Shierliao Time Village
Challenges and Objectives
The Shierliao Time Village, born in 2008, is on a mission to invigorate the community in Emei Township, Hsinchu County, Taiwan. Rooted in the ingenious free store idea pioneered by Xu Jianzhi and Xu Qiyon, the initiative swiftly repurposed overlooked items, capturing local enthusiasm and media acclaim. This initial success paved the way for an expansive campaign, utilizing social media, local promotions, and dedicated personnel to engage merchants, forging collaborations through interactive sessions and online platforms. Their enduring dedication revolves around nurturing a gift economy and fostering a united community spirit despite the challenges posed by an aging population and youth migration. While faced with hurdles due to government grant obligations clashing with their gradual approach and the strain of managing numerous simultaneous projects, their generous funding sustains their endeavors.
Collaboration Partners and Roles
The Shierliao Time Village project has cultivated a vibrant collaboration involving various local groups, residents, and associations. Together, they actively contribute to events, maintain the community, and share resources, fostering a connected and engaged environment. The involvement of local shops in facilitating exchanges and support from entities like the Hsinchu County Cultural and Creative Arts Tourism Development Association have been instrumental in organizing impactful events and initiatives. External partners, including Windtrend Co., Ltd., provide valuable agricultural guidance, while government support ensures essential funding channels. Though challenges emerged regarding trust and commitment initially, efforts to enhance communication and tailor services based on collaborators' needs promise a brighter and more unified future for the project.
Revitalisation Activities
The Shierliao Time Village project is a beacon of rural revitalization, intertwining innovative initiatives across the economy, environment, society, and innovation domains. It fosters a gift economy within the TimeLinker community, promoting mutual support and tourism through themed pavilions. Licensing Shierliao's unique intellectual property enriches the brand identity for profitability.
Environmental practices revolve around repurposing abundant plants and waste into various products, forging a circular industrial system. Organic farming curtails chemical fertilizers, fostering sustainable ecosystems.
Societal initiatives like Hakkabarr empower local youth, while the Returning Youth program rejuvenates rural communities. Pioneering concepts like TimeLinker redefine resource distribution, fostering innovative solutions within rural landscapes.
Revitalisation Outcome
The Shierliao Time Village project showcased exceptional outcomes, notably a substantial ROI surge from 21% to an impressive 886% within a year, validating its financial success and attracting potential investors. Community engagement was evident through 50,000 participants in large-scale events, reigniting local pride and rallying youth to preserve cultural heritage. However, ensuring sustained success relies on ongoing government funding and nurturing collaborative relationships, presenting challenges for long-term viability.
These achievements underscore the significance of alternative economic models like TimeLinker's non-monetary exchange system and emphasize the need for effective communication strategies. Aligning project goals with genuine community needs, fostering stakeholder consensus, and promoting collaboration among local businesses are pivotal for successful rural revitalization initiatives.
This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Tsoi Mang Ting. For further information, please email Chengchi University’s University Outreach Office at agridive@g.nccu.edu.tw.