Case study: An Independent Evaluation of the Scottish National Rural Network

In order to learn from best practice and relevant experience the Scottish Government commissioned an independent evaluation of the Scottish National Rural Network and the Scottish RDP Communication Plan. The evaluation consisted of a desk based analysis of relevant documentation, interviews with key Scottish Government staff and a range of rural stakeholders, an on-line survey and a workshop where the initial results were presented and discussed.

Case Study: RUR@L INOV – encouraging innovation in rural Portugal

It was recognised that innovation and entrepreneurial activity was successfully taking place in rural Portugal yet the conditions and context required to support this creativity was unclear. Identifying and understanding the conditions being utilised by existing innovators would support policy makers to develop these in other areas of rural Portugal. A multi-disciplinary research approach which directly engaged with rural innovators was used to explore innovative processes, supporting organisations and the necessary broader environment.

Case Study: Community Led Local Development Learning Cluster

In 2013 the Hungarian NRN with the help of and in collaboration with the ENRD launched a thematic cluster on Community Led Local Development (CLLD). Two CLLD Clusters meetings were organized aiming concentrating and economising the efforts of networks, producing practically-focused tools and guidance and influencing CLLD implementation at European and national policy-making levels.

Case Study: Learning by Doing – monitoring and evaluation with Rural Development actors

In 2009 the Dutch NRN brought together a range of stakeholders to explore the complexities and challenges of the administration of the RDP. A range of potential and actual solutions were identified, some of which were then implemented to ensure effective delivery of the RDP. In 2013 the stakeholders were interviewed to review the changes that had taken place.

Case Study: Supporting Local Action Groups to develop inter-territorial and transnational projects in Lithuanian

In order to increase the number of inter-territorial and transnational cooperation projects approved and implemented in Lithuania, the Lithuanian NRN decided to provide tailored support to LAGs at the planning stage of their cooperation projects. Specialised conferences and trainings in support of project development were organised.

Case study: Rural networks in the UK

The UK has developed a two-tier system for RDP networking involving four regional structures and a national umbrella network. This case study explores how they have evolved to meet the needs of their stakeholder groups in a rural context rife with competing networks and the role of the UK network as a conduit for the flow of information from the European Commission.

Case study: Bi-lateral cooperation between Hungary and Poland

Hungary and Poland have signed a joint agreement to work together to promote cooperation and disseminate best practice on a range of development themes. The nature and delivery of this bilateral networking is examined including how it has helped strengthen the existing networks and built new relationships between the two countries, encouraging the development of a similar agreement between Hungary and Slovakia.

Case study: Bottom-up networking around the Baltic Sea

The Baltic Sea cluster emerged as a bottom-up process in parallel with the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). The activities of the cluster are linked to the strategy, focusing on issues identified by the networks. Eight countries participate in the cluster which focuses on sharing knowledge and experience amongst members. This study explores the processes involved and the cluster’s success factors.

Case study: Belgium-Walloon self-assessment process

The National Support Unit of the Walloon Network for Rural Development established a self-assessment process to evaluate the network and develop a three-year activity programme . This case study explores the process undertaken and the long-term impact.

Case study: Finland’s Rural Innovation Camp

The Finnish NSU worked with a range of partners to develop and deliver an innovation camp bringing together specialists and entrepreneurs to develop solutions to the threats and opportunities apparent in Finnish rural areas. The project identified 47 new ideas for rural innovation and created a new model for project development that can be implemented within Finland and beyond.

Case study: Young Peoples Road Show through Denmark

Many rural towns and villages in Denmark witness emigration of young people to urban areas and awareness of the possibilities of using European Union funding to develop and support opportunities in rural areas is low. The Road Show created a mobile classroom and utilised presentations and innovative educational materials to engage over 3 000 students aged 15-18 with challenges and solutions in rural areas, explaining the European intervention used.

Case study: Thematic workshops in Scotland

The Scottish National Rural Network developed a series of themed events to support networking and the exchange of best practice within key sectors seen as either providing opportunity or demonstrating a source of threat for rural areas in the country. The events engaged over 600 participants from local voluntary practitioners to university researchers through seven themed events which ran during 2011 and 2012.

Case study: Awarding project success in Estonia

In order to identify a range of good practice examples which could then be disseminated further to raise awareness of the projects and the European programmes which had funded them, the Estonian Network Support Unit developed a series of competitions. The first focused on LEADER projects with the second highlighting innovative agricultural projects. The success of this approach has now led to collaboration with network partners across the Nordic Baltic region to develop and deliver a new competition awarding examples of good practice in Transnational Cooperation projects.