The Leader Method

The Leader method emphasizes the importance of local development being driven by the people who live and work in the area. It is you who best understand the needs and challenges that exist, and what opportunities for innovation can be developed.

Results & effects

An evaluation

Leader support distributed to various projects in Bohuslän comes from the EU (European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development), the Swedish state, and municipalities. During the period 2023–2027, there is a total of approximately 1.7 billion kronor to strengthen the competitiveness and development of Sweden's rural areas through leader.

In 2022, an evaluation of the foundations of the leader method and its effects in Leader Southern Bohuslän was conducted. The evaluation reviewed 24 projects from two program periods 2007-2013 and 2024-2020. The author of this evaluation was Johannes Haggärde, rural development consultant.

In summary, the evaluation shows that the leader method is an effective strategy for capturing local engagement and driving development projects with a focus on long-term results. Through local leader associations, actors receive support and access to networks to realize their ideas and create sustainable changes. Despite certain challenges, such as the limited time frames of projects, Leader contributes to securing long-term ownership and new development opportunities.

Download the evaluation

Strengths of the method

LOCAL ENGAGEMENT

The voluntary power

  • Bottom-up engagement: The leader method captures local engagement and ideas.
  • Project support: Local actors can apply for support to utilize untapped potential.
  • Selection criteria: Resources are directed to projects with the greatest long-term potential.

KNOWLEDGE, NETWORKS & LONG-TERM SUSTAINABILITY

Local collaborations

  • Support and networks: In addition to financing, Leader offers knowledge and networks.
  • Limitations in project format: Projects have a fixed time frame, which can create problems for long-term results.
  • Ownership and transfer: Important to plan for who will drive the results forward after the project's end.

CHANGE & INNOVATION

Sustainable investments

  • Anchoring and collaboration: Locally anchored projects have a greater chance of continuing.
  • Experimentation and flexibility: The project format allows for experimentation with lower risk.

 

Project

See all projects

RÖFFS Ruben Östlunds Film Festival Styrsö

Styrsö launches film project with Ruben Östlund for intergenerational meetings.

Co-construction for vibrant coastal communities

Building together creates sustainable housing and strengthens coastal communities.

Extension of the Västerhavspromenade

Accessible new walk increases nature experience and visitor numbers.

Hönö Outdoor Tennis – smash it!

New outdoor tennis court strengthens training, competition and community on Hönö.

Creative Open Meeting Place Härön (KÖM)

The old schoolhouse will become a vibrant, sustainable meeting place for everyone.

Digital gateway to history

Digital Gateway to History: Bohus Fortress becomes accessible year-round with innovative digital solutions.

Styrsö economically sustainable

Styrsö is investing in year-round tourism with new facilities, infrastructure, conferences and strengthened local development.

Activity center Nimbus Öckerö

Activity center with mini golf, kayaking, bicycles, community and collaboration for local development.

Establishment of Sotenäs Maritime Center

Sotenäs Maritima Center combines fishing history and innovation with sustainable fishing and interactive experiences.

The Barn on Flatön – A sustainable meeting place for development

Sustainable meeting place on Flatön for culture, tourism, education and recreation.

Seaside Sauna in Hunnebostrand

Hunnebostrand's new sauna facility by the water promotes community and health all year round.

The Nösund waterfront project

The Nösund association is working hard to develop the small community in northwest Orust and now they are going to build a gangway in the form of a jetty along the outside of the mountain, right along the sea edge.

Local representation

Engagement is the foundation

Leader is a method for rural development, where those who live and work in the area take initiative and drive change. Through voluntary engagement, people can gather around an idea and create sustainable and attractive areas. But sometimes there is a lack of funds to implement these ideas – then Leader can offer support and resources to make them a reality.

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