Abstract
Networking multiple sectors is important for rural development. This paper draws on a case study of the Northern Rural Network (NRN) founded by the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University, northeast England, in 2000. This network wasestablished with the aim of bringing together researchers and practitioners to share knowledge about pertinent issues in rural development within neo-endogenous approaches. Through participant observation and interviews of the managers of this network, this study shows that the NRN has successfully created an active learning network and substantial value in terms of knowledge transfer. Although the cost and the qualty of the university’s engagement from an academic point of viewsremaincommon problems, this type of network should be created in rural areas in order to promote rural development in Japan and worldwide.
