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

Abstract

This Euro Commentary paper critically examines the implementation of social innovation in addressing rural ageing, focusing on the roles of rural non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local action groups (LAGs). We analyze a project for older rural women developed by a local NGO within one of the southeastern Poland LAGs. Although appreciated by participants, the project ended with its initial funding. Our goal is to identify barriers to sustaining and scaling such innovations and to explore how NGOs and LAGs conceptualize “rural older adults” and “social innovation.” Using local documents, social media, and interviews with NGO and LAG leaders, we find limited visibility and dissemination of the innovation, funding challenges, and weak collaboration. The diverse needs of rural older adults remain largely unaddressed, while innovation is viewed as vague, risky, and tied mainly to business, weakening the perceived suitability of NGOs and LAGs for leading social innovation in rural areas. To address these barriers, blended financing, flexible micro-grants for rural NGOs, and trainings for local actors on smart, age-friendly innovation should be introduced.