Local Ruralism: Systemic Design for Economic Development

Rural regions have high potential for local economic development potential offered by social innovation (Neumeier, 2012), social transformation and transition (Markard et al., 2012). The aim of this article is to unlock the potential of systemic innovation in rural development through research insights and practical methods. Theories and practices can define a framework to be used and exported in different contexts. Design approaches build first principles for human social systems and encourage social innovation processes for the improvement of the quality of life and the economic wellbeing of people (Bistagnino, 2011). The explained case studies are practices undertaken by the author to directly bring findings from a design phase through to implementation. The three cases are set in three different geographical contexts (Mexico, Italy, and Spain) with declining rural situation. The empirical evidence for what might be the necessary enabling condition for rural development remains limited, so this direct experience can give new insights on systemic innovation as enabler for rural development. The ambition underlying these projects is to develop pertinent knowledge, clear frameworks, and concrete guidelines which constitute a new method to facilitate the actions of systemic innovation networks in rural regions