What is driving social and economic change in rural areas – and where is it taking place? A look at rural regions shows: A lot is happening here. Committed individuals, associations, administrations and (social) entrepreneurs are actively shaping change processes in their regions – often in innovative ways. Their initiatives address challenges in areas such as mobility, digitalisation and local supply. Together, they are developing solutions for a socially, ecologically and economically sustainable, liveable future – in Beeskow, in the Oder-Spree district and in many other rural regions.
Change does not happen on its own: in addition to strong players, places are needed that enable dialogue, cooperation and joint action. What can such places look like and how can they be created, operated sustainably and secured in the long term? Who feels responsible for them?"
The 60th Brandenburg Regional Talk, an event organised by the Leibniz Institute for Research on Society and Space (IRS) in cooperation with the Fürstenwalde University Office, is dedicated to these questions. In a panel and audience discussion, we want to share and discuss experiences with experts and committed stakeholders from science, administration and society and find answers together.
You are cordially invited to join the discussion!
Panel guests
Jeanette Gruner advises and supports stakeholders in rural areas between the Oder and Spree rivers as regional manager of LAG Oderland e.V. in applying for, managing and implementing projects with public funding.
Julia Gunnoltz implements real-world laboratories on the future of agriculture at the Leibniz Centre for Agricultural Landscape Research (ZALF) in Müncheberg.
Martin Hollinetz is a regional developer and founder of the OTELO network and the Otelo cooperative from Austria, designing pioneering models for cooperative forms of work, innovation spaces and community workshops.
Oliver Kühne is shaping the future of the Oder-Spree district as head of the Office for District Development and Infrastructure.
Suntje Schmidt and Ralph Richter conduct research at the Leibniz Institute for Spatial Social Research (IRS) on social and economic change in rural areas.
Moderation: Anika Posselius, Leibniz Institute for Spatial Social Research (IRS)
Programme
3.00 p.m. to 4.15 p.m. | Welcome and keynote speeches by panel guests
4.15 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. | Break at the buffet: audience meets panellists
4.45 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. | Discussion with panellists and audience
from 6.00 p.m. | Conclusion at the buffet
When and where?
Thursday, 7 May 2026 | 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Burg Beeskow, Concert Hall
Frankfurter Straße 23
15848 Beeskow
Registration and info
Registration and further information can be found at
leibniz-irs.de/regionalgespraech-orte