RURITAGE approach to knowledge transfer

RURITAGE believes that a new heritage-led paradigm is able to transform rural areas into demonstration laboratories through the enhancement of their unique Cultural and Natural Heritage potential. For this, a deep analysis of existing business models, governance and regulatory framework observed in Role Models is mandatory. Thanks to innovative technological, organizational and social solutions, RURITAGE aims to champion heritage as a powerful economic, social and environmental drive to be reproduced.

The process of knowledge transfer within the project is not intended to be unidirectional, but a mutual learning process where both Role Models and Replicators can exchange experiences to further upskill and reskill their expertise and capacities.

The purpose of having four workshops among our main official activities aspires to reach and train the widest possible community of stakeholders.  The workshops will follow the four stages of the development and implementation of the heritage-led plans in the different partner regions.  In this way, we ensure capacity building to guarantee knowledge transfer and brokerage across different Systemic Innovation Areas (SIA) and Rural Heritage Hubs (RHH), transcending the mentor-mentee relationship of Role models and Replicators.  

First RURITAGE Workshop gathered almost 100 participants in Valladolid, Spain (March 2019)

The first Training Workshop was held on 19-22 March, and hosted by RURITAGE partner CARTIF, in Valladolid (Spain), marking the initial step in growing the RURITAGE knowledge tree. The event focused on guiding the coordinators of Replicators’ Rural Heritage Hubs through the Community-based Heritage management and planning methodology. This training ensured that they experienced the co-creation methods in the first person, putting themselves in stakeholders’ shoes to be better prepared on taking on their role inside the Rural Heritage Hubs. During the first day, the pilot version of the RURITANIA serious game was tested with great participation and efficacy. The two following days were dedicated to parallel sessions where each Systemic Innovation Areas (SIA) were presented and analyzed.

The Development Workshop, in Crete, analyzed successful business models, fundraising and investment actions (May 2019)

The main goal of the second Development Workshop was to go deeper into the implementation phase of the heritage-led plans, exploring different partner regions. The event was held by our Resilience Role Model team in Crete (Greece), on 27-30 May 2019, where RURITAGE Replicators were coached by national and international participants from the Board of Investors. During thematic sessions, successful cases dedicated to business models, fundraising and investment actions were studied. Knowledge Facilitators Partners also presented insights from the RURITAGE Resource Ecosystem, including  My Cult-Rural Toolkit, RURITAGE ATLAS, Digital Rural Heritage Hub, and Decision Support System. 

The Launch Workshop, in Italy, included Additional Replicators (October 2019)

The third Launch Workshop was hosted by one of RURITAGE Replicators, the community of Appignano del Tronto (Italy), from 28 to 31 October 2019. As the name suggests, the workshop’s core aim was to help the Replicators in the launching of the implementation phase by verifying and supporting all starting steps. It was also a great opportunity for Additional Replicators, selected in Spring 2019, to meet in person the RURITAGE community and showcase their projects to the attendees. Role Models too had the chance to run bilateral meetings with other Role Models and Knowledge Facilitator Partners in order to reinforce and further develop their regeneration actions.

The fourth, and last, Fine-tuning Workshop is planned for early Autumn 2020. During this event, Replicators and Role models will have an opportunity to present their first achievements in the implementation of regeneration plans and get the latest feedback from the entire RURITAGE community. Stay tuned!