The research studied the unfolding of sustainable place-shaping practices in rural areas and how they can spur innovation and revitalize traditional products and practices. The research was conducted through a case study approach in Várzea de Calde, a rural village in the interior of Portugal that resembles common problematics in such rural contexts such as economic decline, depopulation and ageing. The research explores three main questions; how do place-based policies assist place-shaping practices to unfold in such rural contexts? How does innovation spur in rural areas and what are the key drivers? How do values drive different practices? Participatory methods were used consisting of field observations, participation in activities, network mapping exercises, video recordings, semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders such as local cooperative, institutions, citizens, NGO’s and business sector.
Publications:
- Alessandro Vasta and Elisabete Figueiredo (2018) Weaving tradition with innovation – Short reflections on the importance of
innovation in rural areas. In: Várzea de Calde, A village weaved in linen. Nodar Ediçóes, Viseu, Portugal, pp. 223 - 240. ISBN 978.989.99856.1.2
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Researcher: Alessandro Vasta
Email: a.vasta@ua.pt
Website:
Host: University of Aveiro
Supervisor: Dr. Elisabete Figueiredo
Co-supervisor: Prof. Hilkka Vihinen
1st secondment: Binaural-Nodar
2nd secondment: Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE)