rural social innovation
Alongside its research and project activities, the Social Innovation Centre is developing a self-financed rural innovation and learning space. This initiative is designed as a practical environment where health, technology, and social innovation can be explored through small-scale pilots, short-term courses, and inclusive learning activities. The space is intended to support accessible programmes for diverse groups, including people with disabilities, while also providing a setting for experimentation with new approaches to wellbeing, community participation, and rural development. By combining research insights with a physical environment for testing and learning, the initiative strengthens SIC’s ability to translate ideas into practical solutions.
Why rural space matters
Many social and health innovations are designed in urban environments but must ultimately work in diverse real-life contexts. Rural environments offer unique conditions for testing solutions related to wellbeing, accessibility, and community-based support systems. Lower environmental pressure, stronger community dynamics, and proximity to nature create opportunities to explore approaches that combine physical space, health behaviours, and social innovation.
Development phase
The Rural Space is currently being developed in phases. The initial stage focuses on preparing the environment for small-scale activities and pilot programmes. As the space evolves, it is expected to host learning events, short-term courses, and experimental activities that combine health, technology, and rural innovation.The development process follows a gradual model, where infrastructure improvements are combined with testing practical use cases and learning from early experiences.
Who this initiative is for
The Rural Space is designed for:
• individuals interested in practical learning environments
• organisations testing social innovation approaches
• researchers exploring rural and wellbeing-related topics
• community groups and educational initiatives
• inclusive programmes involving people with disabilities
Coming soon
Innovation shouldn't require a city zip code!
Bridging the gap between high-tech research and hands-on rural impact!
There is still a way to go, but we are on track. The rural space is being developed in phases and is expected to be ready for opening between 2027 and 2028.