We believe for America to thrive, our rural residents and communities must thrive. Through its work, the Rural Futures Institute has learned that growing a vibrant rural sector takes: - Future-focused leadership and entrepreneurship - Social as well as technological capital and connectedness - The wise use of natural, agricultural and cultural resources - Rich collaborations As one of four interdisciplinary institutes at the University of Nebraska, RFI connects the talents and research-based expertise from across the university’s campuses to local community leaders as well as communities of practice that influence the future of rural areas in the U.S. Great Plains and beyond.