Rural Economy: Local Economy

DTNI believe that there is a need to better understand and record the economic activity of the social sector across Northern Ireland (NI). To that end DTNI is working with the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) and the New Economics Foundation (NEF) mapping the local economy across NI. This mapping exercise is both an opportunity to record and showcase the diverse work of our members and to highlight the significant contribution they make to the economic life and social fabric of NI and in our local ‘communities of place.’

Thus far we have held two events. One in Belfast looking at infrastructure and local economy and one in Newry exploring border economy. On the 22nd of September we will host a third event where we will consider alternative local economic development initiatives in a rural setting.  That is; bottom up, community led regeneration, co-operatives and social enterprises that share the objectives of the public and private sector but who sometimes struggle to ‘upscale’ and to integrate what they are doing with mainstream economic strategy.

Too often the narrative on economic development is focussed on ‘inward investment’, on the corporate and private sector and on what happens in the economic centres of Belfast and larger urban settings. What is frequently missing from the economic narrative is a clear sense of the variety of initiatives within rural communities that make a significant contribution to the economy of the region as a whole. The rural micro, social or ‘community economy’ is often the piece of the economic jigsaw that is least understood and least recognised.

Whether we are focussing on the long term NI economic strategy, or the immediate pressing needs of a particular community, we need always to ask what it is we want our economy to be for – what should it be delivering for our communities? We work to ensure that our people and communities are thriving both financially and in their health and wellbeing; that the business sector is diverse and resilient; that money coming into the area flows well through many local supply chains; and the environmental, physical resources of a place are used sustainably. 

In this seminar and discussion workshop we are interested in exploring how to link the ‘micro’ economy (local) with the ‘macro’ economy (regional/national), the rural and the urban. What does the alternative, and community led economy offer that aligns with work being led by local authorities and rural development bodies and fits within regional economic development plans? What should the NI Executive do better to facilitate and work with the alternative and smaller scale dimensions of the economy? What more might public bodies working across rural NI undertake to do that would recognise the untapped potential of the social or community economy that will contribute to shared social and economic outcomes? 

The seminar/workshop will;

• explore the broad range of activity undertaken by Voluntary, Community and Social Enterprise organisations working in our rural communities,
• consider the capital developments projects they are leading on and what wider opportunities exist for more and better management and ownership of assets
• consider how local economy organisations can be supported to undertake an enhanced role in area regeneration and in stimulating business activity
• look at the role of social investment in catalysing local economy and consider new and untapped markets
• ask whether there is a need for better partnership working with statutory agencies to better meet local needs in a time of limited resources

To register please go to DTNI Eventbrite.