EUKN - Netherlands - Interact: participating in a transnational network

Interact: participating in a transnational network

Introduction

Interact is a thematic network of 12 European cities on the implementation of strategic plans in cities.

Description

The experiences of Interact as a learning network could be beneficial to future transnational networks.

The Interact project ran from January 2002 to December 2004. Participants are European cities, universities and training institutes. The overall aim and theme of the project was to develop a deeper understanding of the potential and limitations of partnership working and to identify ways of making it more effective as a means of delivering urban governance. Most transnational networks focus only on the theme and content of the project, but Interact also invested in transnational learning.

Conclusions

Interact distinguishes three levels of learning. Wisdom; increased awareness of other cities' systems and experiences, increased motivation for personal and professional development and motivation to innovate and transfer knowledge. Knowledge; professional knowledge about effectiveness and efficiency. Information; about issues and problems in other cities.
Transnational learning is more than sharing best practices. Group design and methods of cooperation are important factors for success.
Interact recognised that the contexts of different European countries and cities vary considerably, and that it is therefore not possible to find 'one size fits all' solutions to issues of strategic implementation.
Not acknowledging or discussing cultural differences could result in conflict instead of successful cooperation.
The participation of universities and training institutes was crucial. The local researchers gave critical analysis and contributed to the debates.
Interact has taught participants a certain humility. No matter how big and successful a city is, it can always learn much more from cities elsewhere in Europe.

Contact info

Interact project co-ordination
Corinne Hooge, tel. +33 47 8634246

Publication date

11/11/2004

Project finished

Researcher

Interact

Links

Interact

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Social inclusion & integration

Keywords

Community development