Matchmaking sessions at Europe let’s cooperate
On 10 April 2019 the Policy Learning Platform took on an active role in second day of the Europe let’s cooperate event in Brussels. Different types of activities were organised throughout the day - from thematic sessions on good practices to matchmaking discussions to exchange experiences. Through the different activities, regions from all over Europe were brought together and exchanged on policy challenges.
Matchmaking sessions
During the afternoon of Europe let’s cooperate, four matchmaking sessions were organised in groups with a limited number of participants. Authorities were asked to share their challenges and peers were invited for a in-depth analysis and discussion on the topic. Good practices and experience exchanges led to discussions on how policy implementation challenges can be tackled.
Throughout the 1,5 hour discussion, the host and peers came to an understanding of the issue at hand. And valuable feedback was given in the form of experiences and knowledge exchange. Take a look at what was discussed at each table.
Digitalisation of public documentation services
The matchmaking sessions organised by our research and innovation experts revolved around the topic of digital platforms and related services in supporting public authorities. The Region SUD from France, acting as the host region, brought the topic to the table.
The peers
- Natalia Aristimuno Perez, European Comission
- Valeria Bandini, ASTER Emilia-Romagna (Italy)
- Igor Kosir, Development Center of the Heart of Slovenia, Ljubljana (Slovenia)
- Jose Manuel San Emerito, ERNACT, (Ireland)
Discussions led to agreements on the increasing importance of such platforms in supporting public (managing) authorities in deployment e-services and e-government to both their citizens and staff. Challenges include both technical (avoid reinventing the wheel) and societal aspects and will continue to be discussed.
Redesigning support for startups to match financial support
The matchmaking session was moderated by our SME competitiveness expert and hosted by Berlin Senate Department for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprise. A need to redesign their support programme for early stage entrepreneurs and startups to better match the financial support was identified as the topic of discussions.
It was agreed that there is a need to use funding in addition to general job creation and skills development also for addressing and solving some of the biggest urban challenges in Berlin. The discussion then continued on how the programme could be redesigned and cost effective choices can be made. The peers remain available to discuss further inputs on how specific actions could be measured for success.
Setting up one-stop-shops for energy refurbishment in buildings
The following session concerned the objective of low-carbon economy. The discussion revolved around one-stop-shops support structures for the energetic renovation of buildings. The host region, Wallonia, explained the approach of the administration to home-owner support in their journey through the jungle of energy efficiency improvements as well as a number of key questions to design the best possible one-stop-shop.
Four peers from Brussels Capital Region, Hauts-de-France Region and Grand-Est Region as well as a private climate consultant reported about striking aspects of their own support schemes, engaging in productive discussions and knowledge sharing. Further exchanges on specific aspects of the support scheme were agreed upon, and it is likely that the matchmaking has resulted in a reinforced professional relation among the experts involved.
Systematisation and valorisation of cultural heritage sites
The final matchmaking session concerned the environment and resource efficiency objective. The main focus was on systematisation and valorisation of cultural heritage sites of the host in Krapinje Zagore (Croatia). The development of a regional cultural heritage strategy in Krapinje Zagore was discussed with peers.
The peers
- Alina Tomesco, Eurodite (The Netherlands)
- Huibert Cruijns, Municipality of 's-Hertogenbosch (The Netherlands)
- Ana Ladeiras, Around Europe Advisors, Norte Region (Portugal)
- Marco Scerbo, Foundation for Research and Innovation, Tuscany Region (Italy)
- Laura Cuevas Ortiz, project manager at Junta de Castilla y Leon (Spain)
The discussion revolved around finding potential solutions to the policy challenges related to cultural heritage assets in the Croatian region. As well as approaches to drafting regional cultural heritage strategy, ways to involve stakeholders in the process and methodologies for monitoring of strategy implementation. Peers shared experiences and relevant good practices from other European regions on valorisation and sustainable management of cultural heritage assets.
What is up next?
The Europe let’s cooperate event brought together over 500 people from European regions to exchange knowledge and build on each other’s ideas. And many more activities are coming up:
- Are you looking to participate or host a 1,5 hour matchmaking session? Express your interest by contacting our experts directly and explore the possibilities to play a part in the next sessions.
- If the challenge you're facing is of a bigger nature, you might want to consider a 2-day onsite peer review with various European region representatives to find inspiring solutions. The peer review call is now open, apply here before 28 June 2019.
We look forward to interacting with you on- and offline!