Measuring social capital accumulation in rural development: Fid-Bau Portal

Measuring social capital accumulation in rural development

Teilmann, Kasper

Abstract Using a theoretical framework, the study proposes an index that can measure the social capital of local action group (LAG) projects. The index is founded on four indicators: number of ties, bridging social capital, recognition, and diversity, which are aggregated into one social capital index. The index has been tested in LAG-Djursland, Denmark, and the study further investigates whether the organisational affiliation, project financing, and LAG co-financing can explain the degree of social capital accumulation. Furthermore, the author has tested if there are connections between motivation for pursuing development projects similar to those implemented previously and the degree of social capital. The paper concludes that there are indications that projects hosted by municipalities tend to show the most social capital, there is no connection between the amount of project financing and social capital, and a high level of motivation leads to increased social capital.

Highlights ► Proposes a social capital index and applies it to local action group (LAG) projects. ► The index is tested in a Danish LAG. ► Concludes that municipality projects stimulate more social capital. ► No connection between amount of project finance and social capital. ► High level of motivation leads to increased social capital.