ESIRA (Enhancing Social Innovation in Rural Areas) is a developmental project supported by the European Commission through the Horizon Europe program, aimed at improving the socio-economic position of the population in rural areas. The ESIRA consortium comprises 15 organizations from 8 European countries, including universities, expert associations, and non-governmental organizations, creating a network of academic knowledge and practical scope at the local level.
The ESIRA project focuses on the implementation of innovative socio-economic initiatives, with an emphasis on developing local social networks in rural communities and improving the economic position of marginalized groups. The consortium is formed with the vision that empowering the socio-economic position of rural communities is crucial for sustainable economic development that respects and integrates various social structures and practical needs of marginalized groups.
The Institute for Development and Innovation conducts ESIRA in the Jablanica and Pcinja districts through mapping marginalized groups (youth in NEET positions, women, entrepreneurs) and launching innovative initiatives aimed at strengthening their economic and social status. Local innovative initiatives will contribute to reducing the unemployment rate and the risk of poverty among individuals in marginalized groups and increase their participation in the labor market. The mission of the Institute conducted through the ESIRA project is to create and empower economically independent individuals and associations in the Jablanica and Pcinja districts.
The Institute for Development and Innovation conducts ESIRA through communication activities among academic associations, local organizations, and residents of rural communities. The Institute for Development and Innovation also leads data dissemination activities, aiming to acquaint the broader scientific community and civil society with the potential and significance of the project. Additionally, the Institute plays a key role in creating a strategy for exploiting the project’s results in the selected locale.