Pilot NSU Training Programme Module 2
14th March 2013, Åre, Sweden
The second pilot NRN Training Module was hosted by the Swedish NRN and organised on 14 March 2013 in conjunction with the 17th NRN Meeting.
The theme of Module 2 was ‘Increasing Stakeholder Involvement’ and the entire training day was organised and run within the framework of a new methodology known as the RICA method.
The RICA method - Research, Ideas, Concepts and Action – is a guided participatory process that has been extensively used by the Swedish network support unit (NSU) to engage a broad range of stakeholders in building creative solutions to important rural development challenges identified through the NRN.
A total of 50 participants joined Training Module 2 from 19 networks, including the ENRD, 15 national networks and 3 regional networks.
Preparatory Materials
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Welcome letter and programme [PDF
] -
Introduction to Module 2 [PDF
] -
Introduction to the RICA method [PDF
]
Outcomes
A full report of the outcomes of the training day can be found here:
- Notes, Observations and Outcomes from Pilot Training Module 2 [PDF]
- Audio file ( MP3 format ) of participants' expectations before Pilot Module 2
- Audio file ( MP3 format ) of participants' thoughts after Pilot Module 2
- Video of results from the RICA-method in the form of short role plays on "How to increase the involvement of stakeholders in rural development"
Supporting Notes and Materials
The RICA Method is described by its original developers as, “an open innovation process that leads to actions and results,” and it has been successfully applied by an impressive list of businesses and governmental agencies in Sweden and further afield. You can read more about the process here: www.rika.se
The Swedish NSU started using the method in 2011 as a new and active way of supporting rural entrepreneurs.
According to Hans-Olof Stalgren from the Swedish NSU:
“We arranged six 24-hour races in different places around Sweden. The participants invited were civil servants from the county administration boards (regional MAs), advisory service organisations and companies, municipalities etc. We had some 30 participants in each race. They formed regional groups of 4-5 people and worked together using the RICA method to present a concept and action plan for the best way in their region to give support and advisory service to rural entrepreneurs. It was done in a competition where all participants gave votes to the other concepts and finally getting a winner of the race. At least two of the winning concepts are now happening in two regions in Sweden. One of them was also awarded a special price of honour at our rural gala 2011.”
Further information can be found here. [PDF ]
Gallery
Module 2 Photo Gallery
