Challenges of smart solutions for rural ageing: Critical reflections illustrated by social innovation directed to older rural women in southeastern Poland

Ilona Matysiak, Katarzyna Zajda · 2025 · European Urban and Regional Studies

Summary. Social innovation projects addressing rural ageing in southeastern Poland face significant barriers to sustainability and scaling. A study of an NGO-led initiative for older rural women found limited visibility, weak collaboration between organizations, and funding challenges caused the project to end despite participant appreciation. The research reveals that NGOs and local action groups view social innovation as risky and business-focused, making them reluctant leaders. The authors recommend blended financing, micro-grants, and training to strengthen rural innovation capacity.

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@article{matysiak-2025-challenges-smart-solutions-rural-ageing,
  title   = {Challenges of smart solutions for rural ageing: Critical reflections illustrated by social innovation directed to older rural women in southeastern Poland},
  author  = {Ilona Matysiak and Katarzyna Zajda},
  journal = {European Urban and Regional Studies},
  year    = {2025},
  doi     = {10.1177/09697764251361740},
  url     = {https://doi.org/10.1177/09697764251361740}
}

TY  - JOUR
TI  - Challenges of smart solutions for rural ageing: Critical reflections illustrated by social innovation directed to older rural women in southeastern Poland
AU  - Ilona Matysiak
AU  - Katarzyna Zajda
JO  - European Urban and Regional Studies
PY  - 2025
DO  - 10.1177/09697764251361740
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1177/09697764251361740
ER  - 

Details

DOI

10.1177/09697764251361740

Countries

Poland

Regions

Europe

Categories

policy, funding, rural-healthcare

Added

2026-04-28