The study will be conducted in three methodological phases: first analytical reviews (WP 1-7), second in-depth case studies (WP 8) and third a synthesis of findings and conceptual development (WP 9). Two additional work packages cover dissemination and networking (WP 10), and management and coordination (WP 11) activities.

The following (navigable) chart illustrates the interrelation of the work packages:

WP 1: Priorities in rural development policies: gaining a better understanding of motivations and concerns behind policies and support measures, and examine their compatibility more...

WP 2: Rural development policy design: examining the way in which RD policies are designed and analysing their origins, context, development and operation from a holistic perspective more...

WP 3: RD policy delivery and governance, incl. LEADER: investigating modes of governance and systems of delivery with an emphasis on the role and importance of partnerships and institutions more...

WP 4: RD expenditure analysis: assembling a database of EU member states expenditure plans, actual expenditure and complementary national RD programmes more...

WP 5: Contrasting priorities and expenditure: assessing the correspondence between priorities, expenditure plans, and actual expenditures more...

WP 6: Reviewing CMEF indicators: providing a critical analysis of the appropriateness of CMEF and additional national indicators more...

WP 7: Refining assessment methods: developing an integrated methodology for holistic RD evaluation more...

WP 8: In-depth regional case studies: conducting 20 in-depth case studies and impact assessments using the improved methodology, and illustrating good practice in rural development more...

WP 9: Synthesis: providing a summary overview of the main findings and formulating recommendations for more effective approaches in RD policy monitoring, impact assessment and evaluation more...

WP 10: Networking and dissemination more...

WP 11: Project management and coordination more...