Integration of migrants in Rural Areas: ecosystems, barriers, enablers

Immigration is a major factor in Finland's population growth, while at the same time many rural areas are experiencing depopulation. The aim of the study is to develop and promote knowledge of successful integration methods and approaches in rural areas and to make suggestions on the replicability of these methods. It considers the involvement of migrants in their communities to be highly important. The project aims to respond to societal needs by studying the dynamics of migration in rural areas, identifying the conditions and responsibilities for successful integration and targeting policies for rural development.

The project will use a multidisciplinary approach including a literature review, spatial data analysis, policy analysis and a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Four case municipalities will be investigated – in different types of rural areas and covering different experiences with integration policies and degrees of adaption.

Since we aim at getting a holistic understanding of the integration and living conditions of migrants in rural areas incl. that in other parts of the country, we will use a 2-stage Delphi methodology, drawing on data from previous steps and municipal ecosystem mappings. The first Delphi round includes a nationwide survey, whilst the second round consists of a focus group. Results will be summarized in a report, policy recommendations and spread through information sessions, webinars, workshop and more. Exchange with colleagues from outside of Finland throughout the lifetime of the project will be a priority, too.