Report provides examples of good practice in IRE thematic networks
A new report has concluded that innovating regions in Europe (IRE) thematic networks are fulfilling the mandate given to them of facilitating the exchange of experience between regions interested in regional innovation policies, strategies, and schemes, and of improving access to good practice. A total of 14 IRE thematic networks were launched between 2001 and 2002 with support from the European Commission. The thematic networks bring together between ten and 30 members from European regions inside and outside the EU, who collaborate for a period of two years on specific regional innovation policy topics. The report, prepared by the innovation relay centre and innovating regions in Europe (IRC-IRE) central unit, summarises the experience of IRE thematic networks in the running of a transnational network, covering areas such as project management, network activities, use of results, and monitoring and evaluation With regard to project management, the report describes the internal organisation of the thematic networks, the internal communication between members, formal agreements and project manuals. It finds that thematic network coordinators have only experienced minor difficulties arising from the transnational nature of all the networks. These include language barriers, a high turnover of people, failure to meet deadlines and different needs and expectations according to the socio-economic context in member regions. However, in some cases, coordinators reported that no problems were encountered at all. In terms of identifying good practices, the report notes that all the thematic networks are actively evaluating and validating network members' experiences, with the objective of compiling a handbook or brochure of selected good practices. Furthermore, they are also providing the selection criteria and tools they used to identify these good practices, which the report suggests will be instrumental in helping other networks establish good practice methodologies. The report also illustrates how thematic networks are committed to their main objective of achieving concrete results in the member regions, in terms of influencing their innovation strategies and setting up or improving innovation schemes. For instance, the report describes one thematic network that works to assist 16 regional innovation strategy projects in accession country regions and to provide useful input to their work. Other thematic networks, the report states, make formal agreements with their member states to create a commitment to implement the networks' results in their regions. In some cases, thematic networks strive to establish direct contact with policy makers in the member regions. In terms of disseminating the results, the report finds that in addition to the dissemination activities (web sites, open events and newsletters) included in their contractual work plans, some thematic networks have elaborated their dissemination plans. For instance, some networks issue press releases and print promotional materials with a view to reaching a wider audience, while a few networks arrange press conferences to attract further media attention. It is expected that the information contained in the report will help those who wish to set up and manage similar networks.