METHODS
The research will comprise three stages:
Co-production underpins the project, and the key outputs will be developed with individuals and groups from each case study site. A final report exploring the research and recommendations will be made publicly available. The research team will also produce a series of reports aimed at policymakers, as well as outputs that are co-produced with rural communities and other key stakeholders.
- A scoping review of literature on rural asset acquisition and community empowerment, resilience and wellbeing to develop a conceptual framework, and an analysis of current policy and administrative structures for asset acquisition in each UK nation.
- Conducting interviews in case-study sites across the four nations to investigate the experiences of those directly or indirectly involved with asset acquisition processes. The research team will explore positive and negative impacts of asset acquisition, engage with those who experience barriers to inclusion, and work with participants to co-produce additional approaches to collecting data. Findings will be used to develop a conceptual framework and inform future evaluation, policy, and practice.
- Hosting cross nation knowledge exchange events throughout the project to inform the research direction; allowing case-study participants and related bodies to share lived experience and co-produce recommendations; and create a forum for community members, practitioners, policymakers, and academics to co-create and present solutions.
Co-production underpins the project, and the key outputs will be developed with individuals and groups from each case study site. A final report exploring the research and recommendations will be made publicly available. The research team will also produce a series of reports aimed at policymakers, as well as outputs that are co-produced with rural communities and other key stakeholders.