Bridging the Gap Between Rural and Urban Communities for a Sustainable Future
On November 26, 2024, the RURBANIVE Project EU partners AgriFood Lithuania and alchemia-nova presented groundbreaking insights at the AgriFood Forum 2024 in Vilnius, Lithuania. This premier event highlighted transformative ideas under the theme, “FIELD OF THE FUTURE: Rethinking AgriFood for Resilience and Sustainability.”
During the “Connecting Innovations: Showcasing Initiatives Shaping the Future” session, the spotlight was on how a Rural-Urban Innovation Framework—driven by technical and social advancements—is revolutionising territorial governance and reshaping policy tools. A particular focus was given to Kėdainiai, a region striving to foster synergy between rural and urban communities.
Why Kėdainiai?
Kėdainiai District, a vital economic region in Lithuania, is renowned for its robust chemical, food, and agricultural industries. The district has a strong industrial foundation, from producing fertilisers and acids to food processing like ice cream, sugar, and grain. However, much of the economy operates on traditional business models with low levels of innovation.
Regional policies often prioritise urban centres, leaving rural communities in the periphery. This imbalance inhibits the region’s potential for inclusive economic growth, community well-being, and societal advancement. To address this, the RURBANIVE Project leverages innovation, digitalisation, and collaboration to empower Kėdainiai and similar rural regions.
Key Themes from the Forum
The AgriFood Forum 2024 tackled pressing challenges facing the global agri-food sector:
🌍 Climate Change
🍽️ Food Insecurity
🌐 Geopolitical Instability
💹 Rising Production Costs
Under the “FIELD OF THE FUTURE” banner, discussions explored transformative solutions to make agri-food systems more resilient, equitable, and sustainable. Focus Topics Included:
✅ Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and Digital Innovation
✅ Circular Systems for Sustainability
✅ Carbon as Currency
✅ Women and Communities as Change Leaders
✅ Collaborative Governance
✅ Education and Knowledge Sharing
Empowering Rural Communities through Innovation
During the dynamic discussion panel titled “Empowering Rural Regions: Building Resilient Communities through Innovation, Digitalization, and Collaboration,” the Mayor of Kėdainiai District, Valentinas Tamulis, highlighted several key priorities. These included ensuring the inclusion of rural communities, fostering innovation through favorable conditions, nurturing collaboration between rural and urban stakeholders, and enhancing living standards across the region.
The Mayor also underscored the importance of encouraging youth entrepreneurship, supporting emigrants returning to the area, and addressing community needs to promote holistic growth. Concluding with an inspiring message, the Mayor stated, “Together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous region!”
Kėdainiai Startup Village and Virtual Hub
The Kėdainiai Startup Village will serve as a digital platform aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation between rural and urban stakeholders. Its mission will be to support sustainable development through entrepreneurship and co-creation, facilitate knowledge exchange and resource sharing, and empower communities by promoting inclusive growth and digitalisation.
The hub will actively engage local communities, entrepreneurs, and policymakers, equipping them with tools and skills to contribute meaningfully to sustainable ecosystems. By encouraging participation, it will aim to strengthen connections, build social capital, and support integrated territorial policies. Additionally, the hub will enhance access to shared services, promote cultural connectivity, and reinforce a collective territorial identity, driving holistic regional growth.
The Path Forward
As global challenges continue to impact the agri-food sector, the Field of the Future initiative demonstrates that innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity are the keys to resilience and sustainability. The AgriFood Forum 2024 served as a reminder:
The future of agri-food starts now. Let’s work together to make it a reality.
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.