This ENRD workshop explored the causes for both ‘risk averse’ and ‘opportunity seeking’ attitudes towards local innovation and sought to identify the factors which would contribute to enhancing LEADER innovation.
The event discussed local actors’ attitudes in light of the EU requirements and expectations (controls and audits) related to innovative LEADER projects. Participants highlighted proportional regulatory requirements, improved provision of information, the innovation facilitation role of Local Action Groups, and enhanced coordination along the entire LEADER delivery chain as key elements of local innovation.
The workshop brought together 35 of the members of ENRD’s dedicated Practitioner-led Working Group (PWG), including representatives from Local Action Groups, Managing Authorities, National Rural Networks, Paying Agencies, DG AGRI, and ENRD Contact Point. Participants agreed to continue working on the topic through the PWG and to develop recommendations on LEADER simplification for the current and upcoming programming periods.
Background documents
