ABSTRACT
This chapter analyzes the case studies and examples of innovative and sustainable rural development from a knowledge perspective, that were carried out under four thematic work packages of the CORASON project. These are: non-agricultural rural economy, innovatory economic development, nature protection and bio-diversity maintenance, and sustainable resource management. The declining economic significance of agriculture has been a broadly observed secular trend in all countries and regions under the impact of modernization, industrialization and urbanization. By non-agricultural rural economy CORASON referred to the production of goods and services in different sectors located in rural communities but not involving agriculture extractive activities. Economic development as a key component of rural regional growth involves the up-skilling or re-skilling of those traditionally involved in the agricultural economy. Few local actors seem to engage with government and EU policies on innovation, as they do not perceive a direct impact at the local level.
