Roots and Horizons: Cultivating a Culture of Opportunity Across the Territory

A cross-border project between Spain and Portugal aiming to transform mindsets in rural communities and drive social innovation throughout the Douro region.

What is RootRural?

The RootRural Project is a cross-border initiative that aims to empower people and communities to rethink the future of rural areas. Through training, collaboration, and innovation, we foster a proactive mindset and strengthen the role of local actors as drivers of change.

Our Areas of Action

Culture of Opportunities

We promote an entrepreneurial mindset and encourage individuals to identify and act on opportunities within their territories.

Co-Creation Labs

Collaborative spaces where ideas are developed, tested, and transformed into practical solutions.

International Networking

We connect people, organisations, and territories to exchange knowledge and build partnerships across borders.

Narrative & Storytelling

We shape and communicate impactful stories that highlight the value and potential of rural communities.

Why this project?

This project responds to the challenges faced by rural territories, particularly depopulation, lack of opportunities, and limited access to innovation. RootRural aims to activate local potential and create sustainable pathways for development.

  • Mindset Transformation: We shift perspectives from a “scarcity mindset” to a “culture of opportunity”.
  • Innovative Methodologies: We apply tools such as Design Thinking and Lean Mindset approaches to rapidly validate real ideas.
  • Community Impact: We foster intergenerational dialogue, engaging young people, adults, and families in shaping the future of their local communities.
  • European Dimension: We connect your territory to a transnational network of best practices and international mentorship.

Access Materials

Explore resources, training content, videos, and tools designed to support your journey.

Partners

Asociación Tierras Sorianas
del Cid (Espanha)

Project coordinating organisation with over 30 years of experience in rural development through the LEADER approach.

Rural Move - Associação para a Promoção do Investimento nos Territórios de Baixa Densidade (Portugal)

Specialist in creating innovation ecosystems and attracting new residents to rural areas.

Financiamento

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.

Contact Us

  • All Posts
  • Miranda do Douro
  • Sem categoria
  • Soria

Are you ready to cultivate
the future of your village?

Join our programme and take part in personalised training and innovation labs. RootRural provides the tools to turn your ideas into impactful projects.

The “ROOT RURAL” project is co-funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors, Asociación Tierras Sorianas del Cid and Rural Move, and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Spanish Service for the Internationalization of Education (SEPIE). Neither the European Union nor the SEPIE National Agency can be held responsible for them.