Contributions to the comparative analysis of models of rural development in Europe

The aim of this paper is to present the theoretical and methodological framework proposed for conducting a comparative analysis of cases of rural development in Europe. Given the nature and objectives of this research, the theoretical and methodological framework focuses on three dimensions: organizational - institutional, territorial, and identity. These dimensions correspond to the major transformation processes that have been taking place in recent years following the implementation of rural-development policies in Europe. We use a social-network approach to discuss each of these three dimensions and deepen our reflection by also incorporating the concepts of social capital and institutional capital. We propose a methodological framework suitable for addressing the great diversity of rural-development models currently existing in the context of the European Union. This approach has become a useful tool for understanding some of the keys aspects of the new European rurality.