Heritage-based regeneration at regional level: learning from practice
Kuopio, Finland on 10th-12th of May 2022
During the second week of May 2022, the 3-day Summer School “Heritage-based regeneration at regional level: learning from practice” was organised by Savonia University of Applied Sciences in Kuopio, Finland.
During the 3 days, RURITAGE methodology supporting rural areas to co-develop through their local heritage was introduced for practitioners, regional development institutions, RDI staff of universities of applied sciences, representatives of project pilots. The programme attracted participants from Sweden, Norway, Italy, Hungary, Saudi Arabia, Finland and speakers from Norway, Spain, Italy, Germany and Finland.
The programme focused on practices within the opportunity-driven innovation areas: landscape, local food, art & festival, and pilgrimage. Based on these, there were several presentations from pilots in the RURITAGE project that have successfully regenerated their regions by focusing on each of these thematics. Apart from RURITAGE, the representatives of Savo region highlighted some recent developments on local development, especially the Region of Gastronomy 2020-21.
During the social activities the focus was to exchange knowledge, experiences and establish networks for future opportunities in the unique surrounding of lakes and forests of the Savo region. The participants also had the chance to enjoy a traditional Finnish evening at Rauhalahti Jätkänkämppä smoke sauna and the Puijo tower high view of the Lakeland region.
After a long period of time of online meetings, spending quality time with colleagues and making new contacts was rewarding and allowed to benchmark, reflect, learn, relax and most of all gain more understanding of different cultures and the amazing possibilities for further collaborations.
