Somaye Latifi (BAB) introduced the project’s conceptual framework, with a strong focus on social capital, empowerment, and capability to achive social justice in how places are supported. She reminded us that exclusion in rural areas isn’t just about missing services, it’s also about people lacking the chance to be heard, to make choices, and to shape their own futures.
Poonam Pandey (UVIGO) offered a broader reflection on the root causes of rural vulnerability, focusing on how the current economic model -driven by growth and profit- has led to serious social and environmental problems. These impacts are felt especially in rural and marginal areas, both through direct exploitation, such as in dominant agri-food systems, and through long-term neglect, which leads to a loss of infrastructure, opportunities, and even rural identity. In response, a range of alternative economic models is emerging -each with its own origins and focus- but all united around a shared principle: putting people and planet before profit. The SSE initiatives mapped through the SERIGO project show how rural communities are reimagining local economies based on care, solidarity, and mutual respect, instead of competition and extraction.
Cristina Dalla Torre (Eurac) added a deeper analysis of how these models work, and why they matter. She highlighted the tools that SSE initiatives use -like creating jobs for people who are often excluded, supporting housing, or linking agriculture with social care. Cristina also reminded us that we need to think critically about who is involved, and how we include different voices in both research and action. The way we do things matters just as much as what we do. So we need to adopt an intersectional critical system thinking and use methods that allow research participants with diverse capabilities to really express themselves.
Stories from the field: inspiration from practitioners
Christian Borg showed how the Merill Rural Network in Malta has built a model where tourism, crafts, and food production support each other. His work is a great example of how local pride and local products can bring people together and create real income for rural families.
Dario Ferraro from GEN Europe gave us inspiring examples of housing projects that are not just affordable, but also inclusive and environmentally friendly. Through eco-villages and shared living, communities are creating places where people support each other and feel they belong.
And finally, Brian Smyth from Social Farming Ireland showed what it means to create support through farming. These are not treatment centres -they are ordinary farms where people feel welcome, take part in real activities, and reconnect with others. It’s a model that supports well-being, builds confidence, and also helps local farmers stay active and supported.
So, what are the key takeaways?
First, these alternative economic models are already happening. They are not theories or wishful thinking -they are real, and they’re making a difference. They show us that there are better ways to organise rural services and livelihoods that are more inclusive, more connected to local values, and better for long-term sustainability.
Second, we’ve seen that this isn’t just about fixing short-term problems. These initiatives are about giving people more control and choice, letting communities shape how services are delivered and how the local economy works. That includes recognising rural knowledge, investing in rural skills, and building real local ownership.
Third, these models are financially viable when supported by the right mix of funding, policy, and trust. Education, skills and collaboration are essential to support those on the ground. Whether it’s through EU programmes, public partnerships, or community investment, support structures matter -but so does giving communities the freedom and flexibility to adapt to their own needs.
And finally, this is about changing the way we think. These models go beyond charity or crisis response. They are about long-term solutions that restore dignity, build relationships, and strengthen communities, not just for today but for the future.
As we move ahead with the SERIGO project, let’s keep listening, learning, and sharing. Because rural areas are not only places with challenges, but they are also places full of creativity, strength, and the knowledge to build something better.