Building on Lessons Learnt
Lessons from the NRNs
There are many important and useful lessons to be learnt from the experiences of the national rural networks (NRNs) during the 2007-2013 programming period that can be built upon for the forthcoming 2014-2020 programming period.
The following sub-sections provide a window upon these experiences according to the six key elements in the development of any national rural network (NRN) – see the Info Box below for further explanation.
While these six key elements remain the same for each NRN, the differing nature and maturity of the networks has led to a highly diverse number of actions being delivered under each element.
Info Box
Six key elements can be identified in the on-going evolution of a national rural network (NRN) as an effective rural development policy tool:
- Effective stakeholder engagement;
- Building a common understanding of common policies;
- Collection, analysis and dissemination of good practices;
- Exchange of relevant experience and know-how amongst rural stakeholders and actors;
- Capacity building and training, and;
- Cooperation and joint actions, including specific attention to promoting cooperation between Local Action Groups (LAGs).
The process begins with the networks engaging with their stakeholder groups. This engagement utilises a broad approach for all stakeholders, complemented with specific activities which target harder-to-reach groups or those with specific needs.
Once engaged with the network, these stakeholders can be supported to work together to develop a shared understanding of the common policies they are involved in managing or delivering. This shared understanding then enables the networks to facilitate the collection of good practice examples that can be further analysed and disseminated to support the development of their stakeholder’s knowledge.
As the network stakeholders understanding and experience grows they will also seek networking vehicles to exchange information and experience in their own or other networks. This exchange of good practice and know-how will enable stakeholders to more easily identify their training needs and so lead to requests for networking support to deliver appropriate training.
Networking actions develop knowledge amongst stakeholders and over time, members will have the confidence to seek support to identify potential partners to deliver joint, cooperative projects.
All of the above elements help to raise awareness of the networking support available, which will engage new stakeholders and so the cycle begins again. While these elements remain the same for each NRN, the differing nature and maturity of the networks has led to a diverse range of actions being delivered under each element.
All of the above elements help to raise awareness of the networking support available, which will engage new stakeholders and so the cycle begins again. While these elements remain the same for each NRN, the differing nature and maturity of the networks has led to a diverse range of actions being delivered under each element.
