Engagement and participatory process action plan
REVIVE aims to support the revitalization of rural areas in the Mediterranean. This action plan provides a methodology that involves a structured two-phase engagement process: a territorial network activation followed by co-design and testing aiming at establishing Innovative Community Cooperatives (ICCs) and Digital Innovation Hubs (DIHs).
The approach targets four key stakeholder groups: the public sector, economic operators, universities/research centers, and citizens/civil society. It incorporates participatory and capacity-building methods to empower local communities in seven pilot regions to co-design sustainable business models and digital services that drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
Project
REVIVE 
Mission
Innovative Sustainable Economy
Production year
2024
Type of result
Action plan
Target audience
Business Support Organisation, Interest groups incl. NGOs, Local public authority, National public authority, Regional public authority, SME
Covered areas
Mountain area, Rural area
Keywords
, Regional planning and development, Rural and peripheral development, SME and entrepreneurship
Partners
National Association of Italian Municipalities - Tuscany
Issues addressed
The document highlights the socio-economic challenges faced by rural and mountainous Mediterranean pilot areas, such as depopulation, limited job opportunities, low digitalisation, and lack of innovation potential. It proposes mobilizing local actors to co-create community-based business models and support the development of ICCs and DIHs.nIt focuses on engaging diverse stakeholder (public sector, businesses, academia, civil society) in co-designing and implementing collaborative models. It offers REVIVE partners methodologiesto foster meaningful participation, building trust, promoting inclusive decision-making, and sustaining long-term community engagement across seven pilot territories.n
Added value of the result
The document tailors established participatory methodologies and consensus building to the context of rural and mountainous Mediterranean internal areas. It offers practical tools and guidance for multi-stakeholder co-design processes, creating replicable frameworks for territorial innovation projects. The key added value lies in integrated, bottom-up, and transnational approach, which contrasts with traditional top-down development models. By empowering local communities and citizens to co-create innovative, community-based economic models, the project fosters sustainable economic revival grounded in social innovation and digital inclusion.
Transferability potential
The REVIVE engagement methodology is adaptable to various socio-economic and territorial contexts facing challenges like depopulation, low digitalisation, and weak economies. Success depends on active local leadership, institutional commitment, facilitation expertise, and coordination resources. Effective replication requires strategic planning, detailed stakeholder mapping, suitable venues, and logistics. Broad stakeholder categories need context-specific refinement, alongside enhanced stakeholder analysis and stronger risk mitigation. Overall, adapting the framework to local realities and tailoring engagement approaches is essential for successful, sustainable implementation.
Contribution to SDGs
SDG 11 - Sustainable cities and communities, SDG 16 - Peace, justice and strong institutions, SDG 17 - Partnerships for the goals, SDG 8 - Decent work and economic growth
Contribution to the Strategies and EU Policies
EU Adaptation Strategy, EU Innovation Agenda, Macro-Strategies and Actions Plans EUSAIR EUSALP EUSDR
