The 20th International Scientific Conference of the European Rural Development Network “Green Transformation in Rural Europe” took place in Vilnius. The event brought together 80 participants from 14 different countries.

At a recent conference, researchers from LCSS presented findings from the ESIRA project, focusing on enhancing social innovations to address challenges in marginalized rural areas. The presentation emphasized the importance of place-based innovation and participatory governance, showcasing how citizen-led activities can tackle issues like unemployment, poverty, and aging populations in rural regions. Using the Druskininkai region as a case study, the research highlighted the region’s socio-economic challenges, such as a high unemployment rate, a significant elderly population, and negative migration trends.

The Local Action Group (LAG) of Druskininkai was recognized for its efforts since 2009 in strengthening community bonds and fostering local economic development through various initiatives. These efforts have successfully mobilized local resources, engaged vulnerable groups, and laid the groundwork for scalable social economy projects. The findings underline the need for continued innovation and collaboration, with new initiatives planned for the region between 2024 and 2026 to further support sustainable development in rural areas.

The international conference was organised by the Institute of Economics and Rural Development of the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences (EKVI) in cooperation with the European Rural Development Network (ERDN) and the Lithuanian Academy of Sciences. The event attracted researchers and practitioners interested in agriculture, rural development and bioeconomy. More than 50 presentations on these topics were delivered by participants, who shared their insights, experiences and the latest knowledge, contributing to the analysis of current challenges and the search for solutions to green transformation in rural areas.