REVIVE Framework for pilot testing
To support the revitalization of rural areas in the Mediterranean, the REVIVE Framework for Pilot Testing provides a methodological guide for developing community-based territorial business models. It outlines structured steps, tools, and indicators to support sustainable, inclusive, and innovative local economic development. This methodology also aims to help local stakeholders to define the development of a long-term collaborative business model and to make better management decisions.
Project:
REVIVE
Mission
Strengthening an innovative sustainable economy
Programme keywords:
Sustainable planning
KEEP keywords:
Regional planning, Rural development
Partners:
National Research Council - Institute of Bioeconomy
Issues addressed
Rural areas are facing economic, social, and environmental decline, marked by depopulation, low economic dynamism, scarce job opportunities, and weak digitalisation. With populations expected to drop by over 8% by 2050, these areas, despite their role in food production, natural resource management, environmental protection, and tourism, struggle with decreasing productivity. Addressing these challenges requires business models that promote sustainable development through social innovation, collaboration, and digital transformation. However, local stakeholders often lack the tools, capacity, and knowledge to plan such models, underscoring the need for structured, adaptable frameworks.
Added value of the document
The framework demonstrates strong adaptability and transferability across regions facing similar socio-economic challenges. Its structured methodology, along with a customizable Business Model Canvas and flexible monitoring indicators, allows easy tailoring to specific local contexts. The REVIVE cluster, made up of innovative community cooperatives, facilitates the exchange of best practices, supporting smoother implementation. Successful deployment requires stakeholder engagement, capacity-building, training on business model and digital skills. Securing adequate funding and establishing coordination mechanisms are essential to ensure long-term maintenance across governance frameworks.
Transferability potential
The framework serves as a tool for fostering innovation through emerging business models and advanced technologies. It introduces a Community Services block within the Business Model Canvas and a comprehensive set of performance indicators (economic, social, environmental, digital dimensions). Its added value lies in its perspective, combining collaborative economy principles with digital innovation and 4-helix stakeholder engagement. Key features include the creation of Mediterranean Digital Innovation Hubs, data-driven monitoring systems, and a transnational cluster of Innovative Community Cooperatives, making it tailored to the needs of internal Mediterranean areas.
Contribution to SDGs
Sdg1, Sdg5, Sdg10, Sdg8, Sdg17, Sdg9, Sdg11
Contribution to the Programme / EU policies
EusairActionPlan, EuAdaptationStrategy, UfMGreenerMedAgenda, EuInnovationAgenda, EuCircularEconomy