The INSPIRE project’s “Territorial Typology on Social Wellbeing, Resilience and Exclusion” (developed by the University of Barcelona) classifies EU rural regions (at the NUTS2 and NUTS3 levels) into clusters using various social, economic, demographic, environmental and civic indicators that collectively capture and measure degrees and types of social exclusion. It uses this multidimensional approach to capture each area’s wellbeing and vulnerability beyond purely economic (GDP-based) metrics (measures of health, education, income, environment, infrastructure and civic participation), in line with INSPIRE’s foundational conceptual framework of rural social exclusion (D1.1).

By revealing patterns of inclusion, resilience and exclusion, the typology provides a richer picture of rural strengths and needs than traditional classifications. In the forthcoming INSPIRE Rural Social Inclusion Policy Dashboard, users will be able to filter and explore these indicators to identify each region’s “rural area type” and its specific social wellbeing risks and trends. This gives policymakers, practitioners and local communities evidence to design targeted, inclusive rural development policies and services tailored to each area’s needs.