Our approach
GRANULAR develops a holistic, multi-dimensional and interrelated approach. The uniqueness of our approach is the capability to capitalise upon previous projects (such as SHERPA, DESIRA, MOVING, POLIRURAL, RURALISATION) and supporting evidence, as well as to complement it with co-creation, co-production and co-assessment in our Living and Replication Labs.
The GRANULAR approach follows three steps:
- An Initial assessment (WP2-WP5): GRANULAR partners and local actors are co-designing a conceptual framework for rural diversity, based on their specific needs for data and knowledge. Local actors – through the GRANULAR Living Labs – test and implement GRANULAR Rural Compass and assess the impact of policies on rural areas and communities. Based on this evidence, policymakers are informed about existing gaps.
- Co-creation of novel data and tools (WP3-WP4): an iterative process between design, testing, and validation of data collection methods and analytical tools. Our Living Labs are collecting new data using citizen science methods and are helping in the co-design and validation of the data, indicators, and tools generated in WP3 and WP4.
- Informing policy: the final stage consists in using the new data and tools to formulate innovative rural policies, thanks to the Rural Compass. Data, tools and policies are then used to empower rural actors in GRANULAR Living Labs and beyond (WP6, WP7). In parallel, we are also evaluating the data and tools to produce a learning package for replication in other rural territories.