About
Regions
Multi-actor Transformative Forums (MTFs) are a key component of the RIBES project, designed to foster innovation and collaboration in rural and peri-urban regions. Specifically, MTFs serve as spaces where various stakeholders, including entrepreneurs and local authorities, come together to discuss, learn, and co-create solutions.
Functioning as innovation ecosystems similar to Living Labs and Open Innovation Platforms, MTFs emphasise collaboration between the private sector, public authorities, and the community. Unlike traditional innovation platforms that focus primarily on technological advancements, MTFs adopt an experimental approach to tackle complex societal challenges by prioritising stakeholder participation and deliberation processes. These forums provide environments for experimenting with ideas, prototypes, pilots, and solution testing, allowing participants to refine their concepts.
The goal is to achieve systemic transformative change through continuous learning and adaptation, rather than merely addressing symptoms of problems. By focusing on empowerment and sustainability, MTFs aim to enhance participants’ skills and knowledge, sustaining new behavioral pathways and collaborative business models to ensure long-term benefits for rural communities.