Enablers
Connecting Innovation,
People, and Place.
At the heart of RURBANIVE lie six Rural-Urban Enablers (RUEs) — living testbeds that demonstrate how innovation can translate into better lives and stronger communities. Each RUE addresses a key domain where the rural and urban worlds meet: from smarter logistics and resilient ecosystems to circular economies, empowered citizens, cultural renewal, and cleaner mobility. Together, they form a connected network of real-world experiments proving that technology, participation, and local knowledge can combine to build more inclusive and sustainable territories.
In Czechia, local farmers and citizens are learning to shorten food chains through a digital platform and hands-on training centre; on Milos Island, restoration scientists are bringing life back to former quarries with native plants and microbiome technology; in Austria, circular economy experts are turning waste streams into regional opportunities. Further north, Lithuania’s Startup Village is showing how digital empowerment can anchor innovation in small towns, while in Spain, emotion-aware technologies are giving new voice to rural landscapes and heritage. Finally, between Trikala and Lemgo, transport models powered by AI are helping cities design greener, more connected mobility networks. Each RUE brings Europe’s rural-urban continuum one step closer to what RURBANIVE stands for: a balanced, vibrant, and people-centred future, where social services, culture, and innovation reach every corner of the map.
Let’s take a look at how each of RURBANIVE’s Rural-Urban Enablers, our RUEs,
are enhancing lives in rural communities across the Union.
Improving logistics, and shortening value chains
A socially driven digital platform to educate and popularise the food industry for the general public.
Ecosystem and biodiversity restoration
Quarry Restoration with Mediterranean biome adapted plants & crops, and a Botanical Path tour.
Regional circular bioeconomy development
Key Enablers for the Circular Bioeconomy
User engagement, empowerment, society and territorial awareness
Leverage local resources to drive equitable economic development & balanced exchange of value between rural and urban areas.
Culture, landscape and heritage access and promotion
Employ different cognitive computing tools to foster sustainable tourism by attracting urban populations to rural areas through personalised experiences.
Enhanced mobility
A simulation software that will explore alternatives to enhance connectivity between urban centres and their suburban and rural counterparts.