The European Union's community initiatives for rural development are known as LEADER. The name corresponds to the French "Liaisons Entre Activités de Development de L'Economie Rural" (Partners in the Development of the Rural Economy).
The LEADER approach consists of the following elements:
- Local development strategies according to areas, designed for clearly defined sub-regional rural territories.
- Local partnerships between public and private sectors (Local Action Groups).
- A bottom-up approach that grants local action groups decisive power over the creation and application of local development.
- The conception and application of strategies based on interaction between agents and projects from the various sectors of the local economy.
- The application of innovative approaches.
- The implementation of cooperation-oriented projects.
- The creation of local partnership networks.
From LEADER I to LEADER+
LEADER I (1991-1994) marked the beginning of a new understanding of rural development policy based on a territorial, integrated and participative approach. It was well received by the private sector, as was reflected in investment contributions.
LEADER II (1994-1999) expanded the approach of LEADER I, assigning particular importance to the innovative nature of projects. LEADER II's aim-among other goals-was to encourage innovative activities carried out by local agents in all sectors of the rural community.
LEADER+ (2000-2006) maintained its status as an innovator in the creation of and experimentation with new approaches to integrated and sustainable development that would influence rural policies of the European Union. The programme set out to be not a mere continuation of the LEADER II initiative-rather, it sought to promote and support high-quality, integrated strategies for rural development on the local level. The programme placed particular emphasis on the development of four linking themes: using new knowledge and technology, improving quality of life, appreciating local products and assessing natural and cultural resources. In addition, the initiative stood out for its nature as a pilot programme, its partners in quality (associations) and for its inter-territorial and international projects. Information and Communication Technologies constituted MENDINET's LEADER+ programme's central focus.
