Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains the primary indicator of economic performance in the European Union,
yet it does not capture many aspects that shape people’s lived experiences, particularly in rural areas. Dimensions such
as environmental quality, social cohesion, access to services, resilience, and subjective wellbeing are central to
rural prosperity but remain largely invisible in conventional economic metrics.
In response, the European Union has stepped up efforts to move “beyond GDP” by developing complementary
indicators that reflect sustainable and inclusive wellbeing, advancing tools such as the Sustainable and Inclusive
Wellbeing Index, designed to complement GDP.
Evidence from the GRANULAR project on Wellbeing in rural areas shows that wellbeing and quality of life in rural
areas depend on a complex mix of social, environmental, psychological, and economic factors. While many rural
communities benefit from strong social ties and a sense of belonging, they also face specific challenges linked to service
access, deprivation, and development trade-offs. This webinar aims to connect EU-level Beyond GDP initiatives with
granular, place-based evidence, exploring how wellbeing-oriented metrics can better inform rural development and
territorial policymaking.
Presentations:
- Beyond GDP Metrics in Europe: why, when and for whom? – Laura Rayner, ZOE Institute for
future-fit economies - Sustainable Inclusive Wellbeing Indicator – Peter Benczur, Joint Research Centre
- Indicators for rural wellbeing and Quality of Life – Gundi Knies, Thünen Institute