Rural economies can be powerful engines of national growth. Rural development policy must evolve to address global challenges such as climate shocks, economic disruptions and social unrest. This report offers governments practical guidance for navigating long-term transitions while addressing immediate vulnerabilities. It applies a spatial lens to resilience, recognising that rural regions are all different. 

The report advocates a place-based, people-centred approach to policy to unlock the full potential of rural regions. Rural regions can leverage opportunities across renewable energy, digital innovation, and advanced manufacturing. The report suggests enabling competitiveness by focusing on fostering skills; enhancing innovation/entrepreneurship; and improving digital connectivity.

The report highlights emerging opportunities, alongside persistent challenges that require urgent attention:

• the green transition and rural natural assets present unique economic opportunities
• rural regions are shrinking and ageing faster than metro regions
• rural manufacturing and other specialisations remain a key driver of rural growth and employment
• demographic decline, service gaps, and perceived neglect can create rural discontent.

Policy action should focus on drivers of rural growth:

• specific assets of rural places
• tradeable specialisation
• access to urban markets and rural-urban linkages
• natural resources.

The report calls for greater focus on ensuring successful policy implementation by:

• strengthening policy coherence and integrated cross-government action
• working at functional scale and encouraging collaboration
• improving the collection and use of rural evidence to inform policy decisions
• taking action to galvanise the rural voice
• creating more effective rural communication channels.