INNOVATION must be at the forefront of good rural policy – that was the overarching message delivered at the 11th OECD Rural Development Conference held in Edinburgh this week, which was attended by over 400 delegates from around the world.

In a policy statement published during the conference, 10 key drivers of change were identified which would influence the future of rural economies and communities and their potential to prosper, including additive manufacturing (for example 3D printing); decentralised energy systems; digital connectivity; the future of health; shifting values and preferences; drones; and driverless cars.

Addressing the imbalance between urban and rural areas was noted as key to the future success of the rural economy. As the UK's moves towards the ticking demographic timebomb of an ageing population, it is increasingly important that rural areas become a vibrant choice of destination for young people and businesses. There was a consensus at the conference that member states and their respective governments must deliver on policies which drive opportunities and innovations within rural areas, encouraging people to see a sustainable and long-term future within these communities.

Guest speaker Mari Kiviniemi, deputy secretary-general of the OECD, made it clear that public attitudes and perceptions towards rural life were a first point of change: “In too many places, rural potential remains unrealised and there is a perception of rural areas being places of economic and social backwardness, this needs to change.”

Fellow panellist and speaker Fiona Hyslop MSP, Cabinet Secretary for External Affairs, Scotland remarked on how Scotland is leading the way in connectivity within rural policy.

“Rural policy in Scotland is at a cross roads – we need a coherent approach to rural policy which meets the ambitions and aspirations of people living in these areas. The Scottish Government recognise the importance of digital connectivity and how it can be a barrier to rural and urban cohesion. We are already closing the divide and have invested £600 million as part of our target to reach 100% connectivity by the end of 2021. This will make Scotland one of the best-connected countries in Europe,” stated Ms Hyslop.

Conservative MP Lord Duncan of Springbank, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Scotland, made it clear that to move forward and develop the rural economy, there must be a common understanding of the future threat of climate change.

“Climate change is the most significant challenge we will address in our lifetime," he said. "We need to recognise that emissions produced by livestock and machinery need to be managed and this will come at a cost. Our farming practices need to be addressed and farmers will have to adapt their growing and rearing methods to develop our rural economies whilst preserving our natural environment, through new innovative projects,” said Lord Duncan.

Continuing the theme of environmental sustainability, guest speaker Phil Hogan, European Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, explained that farmers need to become part of the solution rather than being accused as part of the problem.

“The role of a farmer is changing world-wide; our natural resources are depleting, and the preservation of our countryside is more important than ever, and their role in that process is vital. Every farmer wants to pass down their farm in better health to the next farmer, but we need to make sure there are incentives along the way to support that changing role."