Project Team: Dr. Felicity Kelliher ([email protected]), Dr. Patrick Lynch ([email protected]), Dr. Mary T. Holden ([email protected]), Dr. Elaine Aylward ([email protected])
This project was funded by the WIT BEHEST Group Scheme 2008. It had a lead time of 12 months, and commenced in November 2008.
The Project Aim:
This project sought to develop a regional network protocol, to provide a framework for “better practice” on the roles and functions of regional support stakeholders in achieving successful and sustainable rural development. The research sought to enhance the contribution of research to economic and social development across areas of public policy including rural development, agriculture, environment and tourism. The value of this research is two-fold:
• It identified existing gaps in resources and access to information from a rural perspective, and more specifically social capital awareness and integrated network activity among stakeholders, including government supported agencies, indigenous businesses, economic support groups and rural communities.
• The protocol offers a valuable information source to those seeking to foster networking activity which captures synergistic benefits and contributes to the social capital of partnering stakeholders and the rural community.
Methods:
To develop this protocol, the research team utilised a unique methodology to enhance the bi-directional flow of communication and information, combining: round-table discussions, in-situ face-to-face in-depth interviews, and workshops. The initial project focused on the rural tourism sector, which can be rolled out to other sectors based on the pilot learning.
Engagement Activity:
At the initial stage of this research, the project team identified key rural stakeholders, and engaged them in round table discussions during which the research aims were presented and deliberated. Subsequently, the team engaged with each stakeholder in their own environment, using both observation and interview techniques to glean an appreciation of individual (micro) perspective, while a simultaneous extensive documentary review sought to identify and assess relevant national and regional policy in the Irish context.
Impact:
A practitioner report based on the research findings was disseminated among network participants, providing a valuable feedback loop. A paper documenting the research project was presented at the Irish Academy of Management Conference (2009) and one documenting the development of the protocol was presented at the Academy of Management Conference in Montreal, Canada (2010).
RIKON 2013.