RURALITIES D8.1 Dataset – Mapping of Education and Training Programmes for Rural Development

The RURALITIES D8.1 Dataset – Mapping of Education and Training Programmes for Rural Development provides a structured collection of existing education and training programmes, courses, learning resources and capacity-building opportunities relevant to rural development and rural innovation. The dataset was developed within the Horizon Europe project RURALITIES – Rural Empowerment for a Green and Sustainable Future as part of the activities supporting D8.1 – Rural Scene Education Nexus Characterisation Compendium and the wider work of WP8 on the RURALITIES learning framework. The dataset was compiled through a consortium-wide mapping exercise involving RURALITIES partners, with particular attention to the project's SIMSES territories and follower regions. Partners identified existing learning opportunities relevant to the challenges, needs and Systemic Innovation Areas addressed by RURALITIES. The resulting dataset brings together different forms of learning provision, including formal education and degree programmes, vocational and professional training, online and self-paced courses, workshops, webinars, toolkits, learning platforms and other educational resources. The current dataset contains 373 mapped learning resources and programmes provided by universities, training organisations, research institutions, public bodies, professional organisations and other relevant actors. The entries cover a broad range of topics connected to rural transformation, including sustainable agriculture and agrifood systems, rural entrepreneurship, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, digitalisation, circular economy and bioeconomy, community development, governance and participation, among other areas. Where available, information on aspects such as geographical relevance, provider, target groups, delivery format, language and type of learning provision is included to support further assessment and use. The purpose of the dataset extends beyond the creation of an inventory. It provides an evidence base for analysing the existing rural education and training landscape, identifying areas with strong learning provision as well as topics, target groups and delivery approaches that may require further attention. The mapping also supports the assessment of which existing resources could be reused, adapted, contextualised or complemented to respond more effectively to the needs of different rural territories. The dataset therefore contributes directly to the further development of the RURALITIES learning ecosystem. It provides input for the preparation of D8.2, the development of structured learning content and pathways under D8.3, and the establishment and operation of the RURALITIES Training Centres. In this context, the mapped resources can support the development of flexible and place-based learning pathways combining existing knowledge with locally adapted content, practical learning, Living Lab activities and cross-SIMSES knowledge exchange. By making the dataset openly available through Zenodo and the RURALITIES community, the project aims to facilitate its discoverability, transparency, reuse and long-term accessibility. Beyond its immediate role within WP8, the dataset can serve as a reference resource for rural communities, education and training providers, researchers, policymakers, innovation actors and other stakeholders interested in strengthening skills, capacities and learning opportunities for sustainable rural development.