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This thesis aims to support knowledge on how to approach rural development in the context of Blekinge with perspectives of rural community development, the public sector and rural tourism. These perspectives are presented through theories and research made on the different topics, which define improvement factors that can enable and support the rural development of Blekinge. The case of Röstånga with its successful outcomes in socio-econo-mic rural development is discussed in relation to the presented literature. This year’s design project is presented as an experiment through research by design and implementing ideas of the thesis background, not as a direct outcome of the thesis, but rather as an explorative journey tackling the same topics and context. The thesis investigation is performed through a research-based approach to the context, where Blekinge Region’s growth is reflected in comparison to the literature studies.

The discussions present that comprehensive public rural policymaking must be taken seriously on several public scales for Blekinge to be able to commit to sustainable rural development. Forming strong relations between change actors in rural development processes in Blekinge will gain these projects and contribute to their success. The success of rural development projects, including rural tourism development, is highly linked to rural community development and well-being. Therefore, one should carefully treat the process of rural tourism development, and not rush the process, to be able to create sustainable solutions being appreciated by both the local community and external forces in Blekinge. Finally, the report suggests that rural community participation, collective agency and engagement are a large force that affects rural tourism, rural economy, rural policy and rural development, in both direct and indirect terms, which they are capable of in Blekinge and elsewhere.