The initiative, called RIHU – Rural Impact Hub, is led by the association Rural Move under the “Centres for Impact entrepreneurship” programme, promoted by Portugal Innovation Social and funded by the European Union and Norte 2030.
Helena Barril, mayor of Miranda do Douro, sees RIHU as a turning point, moving from theory to practical solutions for rural development and social entrepreneurship. She emphasised that the municipality is committed to supporting efforts to build a more dynamic, inclusive, and sustainable territory.
More than just an incubator for ideas, Rural Move describes RIHU as a practical local development tool. Based in Miranda do Douro, in the Bragança district, the project aims to connect the entire rural region by engaging entrepreneurs, associations, educational institutions, investors, and community leaders.
Andreia Barbosa, manager of the RIHU community, highlights the importance of a decentralised model. The team works directly with local parishes, associations, and residents to understand the specific challenges faced by each area.
João Almeida, project coordinator, points out that although Miranda do Douro is geographically remote – the easternmost point of Portugal – it will become a hub for social innovation and impact entrepreneurship in rural contexts.
Currently, the initiative involves 35 partners, including local, regional, and national organizations, as well as entities from neighboring Spain. Notable participants include the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, Polytechnic Institute of Bragança, the municipality of Fundão, and social innovation incubators from various Portuguese regions.
RIHU is part of a broader network of 38 centers across Portugal aimed at addressing social challenges and fostering territorial development. Key social investors include the Miranda do Douro municipality, Movhera, and Caixa de Crédito Agrícola do Douro e Sabor.