RURACTIVE Masterclasses to Explore Rural Innovation Across Europe
The RURACTIVE project is pleased to announce a series of three Masterclasses to be held across Europe between 2026 and 2027. These events are specially designed for stakeholders from policy, science and practice to foster dynamic knowledge exchange on rural innovation and development, with a focus on local challenges and European-scale solutions.
Three Masterclasses Across Europe
The RURACTIVE Masterclasses will take place in:
- North-east Scotland, UK – June 2026
- Zagori, Greece – October 2026
- Törbel-Moosalpregion, Switzerland – April 2027
Each Masterclass focuses on key Rural Development Drivers relevant to its host region, showcasing how innovative solutions can respond to local needs while advancing Europe’s broader goals for sustainable and inclusive development. Participants gain valuable insights into the challenges addressed by different types of innovation, the enabling factors and barriers encountered, and the impacts achieved through implementation. At the same time, they are actively encouraged to contribute their own perspectives, experiences and local innovations.
The First Masterclass in Scotland
The first RURACTIVE Masterclass will take place over three days in Scotland, hosted by The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen, and include a field visit to Glensaugh Farm.
Day 1 – Expert Presentations and Thematic Focus
The opening day will introduce participants to RURACTIVE’s approach to innovation and explore the following Rural Development Drivers:
- Sustainable agri-food and ecosystem management
- Energy transition and climate neutrality
- Local services, health and wellbeing
In addition, the programme will integrate the following cross-cutting priorities:
- Social justice and inclusion
- Biodiversity
- Climate change mitigation and adaptation
Sessions will include presentations by subject experts, discussions and examples from the RURACTIVE Solutions Catalogue, fostering a deep understanding of how innovations respond to the Drivers in practice. Participants will also have opportunities to showcase examples of rural innovation relevant to the themes of the Masterclass.
Day 2 – Field Visit to Glensaugh Farm
The second day will feature a field visit to the James Hutton Institute’s Glensaugh Research Farm. Participants will explore on-going projects demonstrating the implementation of innovations in real-life contexts.
This day will also connect with the RURACTIVE Peer-to-Peer session, organised by GrowBiz, UK, providing participants with the opportunity to engage directly with local practitioners and stakeholders. Informal networking and discussions will take place throughout the day.
Day 3 – Reflection and Discussion
The final day will include reflection and synthesis, inviting participants to share their insights and observations from the first two days. Group discussions will focus on how the RDDs interlink with practical applications observed during the field visit and on how these lessons can inform broader rural innovation strategies across Europe.
Anyone interested in attending the Masterclass, can register their interest here.
Learning Through Collaboration and Practice
The RURACTIVE Masterclasses are designed to provide an immersive learning experience combining theory, policy and practical insight. Each three-day event will blend expert input, participatory workshops and hands-on field activities that highlight real-world applications of RURACTIVE solutions in diverse European contexts.
Through this format, participants will gain a holistic understanding of how rural development innovations emerge, adapt and thrive across different regions, fostering mutual learning, cooperation and the co-creation of resilient and inclusive rural futures.
