OECD Rural Studies

Rural regions are places of opportunity with diverse economies but require a place-based approach beyond agricultural policy to thrive. OECD Rural Studies explores how to promote the competitiveness of firms and the wellbeing of residents in rural areas. Rural policy reviews assess the performance of rural areas and make recommendations to address challenges and seize opportunities through rural development policies and other policies with significant impacts on rural places. Thematic studies cover topics such as service delivery, rural-urban linkages, innovation, land use, economic sectors (such as natural resource extraction, renewable energy and ecosystem services) or particular types of rural residents (such as Indigenous communities).