On 5–7 October 2026, four researchers from the Institute of Economics and Rural Development at the Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences – Rasa Melnikienė, Rita Lankauskienė, Vitalija Simonaitytė, and Živilė Gedminaitė-Raudonė – participated in the General Assembly of the ESIRA project (Enhancing Social Innovation in Rural Areas) in Trento, Italy. The event was hosted by the Trentino Federation of Cooperation (FTC), the European Research Institute on Cooperative and Social Enterprises (EURICSE), and Borghi IN, bringing together project partners from across Europe to review project progress, exchange experiences, and discuss future activities.
The General Assembly included working sessions dedicated to the progress of ESIRA Work Packages, methodological discussions, and the planning of upcoming project activities. Particular attention was given to community-led social innovation, social inclusion, and the role of social economy organisations in strengthening rural communities.
A central theme of the event was the cooperative model and its contribution to local economic and social development. The Trentino region has a long tradition of cooperation, with cooperatives operating in agriculture, retail, financial services, and social services. Discussions highlighted how cooperative enterprises can combine economic activities with social objectives, create employment opportunities, and strengthen local economies.
Alongside the working sessions, participants visited several cooperative initiatives in the region. In Rovereto, they explored the activities of Impronte, a social cooperative promoting employment and social inclusion for people facing social disadvantages through hospitality, cultural activities, and work-integration initiatives. Participants also learned about renewable energy communities and their potential to support environmental sustainability and generate benefits for local communities.
Another study visit took place at Mezzacorona, an agricultural cooperative bringing together more than 1,500 winegrower families. The visit demonstrated how cooperation among local producers can strengthen economic activities, preserve regional traditions, and support sustainable rural development.
The General Assembly provided valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and international cooperation. The experiences shared in Trentino demonstrated how cooperatives, community-led initiatives, and cross-sector collaboration can contribute to stronger local economies, greater social inclusion, and more resilient rural communities across Europe.
Project start date: 1 January 2024
Duration: 4 years
Budget: 4 499 840,00 EUR
Coordinator: University of Burgos (Spain)
15 partners from 8 countries, piloting 9 regions.
More information about the project: www.esira.eu
The project is implemented by:
Dr. Živilė Gedminaitė-Raudonė (project manager in Lithuania), tel. (+370 5) 2617 978, e-mail zivile.gedminaite@lcss.lt;
Dr. Rasa Melnikienė, e-mail rasa.melnikiene@lcss.lt
Dr. Rita Lankauskienė, e-mail rita.lankauskiene@lcss.lt;
Dr. Vitalija Simonaitytė, e-mail vitalija.simonaityte@lcss.lt.
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