The Rural Principles Series: Measuring Well-Being in Rural Areas - Bridging Gaps in Data and Perception

The OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities (CFE) helps local, regional, and national governments unleash the potential of entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises, promote inclusive and sustainable regions and cities, boost local job creation, and support sound tourism policies. The Working Party on Rural Policy shaped the OECD Principles on Rural Policy, adopted by the Regional Development Policy Committee on 1 March 2019.

The Principles are designed to assist national, regional, and local governments in implementing more effective rural policies to improve the quality of life and create a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive future for all. This workshop is part of a series of activities to gain insight into how OECD member countries are implementing the Principles.

Policymakers today face complex challenges that directly affect people’s well-being. To support these efforts, the OECD has developed a comprehensive well-being framework aimed at helping governments measure, track and prioritise various aspects of well-being. The goal is to improve living conditions and secure positive long-term outcomes. The OECD’s publication, Rural Well-being: Geography of Opportunities encourages member countries to adopt a people-centred approach in rural policies, going beyond productivity and income to include environmental and social factors for a more holistic perspective.

What elements of rural life impact well-being, and how can we measure them effectively? Perceptions and experiences in rural areas are dynamic, with well-being varying significantly between geographies, like mountainous regions and islands. Improving quality of life is essential for rural development. Challenges will include geographical isolation from physical services, limited broadband access and social isolation all contribute. This workshop will explore the factors affecting well-being in rural areas, explore innovative approaches to define and measure it and discuss the role of policy in enhancing the rural quality of life. 

• What are the biggest challenges in measuring well-being accurately in rural areas? How can we develop metrics that capture the cultural and contextual nuances of rural happiness?
• How do the quality of life measures differ between rural and urban areas, and what aspects contribute to dissatisfaction in rural communities?
• What role does economic stability play in rural happiness, and how can we balance economic growth with preserving traditional rural lifestyles?
• How do environmental factors, such as access to green spaces or agricultural practices, influence rural well-being, and what policies could enhance these benefits?
• What are some effective ways to empower rural communities to take the lead in measuring and improving their well-being?

A detailed agenda will be available closer to the date.