Theme 2: Abstract for WG 1
2.1 Novel Approaches to Service Provision in Sparse Rural Areas
Organisers:
Katja Rinne-Koski, University of Helsinki Ruralia Institute, Finland, katja.rinne-koski@helsinki.fi
Andrew Copus (The James Hutton Institute, Aberdeen) [andrew.copus@hutton.ac.uk]
Leneisja Jungsberg (Nordregio, Stockholm) [leneisja.Jungsberg@nordregio.se]
Jane Atterton and Rob Mc Morran (Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Edinburgh) [jane.atterton@sruc.ac.uk] [rob.mcmorran@Sruc.ac.uk]
Merja Lähdesmäki, Anne Matilainen and Katja Rinne-Koski (University of Helsinki Ruralia Institute) [merja.lahdesmaki@helsinki.fi] [anne.matilainen@helsinki.fi] [katja.rinne-koski@helsinki.fi]
Abstract:
The challenges for service provision in sparsely populated rural areas have in recent decades been exacerbated by demographic trends, together with austerity and the rise New Public Management approaches. Various kinds of social innovation (SI) offer alternative forms of provision. Community-based social enterprises are run by the locals themselves, trade for common good, aim to tackle social or ecological problems, and reinvest profits within the community. Other forms of SI exist within the public and private sectors. There is a long tradition of third sector-led social innovation in Scotland; but what is the situation in the Nordic countries? Are Nordic SI and SE distinctive in terms of goals, activities, impacts, management, organizational or legal form? How does the public sector react to them? The aim of the working group is to deepen our understanding of social innovation and social enterprises in the Nordic countries. We welcome papers of all kinds; theoretical or conceptual, as well as policy-oriented or practical viewpoints.
Abstract forwarded to: katja.rinne-koski@helsinki.fi and info@ruralities.org before Jan. 1st 2018