Masterclass in Zagori, Greece

This Masterclass on Rural Innovation is a unique opportunity to connect with practitioners, researchers, policymakers and the community of innovators working to shape the future of rural areas across Europe. Hosted by Ecomuseum Zagori in Zagori, Greece, in October 2026, this is one of only three RURACTIVE Masterclasses taking place across Europe, bringing together participants to explore innovative approaches to rural development through collaboration, knowledge exchange and practical learning.

Across two dynamic and interactive days in village of Ano Pedina at the heart of the Zagori region, participants will explore new approaches to enabling rural communities to develop innovative, place-based solutions to today's most pressing challenges. The Masterclass will place a special focus on the RURACTIVE rural development drivers Nature-based and Cultural Tourism and Culture and Cultural Innovation, showcasing how rural regions can harness their natural and cultural heritage to foster sustainable development, strengthen local identities and create new opportunities for communities and businesses.

Why you should attend this Masterclass:

Strong focus on innovation in practice. Rather than presenting innovation as a purely technical process, we will share how rural transformation can emerge through co-creation, collaboration, stakeholder engagement and empowerment, participatory governance, and locally grounded, place-based approaches.

First-hand insights into the RURACTIVE methodology on how to enable Multi-Actor Rural Innovation Ecosystems that empower rural communities to co-design and implement innovative solutions tailored to their specific territorial challenges and opportunities.

Strong emphasis on integrating RURACTIVE's cross-cutting priorities into rural innovation processes and solutions, including climate change adaptation and mitigation, biodiversity conservation and protection, and social justice and inclusion.

Participants will learn directly from the experiences of the 12 RURACTIVE Dynamos, pioneering rural territories across Europe that are actively testing and implementing innovative solutions in real-world settings. Through practical examples from the RURACTIVE Solutions Catalogue, the Masterclass will demonstrate how rural actors are using nature, culture and innovation to respond creatively and collaboratively to complex local challenges.

The Masterclass combines:

• Expert talks and inspiring case studies,
• Interactive discussions and reflection,
• Peer-to-peer learning and exchange,
• Networking opportunities,
• Dedicated space for participants to share their own experiences, initiatives and perspectives.

Whether you work in policy, research, regional development, sustainability, agri-food, energy, community engagement, or are at the beginning of your career in these domains, the Masterclass offers an opportunity to:

• learn from leading European rural innovation practices,
• exchange knowledge with international peers,
• discover innovative practical tools and approaches,
• and build new collaborations for more resilient, inclusive and climate-responsive rural futures.