INTERREG-SUDOE Resilient Project: Social Economy, driving the socio-economic development of inland and non-urban areas in SUDOE

ResilientES aims to revitalize the non-urban, rural and inland territories of SUDOE with the social economy (SE) as the engine of socio-economic development, based on the endogenous resources of these territories and the collaboration between local actors to generate quality jobs, guarantee access to services and retain population.

The project aims to strategically link the demographic and economic challenges of rural inland areas in the SUDOE region with the opportunities presented by emerging sectors in these areas and the social economy as a driver of socioeconomic development. Population aging, migration to urban areas, and the concentration of businesses in large cities threaten the viability of rural areas, making it imperative to adopt innovative and sustainable joint measures to revitalize these rural communities.

Emerging sectors, such as the circular economy, the care economy, culture, tourism, etc., offer great potential to boost rural development and generate new sources of employment and wealth. At the same time, the social economy presents itself as an alternative and collaborative business model that can promote social inclusion, development, and economic and environmental sustainability in rural areas.

Regarding specific initiatives, a transnational SUDOE Strategy will be developed to transform the social economy (SE) into an engine of sustainable socioeconomic growth for rural and inland areas. ResilientES will implement pilot activities from its catalog of innovative measures to promote the development of non-urban territories in accordance with the SE model. A cutting-edge SE HUB will be established in the SUDOE region, a center of reference and knowledge for the SUDOE area dedicated to the sustainable development of social economy enterprises and entities, along with Youth Entrepreneurship Academies (GT2).

ResilientES will contribute to a more equitable, inclusive and sustainable development model in SUDOE based on ES principles and values, where local communities flourish and prosper in a dynamic and evolving economic and social environment.