NRN Self-Assessment Profiles
Italy (Programme NRN)
The Italian National Rural Network (NRN) has been fully operational since April 2007, covering 21 regional RDPs. Italy operates its NRN on the basis of the NRN 2007-2013 Programme and an annual action plan.
Assessment of NRN Programme Performance
At the start, the Italian NRN Programme evaluation was focused upon two main types of issues: immediate and intermediate results of programme implementation with regard to the NRN’s capacities to achieve them. The following capacities have been analysed:
- Performing activities and generating products
- Supporting territorial projects
- Stimulating cooperation and exchange of experiences between stakeholders
- Identification and analysis of critical issues and proposing solutions
- Communication activities
- Usefulness of its products and services
- Creating an effective relationships for achieving the programme objectives
- Being an objective-led network
- Supporting governance of the RDPs
Methods of NRN Performance Assessment
The Italian NRN has identified a need for an overall evaluation of its activities. Some common output indicators have been chosen for this purpose and in order to comply with EU obligations. Yearly update/selection of indicators allows the NRN to focus on specific issues, and regular internal debates and analysis are performed among NRN members.
The main assessment tasks of the NRN activities were outsourced to an external evaluator that was also in charge of the design of the NRN self-evaluation approach. The following tools were applied in the assessment process:
- Network evaluation questions
- Quantitative indicators (output and result)
- Qualitative indicators (result)
- Financial monitoring and reporting tools
- Practical tools and approaches for activity monitoring and evaluation
- SWOT analysis (prepared ex-ante)
- ToR for tendering and contracting external experts
- Qualitative website assessment
External evaluation
This activity was outsourced to an Italian company hired by the Managing Authority in a tender procedure. The evaluator took into consideration four thematic areas of the NRN performance:
- NRN capacity to reach rural actors
- Evaluation of the NRN internal structure
- Evaluation of the efficacy of communication actions
- Evaluation of the “non-material” effects of the NRN capacity for creating networks
According to the above, 13 detailed evaluation questions were raised and they were compatible with “Guidance Note B – Evaluation Guidelines for RDP 2007-2013”. In practice, the collection of data was carried out through desk analysis and field research (questionnaire survey).
Self-evaluation
The external evaluator prepared self-evaluation tools for the NRN, taking into account similar experiences from Finland, France and Portugal. A questionnaire was applied and focused upon 9 strategic objectives/expected outcomes. It was addressed to key actors involved in NRN management/implementation, both at central and regional levels. The self-evaluation exercise was carried out in accordance with the 13 evaluation questions used in the external survey.
The self-evaluation tools served as the main basis for the overall NRN assessment. This allowed also for evaluation of the following Global Objectives of the NRN Programme:
- Improving governance
- Strengthening the planning and management capacity
- Dissemination of good practice and knowledge
Programme Document (2007-2013) – Programma Rete Rurale Nazionale 2007
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2013 [PDF
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2010 Action Plan – Rete Rurale Nazionale Piano di attività 2010 [PDF
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2010 Mid-Term Evaluation Report
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Rapporto di Valutazione Intermedia Rete Rurale Nazionale 2007-2013 [PDF
]
