Many so‐called structurally disadvantaged rural regions are characterized by an ongoing demographic change, low economic productivity, and an insufficient infrastructure. Paradoxically, citizens of such regions are often urged to address local challenges by developing innovative ideas, products, or services. Innovation is becoming a “message of salvation” and imperative to local action due to a rise of an innovation regime that conceptualizes innovation as reflexive and ubiquitous. Unlike cities, however, disadvantaged rural regions are often seen as not conducive to innovation. And older adults are rarely ever regarded as potential innovators. This article will examine how innovations emerge in disadvantaged rural regions and what role older adults play in this context. It focuses on social innovation which is important for processes of rural renewal. Drawing on insights gained through the “Innovation in Rural Municipalities” research project, the paper illustrates the resourcefulness of older adults in the context of socially innovative community development. Older adults can in fact act as drivers of innovative projects, actively participate in and make use of social innovations. Their specific role, however, depends on their personal motives, community‐related interests, and available resources.

中文翻译：

---

农村地区的社会创新：老年人和创新社区发展*

许多所谓的结构上处于不利地位的农村地区的特征是人口结构不断变化，经济生产率低下以及基础设施不足。矛盾的是，经常敦促这些地区的公民通过开发创新的思想，产品或服务来应对当地的挑战。由于将创新概念化为反思性和无处不在的创新制度的兴起，创新正成为一种“救助的信息”，并且必须采取当地行动。但是，与城市不同，贫困的农村地区通常被视为不利于创新。老年人很少被视为潜在的创新者。本文将探讨贫困农村地区的创新是如何出现的，以及老年人在这种情况下所起的作用。它着重于对农村复兴过程至关重要的社会创新。本文通过“农村城市创新”研究项目获得的见解，说明了在社会创新型社区发展背景下老年人的机智。实际上，老年人可以充当创新项目的推动者，积极参与和利用社会创新。但是，他们的具体角色取决于他们的个人动机，与社区相关的兴趣和可用资源。积极参与和利用社会创新。但是，他们的具体角色取决于他们的个人动机，与社区相关的兴趣和可用资源。积极参与和利用社会创新。但是，他们的具体角色取决于他们的个人动机，与社区相关的兴趣和可用资源。