Second Jülich Systems Analysis Seminar: Spotlight on Rural Economies

Following our successful launch event in June, the Jülich Systems Analysis Seminar Series continued with another engaging session. This time, the focus was on the structural characteristics of rural economies – and the research perspectives they open up.

Despite their diversity, rural areas share specific features, such as lower economic density. These have an impact on labour markets, entrepreneurial dynamics, innovation activities, and sectoral structures. In the context of profound transformation processes – particularly the energy transition – these differences become increasingly significant, posing specific challenges for both policy and research.

We were pleased to welcome Dr Martin Simmler, economist and postdoctoral researcher at the Thünen Institute of Innovation and Value Creation in Rural Areas, as our keynote speaker. His presentation explored how regional dynamics, location factors, and spatial interactions are influenced by the energy and sustainability transition – with a clear focus on rural regions.

The session provided valuable input and enabled the exchange of diverse scientific perspectives. We thank all participants for their contributions and look forward to the upcoming editions of the seminar series.