Rural regions across the OECD depend on diverse economic engines for growth. Improved communications, increased mobility and reduced geographic distances are important drivers of economic change in these areas. While innovation is key to unlocking opportunities, the motivations and innovators in rural settings are not well-defined. Exploring and understanding this knowledge will empower rural areas to improve their growth and well-being, with a focus on better engaging women, youth, and older workers.

The OECD is engaged in a project on harnessing the innovation potential of rural areas. Through reports, case studies and networks, the objective is to help policymakers support reforms that:

• Shift rural policies toward a placed-based innovation strategy, beyond subsidies and sector-specific approaches

• Addressing challenges related to scale and density in delivering support for innovation and entrepreneurship 

• Go beyond a science and technology-centric approach to innovation. 

Discover insights from Amin Toufani, CEO of Silicon Valley's T Labs and founder of Adaptability.org, as he shares strategies for resilient regional policymaking in the face of rapid technological advancements. Learn how to transform challenges into opportunities for growth in regional and rural development.