Our working methods & functions

LEADER can be used to map and improve key functions in regional development. These 5 functions can be summarised as follows:

1) Democratic and educational function

Democratisation through participation: Affected groups independently develop solutions to improve their living environment. Involvement via the LAG overcomes acceptance barriers for innovations, uses local knowledge and supplements representative democracy with active citizen participation - a step towards the professionalisation of civil society.

Strengthening regional identity: Voluntary involvement in the LAG creates solidarity and trust between the stakeholders. This functional identity transcends administrative boundaries and is based on cooperation and shared values.

Knowledge transfer for innovation: Global challenges require local expertise. LEADER specifically involves regional knowledge carriers such as farmers and craftspeople in order to promote practice-orientated innovations. Lifelong learning is a central strategic element here.

2) Labour market and social policy function

Create & secure jobs: LEADER is an engine for employment - in Austria, around 200 people work in LAG management and around 1,500 more via LEADER projects. Across Europe, there are around 7,000 LAG positions. Evaluation studies show: Over one million jobs have already been created across the EU in the LEADER context. This makes LEADER a genuine European large-scale enterprise. At the same time, it raises awareness of career opportunities in apprenticeships and skilled trades. In this sense, LEADER is a large European company consisting of many local network centres.

Strengthening social innovation & the common good: LEADER networks and supports initiatives for a better work-life balance, promotes needs-orientated social services and strengthens public services. The aim is to ensure a sustainable quality of life in the regions.

Inclusion & co-determination: As a non-partisan forum, LEADER ensures that underrepresented groups - such as disadvantaged young people, older people or people in need of care, migrants or newcomers - are also actively involved in regional decision-making processes.

3) Economic policy function

Driving forward the circular economy: LEADER focuses on regional economic cycles as a counter-model to the "throwaway society". The focus is on a practical circular economy that uses raw materials sustainably, maximises recyclability and increases ecological effectiveness.

Strengthen regional production: Through direct contact between producers and consumers, LEADER creates trusting relationships and promotes regional value creation. Social capital is transformed into economic success, while authentic, high-quality products strengthen regional identity.

Innovation as a driver of growth: LEADER is a laboratory for ideas for the future. It promotes both technological and social innovations - from sustainable modernisation and participatory reforms to the diversification of the rural economy. SMEs, agricultural businesses and start-ups are particularly supported in order to sustainably strengthen innovation and competitiveness.

4) Environmental and climate policy function

Driving forward ecological modernisation: LEADER focuses on digital innovations to increase resource efficiency, particularly in agriculture. Programmes such as "Smart Villages" transfer proven LEADER methods to the local level and are geared towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Actively tackling the climate crisis: Climate protection and adaptation to climate change must be implemented regionally in order to have a real impact. LEADER supports model regions of the Climate and Energy Fund and specifically promotes measures that make social and natural systems more resilient. This minimises risks and exploits new opportunities.

Mastering crises, shaping change: LEADER strengthens the ability of regions to react flexibly and self-organised to crises and uncertainties. Practical crisis management creates fast, customised solutions for global challenges - and new development opportunities for the future.

 5) European policy function

Strong regions - strong Europe: LEADER is a central component of the "Europe of the Regions" and combines local development with European integration and solidarity. Through a network of around 3,300 action groups (ENRD), LEADER promotes cross-border exchange and strengthens the networking of regional players.

Bringing Europe to life on site: LEADER communicates the economic and political objectives of the EU at a local level and promotes a European identity that incorporates regional diversity. This not only strengthens the understanding of pan-European issues, but also makes the EU tangible and accessible to citizens.

Overcoming boundaries, utilising opportunities: LEADER is transforming rural Europe into a network of dynamic development initiatives. Transnational co-operation creates economic and cultural synergies that go far beyond local business start-ups. International contacts, language skills and intercultural exchange contribute to the economic vitality and innovative strength of the regions.