Lessons from the NRNs
Collection, analysis and dissemination of good practice
In most cases, NSUs have access to project data held by managing authorities and paying agencies. Consequently, their knowledge of the actions being undertaken and projects being delivered is unrivalled. Identifying and collecting good practice examples, which are of relevance to other members of the network, enables good practice to be replicated. There are many different approaches to project delivery and a diverse range of tools available to accomplish them. Communicating examples of where these have worked well enables other network members to identify actions that could work successfully for them.
In the Alentejo region of Portugal, eight experienced LAGs are working together to identify good practice in local development strategies and models of local governance. This focus on the concepts, methods and techniques of rural development will enable them to manage the significant changes that are occurring in rural areas, deepen the conceptual framework and introduce new scientific knowledge that will enrich the LEADER approach in their areas.
For more examples of the range of methods and techniques used by NRNs for identifying examples of practice that are useful learning tools for other stakeholders, collecting and presenting them in an appropriate fashion and making them readily available to a wide audience, see the case studies below and the relevant experiences here.
Info Box
Case Study: Assessment of good practice with academic partners and rural practitioners - Wallonia
In order to identify and disseminate good, transferable practices, the Walloon Rural Development Network created a Scientific Committee. The Committee is made up of five academic organisations, all of which are familiar with multidisciplinary approaches, have invested in applied research or produced training tools, and have significant experience in supporting, monitoring and evaluating rural or territorial development projects.
This Committee helps the Network Support Unit with its analysis of the needs of the network and provides business intelligence on rural development and the socio-economic aspects of the rural development guidelines. It supports the working groups, identifies innovative methodological approaches for LAGs, participates in the development of good practice examples, and formulates recommendations on rural policy.
Based on their analysis of the needs of the network, the Scientific Committee and the Network Support Unit propose to the Steering Committee and the General Assembly of the Rural Development Programme some key issues to be addressed in multi-sectoral discussions that bring together project operators. The Scientific Committee has already supported networking between rural development actors in Wallonia through the production of a range of good practice examples, studies on the efficacy of policy measures, and other collaborative activities with LAGs.
