Introduction

About this Tool-kit

This ‘NRN Tool-kit’ has been developed for a number of purposes identified in consultation with DG AGRI and representatives from network support units (NSUs), Managing Authorities (MAs) and other key NRN stakeholders:

1. To provide an online gateway to available information on the basic principles and practice of EAFRD-financed networking as a rural development policy tool at national, regional and local level;
2. To offer a dynamic platform for building on lessons learnt by the NSUs, MAs and other NRN stakeholders during the current programming period of 2007-2013, with a specific emphasis upon the collection and presentation of transferable best practices, relevant experiences, innovative tools and techniques;
3. To disseminate information and guidance (as it becomes available) on the obligations for rural networks and networking in the next programming period of 2014-2020.

In the specific context of preparing for the future networking in 2014-2020 programming period, the ‘NRN Tool-kit’ is intended to be a source of complementary guidance to the final Regulation and Implementing Rules. This includes informing and helping the responsible authorities to define the most optimal structures and working practices for their national / regional context.

How to use this Tool-kit

The ‘NRN Tool-kit’ consists of four main sections:

• Principles and Practice of Networking
• Building on Lessons Learnt
• Preparing for the Future
• Pilot NSU training programme

Click on one of the main headings in the menu bar on this page to get started. Within each main section you will find various sub-sections with explanatory text, links, info boxes, plus supporting resources / further reading.

The Tool-kit is designed to be used in different ways to meet the diverse needs of its users. You can move through the entire Tool-kit page-by-page and it will serve as a kind of tutorial taking you through the principles, practices and experiences of setting-up a National Rural Network. Or you can select pages and download resources according to your specific interests. You can also contribute to the Tool-kit by sending us materials for uploading – contact: support@enrd.eu