Dimitris Manoukas shares his experience of participating in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs

Dimitris Manoukas, a social researcher specializing in rural development, youth, and the cultural and creative industries, participated in the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs (EYE) programme through a six-month exchange in Amsterdam with Rural Radicals, an innovation studio dedicated to supporting the development of creative spaces in non-urban regions.

During his placement, Dimitris played an active role in the implementation of international rural regeneration projects, stakeholder engagement, impact assessment research, and the facilitation of workshops and creative activities. Through this experience, he developed valuable skills in CRM management, communication, product design, group facilitation, applied research, and impact measurement.

The outcome exceeded expectations. Recognizing the value of his contribution, Rural Radicals invited Dimitris to continue collaborating with the organization as a freelance contractor, opening the door to new professional opportunities at an international level. At the same time, he significantly expanded his professional network, established connections across three new countries, and increased his income, demonstrating the tangible impact of combining research expertise with entrepreneurial practice.

As Dimitris puts it:

“The potential of the rural areas of Europe is about to flourish!”

Dimitris’ journey is a powerful example of how the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme can transform a learning experience into a long-term professional opportunity, building bridges between research, innovation, and sustainable rural development across Europe.