The Sustainable Communities Skills Symposium organised by the UK’s Academy for Sustainable Communities in November 2006 has ‘Governance and Partnership’ as its core theme. Good governance, strong leadership and partnership working are at the heart of creating and maintaining sustainable communities.

There are examples throughout Europe of how effective leadership, inspired governance and creative partnership working come together to overcome problems and create and maintain great places. Taking a pan-European perspective, the research draws on evidence from 17 Member States to identify common issues relating to these themes.

The research was commissioned to inform the November 2006 Sustainable Communities Skills Symposium and stimulate discussion and debate at the event.

The research takes a European perspective on skills development issues and draws on evidence from across 17 countries to identify common issues. The selection of countries has taken into account the diversity of the European Union and the need to build on existing knowledge of research and good practice.

Case studies were undertaken in order to establish transferable lessons for as many scenarios as possible. An initial scoping of developments at the European level and in the Member States was undertaken, which focused on a series of key topics which were considered the major priorities.

There is a widespread interest in, and commitment to, creating and maintaining successful places. However the agenda needs a higher profile at European and national level. Finance, governance and skills all need to be in place. Additional important factors are:

Academy for Sustainable Communities
Judith Stead (Learning and Research Officer), tel. +44(0)113 3944581

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/11/2006

ECOTEC Research & Consulting

research

Urban Policy > Urban environment

Environmental sustainability