Presentation at the British and Irish Section of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI-BIS)

On Thursday, June 19th, Dr. Brenda Lynch, project lead of the BOCOD project (Boosting Continuity and Digitalisation of Rural Region Businesses), presented at the British and Irish Section of the Regional Science Association International (RSAI-BIS) conference at University College Cork, Ireland.

This international conference is a key gathering of scholars, policymakers, and regional development experts, offering a unique platform to exchange key research ideas and practice related to regional economic, social, and spatial development. Dr. Lynch’s participation enabled valuable dialogue with peers across disciplines, providing the opportunity to situate BOCOD within wider European and international debates on rural sustainability and economic transformation.

Dr. Lynch showcased the core aims of the BOCOD project: supporting rural SMEs in Ireland, Finland, and Iceland through digital training, succession planning, and continuity strategies. Drawing on insights from the predecessor project EBoost, she demonstrated how these interventions will aim to directly tackle structural issues such as business exits due to ageing populations, limited digital capacity, and fragile local economies.

BOCOD stands as a critical response to the changing dynamics of rural entrepreneurship, aiming to empower businesses to become more competitive, resilient, and connected. The RSAI-BIS provides an important platofrm to elevate the visibility of such efforts while also fostering collaboration and peer learning.