@article{dax2018towards author = {Thomas Dax and Andrew Copus}, title = {Towards Vibrant, Inclusive and Sustainable Rural Regions: Orientations for a Future Rural Cohesion Policy}, journal = {European Structural and Investment Funds Journal}, volume = {6}, number = {3}, year = {2018}, abstract = {In accordance with the dynamics of spatial development, rural regions are increasingly characterized by interactive integration into their wider spatial contexts. The complexity of drivers and the wide array of socio-economic changes contrast with the inertia of the framework of European Rural Development Programmes elaborated over the past decade. To enable enhanced participation, more effective socio-economic performance, and ecological benefits, future rural policy requires a step change in its intervention logic. Rather than slight adaptations of current rural policy orientations, a more radical vision for “Rural Cohesion Policy” is proposed. Such an approach would address all economic sectors, strengthen inclusive social action and environmental enhancement, and be targeted at harnessing place-specific development opportunities. It would also necessitate explicit acknowledgement of particular rural development issues across a range of policy fields, and greater coherence between the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF). The core interest would be to a focus on policy implementation that seeks effective ways to nurture local and regional assets through diverse policy fields, in order to improve well-being and promote ecological beneficial developments in European rural regions.}, url = {} }