Rural areas are vital to national economies – both locally and around the world – and should be supported, says the OECD.

The OECD released the the policy statement at the 11th OECD Rural Development Conference, which brought delegates from around the world to Edinburgh on 9-12 April.

The statement – which provides guidance to governments to support rural economic development – also declared that innovation is critical if rural economies are to remain competitive.

Jose Enrique Garcilazo, head of the OECD’s regional and rural policy unit, said rural issues were often sidelined by governments – despite their importance.

“Rural regions are not synonymous with decline or agricultural specialisation, but places of growth, opportunity and inspiration, yet rural is still not central to government policy.

Rural areas had a key part in solving some major global challenges, said Mr Garcilazo.

“They are best placed to develop new energy sources, to help sustain our natural environment and to ensure food security,” he explained.

“In an increasingly interconnected world, opportunities are emerging to promote rural prosperity.

Digitalisation would propel rural economies forward, and conference highlighted that supporting innovation in rural areas would be key to the future prosperity and wellbeing of rural regions.”

The policy statement identifies 10 key drivers of change predicted to influence the future of rural economies and communities and their potential to prosper.

These include manufacturing, decentralised energy systems, digital connectivity, the future of health, shifting values and preferences, drones, and driverless cars.

The statement also recommends robust rural policies should place social, environmental and economic wellbeing at the forefront of policy decisions.

Alistair Prior, head of the Scottish Rural Network, said hosting the conference was a landmark for Scotland as it stood on the brink of unique opportunities both technologically and politically.

By bringing together the world’s leading policy officials and international experts to map out a framework, we can take inspiration from around the world.”

The 2018 Conference, Enhancing Rural Innovation, was hosted by the Scottish Government and co-hosted by the European Commission and the UK.

It is the eleventh in the OECD Rural Conference Series, which has been held all over the world since its inception in 2002.

The full policy statement can be found here.