Researchers from South East Technological University (SETU) played a prominent role at a national Rural Development Research Symposium which brought together researchers, policymakers and rural development stakeholders to examine the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of rural Ireland.
Professor Felicity Kelliher of SETU was a member of the organising committee for the Rural Development Research Symposium at University College Cork (UCC) and convened the event’s Rural Economy and Enterprise session.
SETU colleague Dr Leana Reinl also contributed to the session, presenting research examining the role of micro-enterprises in Ireland’s rural economy and the particular supports required to enable these businesses and their communities to thrive.
The symposium, organised by UCC and Teagasc, was supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht under Ireland’s national rural development policy framework, Our Rural Future.
Opened by Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, the event was the first Rural Development Research Symposium of its kind in 20 years.
Building a ‘Meitheal’ for rural enterprise
Introducing the Rural Economy and Enterprise theme, Professor Kelliher drew on the Irish tradition of Meitheal — a community coming together to work towards a common goal — as a way of describing the collaboration and creativity that characterises Ireland’s rural enterprise landscape.
The session examined the scale and diversity of the rural economy, encompassing micro-enterprises, family-owned businesses, tourism, food production, crafts and design, social enterprise and other economic activity supporting rural communities.
Central to the discussion was the role of research in developing practical, evidence-based responses to the challenges facing rural businesses and communities.
Ireland’s rural economy is characterised by entrepreneurship, creativity and collaboration. The concept of Meitheal captures much of what makes rural enterprise distinctive: people, businesses, communities and support organisations working together towards shared goals."
Professor Felicity Kelliher
Discussing why research matters, Professor Kelliher reflected on, “Research as an essential part of that collective effort. It allows us to understand what is happening within rural economies, identify the particular needs of rural enterprises and translate evidence into practical supports, policy and action. Bringing researchers, policymakers and practitioners together through this symposium provides an important opportunity to ensure that research continues to contribute to resilient rural economies and thriving communities.”
Micro-enterprise at the heart of rural economies
Dr Leana Reinl’s contribution focused specifically on micro-enterprise and its place in Ireland’s rural future.
Her presentation highlighted how micro-enterprises — businesses with fewer than ten employees and annual turnover below €2 million — are integral to rural economies, supporting employment, tourism, local services and the wider sustainability and wellbeing of rural communities.
Dr Reinl also highlighted the distinct context in which many rural micro-enterprises operate and the need for guidance, engagement and supports that recognise the differences between smaller rural businesses and their larger or urban counterparts.
Micro-enterprises make a vital contribution to rural economies, providing local employment, products and services while helping communities remain attractive places in which to live, work and visit."
Dr Leana Reinl
“Research helps us better understand the realities facing these businesses and provides tangible tools that can inform how policymakers, enterprise support organisations and other stakeholders engage with rural entrepreneurs. That evidence is particularly important if we are to develop supports that reflect the specific needs and strengths of rural enterprise.”
Jane Foster represented SETU’s Rural Innovation Hubs at the event, and commented that, "This event is crucial to the developmental work that SETU is currently undertaking in the context of the four rural innovation hubs in the South East region. Being involved and part of the discussions informing public policy based on academic research is vital to what we are trying to achieve in our impact and outreach endeavours within the South East."
