Keywords
long-term sustainability
community of practice
case study
degrowth
How to Cite
Abstract
The article presents results from a research on the relevance and challenges of collaboration for the long-term sustainability of rural community enterprises. The study relies on Communities of Practice and Degrowth theories. Methods include semi-standardised interviews and focused ethnography in two community enterprises in rural areas in Germany and Portugal. Main results confirm the relevance of collaborative relations with residents, public sector, peer organisations and within the teams for both stability and transformative power of the organisations’ work. Respectful handling of privileges and balance in participation and professionalisation support sustainability, whereas institutional stagnation and involuntary degrowth may risk it.
Funding
The author would like to thank the contact persons in both case organisations and Dr. Thilo Lang for support throughout the process as well as Anya Umantseva, Lucas Olmedo and the two anonymous reviewers for valuable comments. Author also thanks the European Commission H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie RurAction programme for providing funding for the research.
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