This study has been commissioned by the UK Local Government Rural Network to examine the relationship between rural areas and regional competitiveness.

• Project Dates: 2005 (4 months)
• Project Leader: Neil Ward
• Staff: Neil Ward and Nicola Thompson
• Sponsors: UK Local Government Rural Network (formerly the European Rural Exchange)

As strengthening the competitiveness of the EU was so central to the Lisbon agenda, important questions arose for those responsible for the development of rural areas about the role of rural areas within the ‘competitiveness agenda’ around Lisbon. The study had four main objectives:

• To examine the issue of competitiveness, and identify different interpretations of what competitiveness means among different organisations involved in rural and regional development in the EU;
  
  
• To consider the relationships between rural areas and the competitiveness of regions in the EU;
  
  
• To identify ways in which the positive contribution of rural areas to regional competitiveness might be enhanced;
  
  
• To comment on the implications of the competitiveness agenda for those involved in rural development in the UK.

The project consisted of a desk-based literature review and telephone consultations with 12 specialists in the field of rural development across the UK. A 1-day workshop was held in Newcastle for members of the Network on August 10th 2005.