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In 2020, the SHERPA project contributed to the debate on the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas by presenting the key issues identified by the 20 regional and national SHERPA Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs), and by the EU-level MAP. The MAPs identified their desired visions for 2040, the enabling factors to achieve those visions, the challenges to overcome and the opportunities to be seized. MAPs implemented a Delphi method, which was comprised of desk research and the use of quantitative data (e.g., development indicators, demography etc.), interviews with key informants, and the design, implementation and analysis of online surveys. The outputs of MAP cycle 1 are MAP Position Papers and one SHERPA Position Paper. This Discussion Paper provides a methodological guidance for the second MAP cycle on how to implement a foresight exercise, which is the second stage of the work on the vision. The objective of the foresight exercise is threefold: (i) testing a methodology for prompting more ambitious reflections on the future of their rural area/community and guiding strategic thinking among stakeholders involved, (ii) developing pathways of change which provide inspiration and a basis for decision-making and (iii) producing a MAP Position Paper that enables further analysis and aggregated policy recommendations by the SHERPA consortium. Results will inform SHERPA’s contribution to the EU LTVRA initiative and will be documented into MAP Position Papers as well as analysed in one single document, the SHERPA Position Paper. It will also continue feeding the debate on the long-term vision for rural areas initiated in September 2019, which will result in a Communication of the European Commission aimed to be published in summer 2021. The document presents the SHERPA approach, and logic of, the foresight exercise. The majority of the document provides the main information needed to prepare for and virtually run the workshops, broken down into five main steps.

The context of global migration has changed dramatically since the beginning of 2020. Both within and between countries there has been a substantial curtailment of movement. As a result of multiple lockdowns, economic activity has severely declined and labor markets have ground to a halt. In mid-2020, the spectre of mass unemployment in industrialized economies loomed on the horizon. For both migrant hosting and origin countries – some are substantially both – this poses a set of complex development challenges. Some speak of a ‘new normal’ emerging, perhaps with less movement, more use of technology and, overall, a reduction in the global transport system that we have become accustomed to using. However, this suggests that there is suppressed demand to move for work elsewhere as well as a change in the nature of labor markets, particularly those that seek to make profits from large wage differentials within and between countries. There is no apparent evidence that this is yet the case; and an eagerness to work abroad, or in cities, remains the norm among the burgeoning youth in many low- and middleincome economies. The wider context of economic shock and changes to social systems, including the widely-reported mass movements of people within – and to some extent between – countries, seem to herald a different global migration order. However, it is worth asking whether this is really going to be the case, as many of the country examples in this short report make plain (note: this report was compiled from information available at an early stage of the pandemic). While the coupling of health risks with migrant movement may establish new levels of control and scrutiny, and to some degree attach new stigmas to migration in some contexts, the economic imperative of labor demand and supply at an international level means challenges will probably be overcome.

In 2020, the SHERPA project contributed to the debate on the Long-Term Vision for Rural Areas by presenting the key issues identified by the 20 regional and national SHERPA Multi-Actor Platforms (MAPs), and by the EU-level MAP. The MAPs identified their desired visions for 2040, the enabling factors to achieve those visions, the challenges to overcome and the opportunities to be seized. MAPs implemented a Delphi method, which was comprised of desk research and the use of quantitative data (e.g., development indicators, demography etc.), interviews with key informants, and the design, implementation and analysis of online surveys. The outputs of MAP cycle 1 are MAP Position Papers and one SHERPA Position Paper. This Discussion Paper provides a methodological guidance for the second MAP cycle on how to implement a foresight exercise, which is the second stage of the work on the vision. The objective of the foresight exercise is threefold: (i) testing a methodology for prompting more ambitious reflections on the future of their rural area/community and guiding strategic thinking among stakeholders involved, (ii) developing pathways of change which provide inspiration and a basis for decision-making and (iii) producing a MAP Position Paper that enables further analysis and aggregated policy recommendations by the SHERPA consortium. Results will inform SHERPA’s contribution to the EU LTVRA initiative and will be documented into MAP Position Papers as well as analysed in one single document, the SHERPA Position Paper. It will also continue feeding the debate on the long-term vision for rural areas initiated in September 2019, which will result in a Communication of the European Commission aimed to be published in summer 2021. The document presents the SHERPA approach, and logic of, the foresight exercise. The majority of the document provides the main information needed to prepare for and virtually run the workshops, broken down into five main steps.

The Position Paper was developed by the Galician Multi-Actor Platform (MAP), in Spain. This Position Paper covers the topic of “social dimension of rural areas”. Given the interest of the MAP and the work carried out during the previous cycles, the Galician MAP decided to particularly focus on the improvement of rural population well-being and favoring social inclusion.

The present paper documents the outcomes of the discussions and interactions held in the Multi Actor Platform (MAP) of the region of South Aegean as part of addressing the topic “Sustainable and resilient value chains”. After outlining the current situation in the region, the key results of the discussions in the MAP are presented. Based on the members’ input, particular needs of the area were highlighted as well as how the local value chains have responded to the challenges of Covid-19.

The fruit sector in Greenport Gelderland is confronted with the impacts of climate change. This relates to both having too much precipitation as shortage, as well as extreme weather events such as hail and high winds. The variety of implications makes it more difficult to adapt because needs will be different for one year/season to the other. It requires agility and timely anticipation. Therefore, the Multi-Actor Platform (MAP) Greenport Gelderland, in the Netherlands, decided to focus this position paper on climate adaptation. This position paper provides an analysis of the current situation and needs with respect to climate adaptation and water availability in the area of Greenport Gelderland, the existing interventions and it concludes with a set of recommendations for policy makers and research.

The Position Paper was developed by the Multi-Actor Platform Rural Mapping Bulgaria. In this paper, it discusses several key elements to foster bioeconomy in Bulgaria, whose economy has been defined as highly dependent on the availability of fossil raw materials.

The present paper documents the outcomes of the discussions and interactions held in the Multi Actor Platform (MAP) of the region of South Aegean as part of addressing the topic “Sustainable and resilient value chains”. After outlining the current situation in the region, the key results of the discussions in the MAP are presented. Based on the members’ input, particular needs of the area were highlighted as well as how the local value chains have responded to the challenges of Covid-19.

The diversification of rural economy activities and the farms’ vertical integration must be flexible and based on market dynamics. To improve the vertical and horizontal integration across agri-food value chains, policies should be designed in a way that addresses vertical and horizontal coordination in a synergic manner. In this position paper, the Multi-Actor Platform Transylvania sets out the main challenges with respect to the creation of resilient and sustainable value chains in the region. It also proposes solutions to these problems starting from the current situation in the field.

The Position Paper was developed by the Multi-Actor Platform Rural Mapping Bulgaria. In this paper, it discusses several key elements to foster bioeconomy in Bulgaria, whose economy has been defined as highly dependent on the availability of fossil raw materials.