Based on the EU-funded CORASON research project, this volume brings together and compares studies into rural and sustainable development processes in twelve European countries. In doing so, it identifies trends and reveals the changing nature of development processes on the way towards a knowledge society. In particular, the book examines the differences between the preconditions and contexts relevant to rural development strategies and those relevant to sustainable development strategies. It argues that the concept, goals and nature of rural development is better understood and adopted by rural actors than those of sustainable development. Focusing on the ideas and practices of sustainable resource management, which is a component in both rural and sustainable development objectives, it links this with knowledge use by actors involved in rural development.It finds that, in the process of transition towards sustainability, there is a move from institutional discourses on rural development to a more local, livelihood-oriented idea set.