The aim of the Centre is to produce knowledge about rural areas. This is done through research, including application-oriented empirical research covering both socio-economic, business economic, social and cultural issues.
The Centre belongs to the social sciences. Its scope, however, is cross-disciplinary, mirrored in a staff with a variety of educational backgrounds. Also close cooperation with other research institutions reflects the Centre's cross-disciplinary profile.
Cooperation with partners in Denmark is crucial. However, the Centre increasingly seeks cooperation with European/international research institutions and organizations.
Research areas
In these areas we do empirical work in projects concerning food products, tourism, innovation, competency development, local partnerships, voluntarism, schools, multifunctional agriculture, the new local government, rural policy etc. Our most important theoretical approaches are innovation theory, network theory, social capital and organizational learning.
Contact person
Anne-Mette Hjalager, Professor and Head of Centre, hjalager@sam.sdu.dk or tel.: +45 6550 4220