And we are back! For the first webinar of the Spring 2026 series João Almeida from Rural Move & University of Maia, presented “Searching for a New Rurality: Entrepreneurship, Social Innovation and Ecosystem Thinking for Rural Development”.
In this episode we explored:
- The challenges and opportunities rural areas face
- How governance, social networks and local voices influence innovation
- Actions to strengthen ecosystems and bridge local projects to policy
Access Almeida’s presentation here and find out more about Rural Move here. If you missed the session you can watch the recording below or catch up on our YouTube channel.
Abstract
Across Europe, rural territories face structural challenges such as depopulation, ageing, and economic fragility. Yet, they also embody unique opportunities for regeneration through innovation, entrepreneurship, and community engagement. Building on evidence from doctoral research and the experience of Rural Move, a Portuguese platform supporting rural entrepreneurs, this presentation examines how entrepreneurial ecosystems can foster territorial development in low-density regions. It discusses how governance mechanisms, social networks, and place-based narratives influence the capacity of rural areas to adapt, collaborate, and innovate. The session concludes with policy-oriented reflections and a call to action for regional and national actors to strengthen rural ecosystems, connect local initiatives with broader European frameworks, and co-create a more vibrant and sustainable “new rurality.”
About the Speaker
João Almeida is an ecosystem builder working at the intersection of entrepreneurship research and territorial development. He holds a PhD in Business & Economics from the University of Aveiro and conducts research on entrepreneurial ecosystems in rural and low-density territories. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of Maia, where he teaches entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategy. Beyond academia, he is the Co-founder and Coordinator of Rural Move, a non-profit association dedicated to repopulation, investment, and socio-economic dynamisation of rural territories in Portugal. He also works as a consultant and trainer in social innovation projects and serves on several advisory boards related to entrepreneurship, social innovation, agriculture, and rural development.