This collection of papers examines the on-going changes in rural areas and what they mean for innovation.

Key findings:

• Rural areas’ economies are becoming more similar to the rest of the economy.
• However, traditional challenges persist for rural areas: for example, a thin business environment and a weak knowledge base. 
• In order to drive innovation in rural areas, we recommend that the Government supports local partnerships; invests in knowledge transfer and learning; and targets individuals as much as businesses.
• The growth of innovation activities in rural areas requires greater attention from all levels of government, but especially from sub-national regional agencies and the devolved administrations.

With rural economies moving away from traditional industries such as farming, mining and seaside tourism, rural areas are gradually becoming less distinct from their urban counterparts.

Innovation strategies need to include specific plans for stimulating innovation in rural areas.

To be well-prepared for the economic and social challenges facing the UK we need to approach innovation as a UK-wide activity rather than just the domain of urban areas.

Authors:

Sami Mahroum, Jane Atterton, Neil Ward, Allan M. Williams, Richard Naylor, Rob Hindle, Frances Rowe