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The PARI project
is a two-year action supported by the EU in the framework of the Single Market Programme (SMP). Started in September 2024, PARI intends to facilitate the setup or the consolidation in rural areas of a specific sort of clusters, named Clusters for Social and Ecological Innovation (CSEIs).
These are multi-sectoral clusters that integrate social, environmental, and economic resources to foster sustainable local development. They operate as flexible, context-specific models, leveraging the strengths of various local actors.
By enhancing collaboration between public authorities, social economy entities, and for-profit enterprises, CSEIs aim to provide comprehensive responses to the diverse challenges rural areas face.
CSEIs play a crucial role in rural revitalisation by promoting social inclusion, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience. Through collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and resource pooling, these clusters contribute to creating more self-sufficient, digitally connected, and environmentally friendly rural communities. The PARI project aims to accelerate this process by developing methodologies to identify and mobilise local resources, engage communities, and establish governance models tailored to the unique needs of rural areas.
Not much literature exists on these experiences. The main reference is still the report of the GECES Sub- Group (published in 2021): Clusters of Social and Ecological Innovation in the European Union, perspectives and experiences. The role of clusters and similar forms of business cooperation in fostering the development of social economy. Also in this respect, with PARI we intend to contribute to the advancement of research on this matter, collecting meaningful practices and refining the theoretical framework.
The project will be implemented in three rural territories: Torres Vedras (Portugal), Navarra (Spain), and Östergötland (Sweden), each of which will develop local action plans to nurture and sustain CSEIs. By addressing common challenges such as the lack of collaborative dynamics and the need for digital inclusion, the project seeks to promote a sustainable and resilient future for rural areas across the EU.
Who are we? The PARI Consortium
The PARI Consortium is made of seven partners – local and regional public authorities and Social economy entities – each bringing unique expertise to ensure the effective development and implementation of CSEIs in rural areas.
REVES (Belgium). As the project coordinator, REVES brings its extensive experience in peer-learning, rural development, and the social economy. REVES leads the project by facilitating cooperation and policy development that supports sustainable and fair local development strategies.
DIESIS Network (Belgium). DIESIS is one of the largest networks supporting social economy, social entrepreneurship and social innovation in Europe. Diesis also co-coordinates the Social Economy Community Group under the European Rural Revitalisation Platform alongside REVES.
Torres Vedras Municipality (Portugal). The Municipality is located in a predominantly rural region has been fostering social economy organisations through its long-standing Social Network Programme, which involves over 110 public and private organisations. Their experience in coordinating social economy efforts and addressing local social challenges brings valuable insights into fostering social cohesion and innovation at the local level.
Region Östergötland (Sweden). As a regional public authority responsible for healthcare and regional development, Östergötland is focused on strengthening local innovation and entrepreneurship. Their involvement in smart specialisation strategies and social entrepreneurship initiatives supports the project’s goals of integrating social innovation with regional development, particularly in rural and marginalised areas.
Government of Navarre (Spain). Navarre’s commitment to the social economy is underscored by public policies that promote cooperative creation, capacity building, and social enterprise collaboration. With the recent establishment of a General Directorate for Social Economy, Navarre offers critical expertise in policy integration and governance structures to elevate the role of social economy enterprises in rural revitalisation.
ANEL (Spain). As a business association representing over 200 social economy companies in Navarre (Spain), ANEL’s expertise allows understanding the business dynamics of social economy actors and ensuring the economic viability of CSEIs in the project.
Coompanion Östergötland (Sweden). It promotes development projects with a focus on cooperation and entrepreneurship, creating a diversity of businesses and fostering an inclusive society.
MEDIA CORNER
The PARI Newsletters
Welcome to the second issue of the PARI Newsletter. We have already explored some inspiring experiences, in the Torres Vedras area (Portugal).
You can download the SUMMER 2025 issue from [THIS LINK]
The first PARI Newsletter is now available! Read it to get updates about our main activities and ongoing results.
You can download the SPRING 2025 issue from [THIS LINK]
The PARI infocard
The PARI infocard presents the project’s key features and planned outputs.
Please, download it from [THIS LINK]
