The ability of rural people and regions to take full advantage of future economic
opportunities will to a very large part be shaped by the quality of what might be
called the ‘soft’ infrastructure in rural America. We have identified four aspects
of this soft infrastructure which are increasingly seen as vital to long-term rural
resilience and prosperity – entrepreneurship, regional collaboration, social equity,
and the next generation (youth).
The old economic development paradigm of trying to attract firms to relocate in
your community is steadily being replaced by efforts to foster entrepreneurship
in rural communities and regions. This includes creating the right conditions for
entrepreneurship including capital access, training and technical assistance, networking,
and public policy. The Lab’s focus will be on the entrepreneurial opportunities
offered by the economic drivers of food, energy, ecosystem services, and natural
resources. MORE »
Regional collaboration, where governments, businesses and nonprofit organizations
find common ground and cross real and imaginary boundaries to tackle complex problems
or to take advantage of opportunities, will be increasingly important for rural
competitiveness and prosperity. The recognition and expansion of linkages between
rural and urban economies is central to effective collaboration. The current economic
climate in the United States shows that’s our communities, rural or urban, cannot
expect “business as usual” in the future. Regional collaboration offers a way for
communities to rethink ways of effectively providing essential services. MORE »
It is possible to achieve economic growth based on the four economic drivers without
any real benefits accruing to rural people and communities. For this reason, the
Rural Futures Lab places great importance on approaches that ensure rural people
and places are full partners in the stewardship and development of rural-based resources.
Social equity requires intentional transparency and inclusiveness at all stages
of community and economic development. The Lab seeks examples of development projects,
value chains, and other economic activity that place social equity at the center
of their goals. MORE »
Any discussion about the future has to consider the needs and opinions of tomorrow’s
leaders. Investing in rural youth with long-term ties to their communities can help
create and retain the essential productive and leadership capacity that will be
needed for the future prosperity of rural America. A high priority for the Rural
Future Lab is to directly engage with the Next Generation. MORE »