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Assessing Regional Innovation Potential: A Novel Approach Using OpenStreetMaps Data

This segment highlights how rural-urban communities can harness open citizen science data - particularly from OpenStreetMap (OSM) - to better understand, compare, and ultimately enhance their innovation potential. By deploying kernel density estimation (KDE) and other advanced spatial analyses, PoliRuralPlus provides a fine-grained look at the distribution of innovation-related assets - such as research institutions, technology hubs, and digital infrastructure - within and across nine pilot regions ranging from Ireland to Latvia. Traditional methods often rely on broad, aggregated statistics that obscure local nuances. In contrast, PoliRuralPlus’s geospatial approach pinpoints specific innovation “hotspots” and spotlights areas requiring further investment or collaboration. Communities benefit directly from these insights by identifying tangible opportunities - such as clustering similar enterprises, establishing shared R&D facilities, or enhancing connectivity - and pursuing tailored policy interventions based on real-time, crowd-sourced data from OSM. Furthermore, these open datasets pave the way for future AI-driven applications within PoliRuralPlus and beyond. Machine-learning tools, for instance, can draw on these spatial indicators to forecast shifts in regional development, evaluate policy impacts, or suggest new ventures. By merging citizen science data, geospatial analysis, and AI, the video underlines a forward-looking strategy to bridge the innovation gap between urban and rural areas, thereby promoting more balanced and evidence-based territorial growth.

topic: Others
type: Deliverable, Methodology, Video
language: English
GEO AI - Enhancing rural development decision-making with PoliRuralPlus

Centered around strengthening rural-urban linkages, this video demonstrates how integrated data analysis - powered by geospatial and AI components - can help policymakers and local communities gain a more holistic view of regional development prospects. At the core of the approach is JackDaw, a geo-enabled chat agent that merges location-specific data with large language model (LLM) reasoning. Key themes and features Multi-dimensional spatial insights: By gathering structured data on a variety of spatial attributes - ranging from population distribution to the presence of cultural sites - JackDaw helps users assess the interdependencies between rural and urban areas, highlighting mutual benefits such as tourism flows or service accessibility. Rural-urban linkage analysis: One exemplary scenario shows how to evaluate a location’s weekend tourism potential, taking into account the number of nearby urban residents, local amenities, and driving distances. This data-driven lens underscores the extent to which rural areas can attract visitors (and thus investment) from surrounding cities. Real-time, context-aware decision support: Unlike generic AI solutions, JackDaw dynamically retrieves up-to-date geospatial information before advising on policy or strategic investments. This ensures the conversation remains contextually grounded in current rural-urban realities, whether in planning new facilities or aligning local services with urban demand. Bridging analytical gaps: The video illustrates how bridging the information asymmetry between rural and urban territories can spur proactive solutions - like improved transport connections or marketing campaigns - ultimately enhancing the well-being of both communities. By demonstrating how robust data analysis can expose latent development opportunities - particularly in the context of rural-urban synergies - this video reinforces PoliRuralPlus’s broader goal of empowering decision-makers to adopt targeted, evidence-based measures that foster balanced, sustainable growth in Europe’s diverse regions.

topic: Policy, Others
type: Deliverable, Policy, Products & prototypes, Video
language: English
GeoAI meets LLMs – Intelligent agents for enhanced decision-making

This video compares pure large language model (LLM) outputs, such as those generated by ChatGPT, with the JackDaw (agentic tool-calling) approach. Through three real-world use cases, viewers see how incorporating domain-specific data and specialized tools yields more accurate, context-aware, and actionable answers: Weather Query Pure LLM: Provides only a generic explanation or refers to external sources, lacking direct real-time data. JackDaw (Agentic System): Dynamically calls a weather API tied to a specific area on the map, integrating real-time geospatial information. This ensures precise, location-focused forecasts rather than vague or outdated responses. Agricultural Suitability Analysis Pure LLM: Offers broad advice for potato farming, without factoring in specific local attributes like climate or soil characteristics. JackDaw: Merges real-time environmental data (land cover, elevation, weather) and LLM reasoning to assess whether a particular plot is suitable for potatoes. By pinpointing topographical and meteorological conditions, it delivers targeted, evidence-based recommendations. Identifying Water Bodies Pure LLM: May produce incorrect or incomplete references (e.g., citing the wrong river or distant city). JackDaw: Leverages land cover tools to examine hydrological layers in the specified area, accurately detecting water features. This results in data-driven, localized insights and avoids errors that arise when relying on a general model alone. Overall, the video illustrates how the JackDaw approach outperforms a standard LLM in terms of reliability, specificity, and practical utility. By integrating specialized data sources and real-time analysis into the decision-making workflow, the agent-based system consistently delivers more relevant, location-aware responses—demonstrating a clear advantage over purely text-based AI outputs.

topic: Others
type: Deliverable, Methodology, Products & prototypes, Video
language: English
Lessons Learned from the PoliRural project, Part 1: the Foresight methodology

Webinar of the PoliRuralPlus series, titled "Lessons Learned Part 1", was held virtually on March 27, 2024. The session aimed to disseminate experiences and knowledge accrued from the PoliRural project, focusing on Foresight methodologies applied across various European regions. The webinar featured insightful contributions from key participants including Gabriel O’Connelll and John O’Flaherty from the Monaghan pilot, Santa Vītola from the Vidzeme pilot, and Tuula Löytty from the Southern Finland pilot. They shared significant feedback based on their extensive experiences with the Foresight process within the PoliRural framework.

topic: Policy, Others
type: Methodology, Policy, Video, Workshops & webinars
language: English
Pilot 1: Ireland - Monaghan

In this video, we speak with Pamela Kerr, Head of Enterprise at LEO Monaghan, about the vital collaboration between the Local Enterprise Office and the PoliRuralPlus Irish Pilot. Pamela provides an overview of LEO Monaghan’s mission to support local businesses and explains why aligning with the Regional Action Plan (RAP) is a natural fit for the county’s economic future. As a key stakeholder, LEO Monaghan has been an integral part of this journey—from the initial development phases to the final validation of the plan. Key Discussion Points: • What is LEO Monaghan? An insight into the support and resources they provide to the regional business community. • Alignment with the RAP: How the goals of PoliRuralPlus mirror LEO’s commitment to sustainable enterprise and innovation. • Co-Creation: LEO Monaghan’s hands-on involvement in developing and validating the Regional Action Plan interventions. • Commitment to Action: A look at the specific actions from the RAP that LEO Monaghan has agreed to implement to drive the Circular Economy forward. This collaboration ensures that the strategies developed during the PoliRuralPlus project don't just stay on paper—they become reality for businesses across County Monaghan. #LEOMonaghan #PoliRuralPlus #LocalEnterprise #RegionalActionPlan #MonaghanBusiness #RuralDevelopment #CircularEconomy #Partnership #EconomicGrowth #IrelandEnterprise

topic: Policy
type: Video
language: English
Pilot 2: Slovakia

A central objective of the pilot is to transform the “Vision for More Attractive Rural Areas in Slovakia, 2040” from a strategic document into a functioning platform for coordinated territorial action. This requires stronger alignment between national ministries, self-governing regions, municipalities, civil society organisations, youth representatives, academia, businesses and sectoral actors around shared development priorities. The pilot seeks to overcome persistent policy fragmentation and institutional silos while strengthening the connection between rural needs and decision-making, financing mechanisms and governance reforms. Particular attention is given to the everyday realities experienced by rural communities, especially regarding access to public services, sustainable mobility, demographic resilience, opportunities for young people, social inclusion and territorial cohesion. The pilot also contributes to the broader debate on the future governance of rural areas in Slovakia by promoting more participatory, evidence-based and place-sensitive policymaking. Through foresight methods, stakeholder engagement and multi-level cooperation, it aims to create stronger links between long-term visioning, practical implementation and public investment planning. The process supports the emergence of a more coherent national narrative on rural development, capable of connecting economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, quality of life and social resilience within a shared territorial framework.

topic: Policy
type: Video
language: English
Pilot 3: Central Greece

How the Greek Pilot connects Agriculture, Tourism and Digital Innovation? Central Greece is defined by its vibrant agricultural sector, abundant natural resources, varied landscapes, and significant cultural heritage. This video introduces the Greek Pilot, definied within the concept of PoliRuralPlus project, demonstrating how sustainable agritech, smart agriculture, digital skills, and agritourism can come together to build a more resilient rural–urban ecosystem. Through field demonstrations, collaborative events, and digital innovation initiatives, the pilot unites farmers, researchers, advisors, policy-makers, technology providers, tourism stakeholders, and young professionals. It showcases practical solutions to key challenges, including skills gaps, youth migration away from rural areas, and limited digital capacity in agriculture, while opening up new opportunities for local products, rural entrepreneurship, and sustainable agritourism. Their input gathered from the stakeholder, feeds into the development of the Regional Action Plan, ensuring that local needs, priorities and opportunities are reflected in future actions for the region. The Greek Pilot illustrates how place-based collaboration and digital tools, including the GeoAI chatbot Jackdaw, can strengthen evidence-based decision-making and help rural areas become more connected, inclusive, and future-ready. 🔗 More about the Greek pilot: https://www.poliruralplus.eu/pilots/r...

topic: Agriculture, Tourism
type: Video
language: English
Pilot 4: Italy

This video presents the Italian Pilot of the PoliRuralPlus project, showcasing its activities, local context and innovative approaches to supporting rural development. The pilot activities highlight how local connections and a coordinated strategy can strengthen Short Food Supply Chains as a key sector for more connected, sustainable and inclusive territorial development.

topic: Agriculture
type: Video
language: English
Pilot 5: Finland – Mallusjoki

What makes a place feel like home? This short documentary explores the deep bond between people and the places they inhabit through the story of Mallusjoki, a rural village in Finland. The video follows the themes of place attachment (PAT) and people–place bond, central to the European project PoliRuralPlus. Mallusjoki shows how community, culture, everyday life, intergenerational stories and changing local environments shape territorial identity. Through shared activities, local memories, traditions, and new digital tools, residents take part in building a future where rural and urban life connect more closely. PoliRuralPlus strengthens participation, inclusiveness and social cohesion by helping communities influence how their surroundings evolve. In Mallusjoki, this means creating meaningful meeting places, supporting well-being, and nurturing the bond between people and their environment. This video is part of the Finnish pilot developing new approaches to rural vitality, community resilience and sustainable development. 🔗 More about PoliRuralPlus: https://www.poliruralplus.eu/ Mallusjoki pilot: https://www.poliruralplus.eu/pilots/rural-pilots/Finland/

topic: Policy, Others
type: Video
language: English
Pilot 6: Czechia-Germany – Czech-Bavarian border region

The pilot addresses the challenge of building an innovation ecosystem in a rural border territory where businesses, municipalities and communities often lack proximity to research institutions, business support services and advanced digital capacities. Existing urban incubator and innovation campus models are often poorly adapted to sparsely populated regions with weaker transport connectivity, fragmented governance and smaller innovation networks. At the same time, the region faces climate-related pressures affecting agriculture and forestry, youth outmigration, labour shortages and limited opportunities for entrepreneurial experimentation. The pilot therefore focuses on adapting and transferring elements of the Bavarian Technology Campus model to the Czech context while strengthening cross-border cooperation and rural resilience. Activities include stakeholder mapping and engagement, testing digital and AI-supported tools, cooperation with universities and innovation actors, support for SMEs and startups, hackathons and innovation workshops, training activities, and the exploration of climate-smart and place-based solutions relevant to local agriculture, services, tourism and community development. A key challenge is ensuring that innovation becomes territorially embedded and accessible to rural actors rather than concentrated in distant urban centres.

topic: Policy, Others
type: Video
language: English
Pilot 7: Spain – Sierra and Mancha Conquense / Segobriga

The main challenge is to connect heritage, entrepreneurship, digital transition and local capacity building within one territorial framework rather than treating them as separate agendas. The pilot seeks to align ADESIMAN’s rural development strategies with the Segobriga area’s cultural and tourism potential, while also exploring energy communities, agrotourism, education and innovation support for local businesses. It must demonstrate how rural areas can adapt incubator-style support, involve technology experts and policy-makers, and create opportunities that are relevant for young people, farmers, tourism actors and community organisations.

topic: Tourism, Others
type: Video
language: English
Pilot 8: Latvia - Vidzeme

How can we assess whether development goals are being achieved? How can we identify where resources should be invested and measure the impact of those investments? These questions are at the heart of the Vidzeme Planning Region's (VPR) activities within the PoliRuralPlus project, through which VPR is working to improve a unified development planning and monitoring system in the Vidzeme Region of Latvia. In this video, we explain why access to data alone is not enough. Although vast amounts of data are available today, they are often fragmented, inconsistent, and difficult to compare. Following Latvia’s municipal reform in 2021, it has become increasingly important to assess the development of newly merged municipalities, make evidence-based decisions, and establish a common approach to development monitoring across the region. The video also provides an overview of the digital solutions tested within the project, including tools that support the analysis of spatial and statistical data and help consolidate information from multiple sources.

topic: Policy
type: Video
language: English
Pilot 9: Malta

This video presents the vision of the Malta Pilot of PoliRuralPlus, demonstrating how collaboration, innovation and digital technologies can support a more sustainable and resilient agricultural future. It follows the journey from stakeholder engagement and the development of the Regional Action Plan to the implementation of innovative Cascade Call projects, practical knowledge-sharing initiatives and AI-powered digital tools. By bringing together farmers, researchers, businesses, policymakers and local communities, the Malta Pilot showcases how participatory approaches and digital innovation can strengthen rural development, improve decision-making and inspire the next generation of agriculture in Malta.

topic: Agriculture
type: Video
language: English
RAP methodology

The second webinar of the PoliRuralPlus series, entitled "Lessons Learned Part 2," was conducted on April 22, 2024. This session continued the exploration of the advancements and insights gained from the initial phase of the PoliRural project, focusing specifically on the development and application of innovative tools to support rural development. This webinar provided an in-depth discussion on three pivotal tools developed during the PoliRural project, aimed at enhancing the semantic analysis of texts, exploring policy options, and evaluating the attractiveness of rural regions. These tools are essential for stakeholders involved in regional planning and policy-making.

topic: Policy, Others
type: Methodology, Policy, Video, Workshops & webinars
language: English
Webinar Summary of the PoliRuralPlus Project on RAP Methodology

TRAINING WEBINAR The third webinar in the PoliRuralPlus series, focusing on the Rural Area Planning (RAP) methodology, was conducted on May 8, 2024. This session provided an overview of the methodological framework designed to guide participants in developing impactful rural area plans.The workshop was dedicated to the discussion and dissemination of the RAP methodology, a structured approach intended to aid participants in crafting comprehensive and effective rural area plans. The methodology emphasizes the importance of thematic selection, particularly in areas requiring urban-rural policy coordination.

topic: Policy, Others
type: Methodology, Video, Workshops & webinars
language: English