of networking Judit Török Contact Point of the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD 1 CP)

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1 ENRD and importance of networking Judit Török Contact Point of the European Network for Rural Development (ENRD 1 CP)

2 How? Networks and networking

3 Forms and functions of networks Informalvs vs. Formal networks Policy networks Vertical vs. Horizontal networks Hierarchical networks Peer to peer networks Knowledge /learning networks Territorial networks Administrative networks Etc.

4 Key characteristics of policy networks: Formally established on the basis of some form of agreement Engineered by public institutions Facilitated / supported by some administrative entity (e.g. Network Support Units)

5 Process of engineering a policy network Establish Build / Facilitate Network Activate Networking Support Unit Network Processes Achieve Outcomes Develop Networking Tools Policy networks take time, resources and expertise to develop

6 TWO PILLARS OF THE COMMON AGRICULTURAL POLICY Farming g& Markets Agriculture & Rural Development NATIONAL RURAL NETWORKS EUROPEAN NETWORK FOR RURAL DEVELOPMENT

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8 Connecting whom?

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10 Diversity of NRNs Structure Budget Millions EUR AT BE WA CY DE EEE FI GR IE LT I LV NL PT SE SK UK NI UK WAL Capacity and management Operational mandate Membership

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13 2 301 Local Action Groups

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15 Contact Point of the ENRD

16 ENRD EVOLUTION: Lessons Learnt

17 OPERATIONAL GOALS OF THE ENRD Knowledge development: To provide deeper insights into rural development policy and programmes Knowledge sharing: To ensure access to and dissemination of useful information on EU rural development policy and programmes Exchange and cooperation: To facilitate exchanges and co operation between rural networks and actors across the EU

18 ENRD EXAMPLES Thematic Activities Good Practices/Relevant Experiences Website Publications Website RDP Project examples Thematic Working Groups Publications

19 THEMATIC / ANALYTICAL WORK OF THE ENRD Worked well Promoted knowledge sharing at EU level e on relevant ee policy matters Improved knowledge on how the RD policy work in practice, across the EU Identified strengths - and weaknesses - at EU and national levels and identified specific directions for further improvements Worked less well. Improved focus on topics which are most relevant to national and local practitioners (bottom-up) Use of less rigid/formal approaches to work together (now improved!) Better promotion, targeted dissemination of results in a more usable form Links follow-through h between EU and national level work. 19

20 Re-vamped ENRD Website

21 Latest style/approach: Flexible structure More people focused More targeted at specific audience Previous style/approach: Rigid structure Policy focused language Limited targeting to specific audience Rethinking communications

22 Project examples publications

23 LESSONS LEARNT AT THE EU LEVEL FROM FOUR YEARS EXPERIENCE OF DEVELOPING RURAL NETWORKING Works well: Over time - a more flexible and responsive management structure, work plan and operational flexibility Over time - networking and priorities driven from the outside to centre, as well as centre to the outside Recognition that the many voices of the network are not the voice of DG AGRI (or the Ministries) Increasing interaction with the wide-range of ENRD stakeholders Engagement with EU policy makers evidence based input to policy implementation and design Worked less well / limitations: ENRD s formal structures can limit the engagement g of some stakeholders and scope of issues I.e. not all stakeholders wishes met. Linking/synchronizing of policy analysis / working group outcomes with policy development process So far, lack of effective mechanisms to directly engage with regional networks and stakeholders 23

24 Developing networks: managing institutional change 1. DENIAL 2. RESISTANCE 3. EXPLORATION 4. COMMITMENT

25 Evolution of a network Capacity building of Other Networks / Stakeholders Common Understanding of the Added Value of Networking Stakehold der Engag gement / Value to Users Website Design / Development Establish Formal Meetings Increased Engagement / Exchange with stakeholders tkhld Facilitating Transnational Cooperation Gathering of Evidencebased Relevant Experience Publications Diversification of Products More Flexible Work Plans and Resource Allocations Participatory Approaches to Stakeholder Engagement Enhanced Skills / Capacity/ Confidence Detailed (rigid) Work Plans Network Growth and Maturity

26 The role of networking in the future? Increased investment and consolidation at EU level planned (ENRD + Launch of European Innovation Partnership) Commitment to build on current programme experience, capacity & achievements in MSs More opportunities to link network activities with policy and programme planning and development Recognition that network benefits take time but they can be very tangible and potentially very.they can be very tangible and potentially very far reaching in their impact on rural areas