The Learning Networks under the 2007-2013 ESF

Some issues for consideration Part of the Commission’s support to transnational cooperation under the 2007-2013 ESF is delivered through Calls for Proposals for the establishment of Learning Networks (LNs): LNs focus on specific thematic and governance issues; LNs outcomes are expected to: contribute to EU policy development; improve the quality and efficiency of relevant funding; 13 LNs have been established; Now, almost all of the LNs have completed their Preparatory Phase. 2

Some issues for consideration A reminder of the themes: Inclusive Entrepreneurship (COPIE), Migrants and Ethnic Minorities (IMPART), (Ex)-Offenders (ExOCoP), Partnership - Started in the first half of 2009; Social economy (BFSE); Empowerment and Inclusion, Youth Employment, Transnational Cooperation; Public Administration Reform (ACB), Results-based Management (RBM) - Started in the second half of 2009; Gender Mainstreaming, Age Management, Asylum Seekers/Victims of Trafficking (SaviAV) - Started in 2010. 3

Initial Difficulties Some of the LNs encountered a number of financial or legal difficulties in relation to: Contracting experts or external services; Making bilateral agreements between members; and Some members withdrew, as in the current economic climate they no longer had the financial resources to participate. In the vast majority of cases, these difficulties have now been resolved by re-adjusting the budget or by some members taking on additional responsibilities.

The Scale Of Operations LNs have introduced a variety of arrangements to achieve their objectives in terms of content such as Working Groups,Task Forces, Study Visits, Peer Reviews, Workshops and Seminars. Given the important number of partners in different countries and events taking place in a variety of locations, there is a need to ensure regular, on-going communication: Most of the LNs communicate with their members by e-mail, phone and through websites which may include a ‘members-only section.’

Monitoring and Evaluation: One LN has published the terms of reference; Three others have made provision for external evaluation; One LN talks about internal evaluation; No information from most of the other networks on monitoring and evaluation. Ensuring suitable arrangements for the monitoring and evaluation of the work of the LNs is an issue for further consideration.

Dissemination and Mainstreaming: Governance networks like Transnationality and Partnership target individuals or organisations, which may be responsible for ESF implementation; Thematic networks have wide target audiences and some are actively involving potential stakeholders from the very beginning of their activities, for example: (Ex)-Offenders involves European bodies concerned with this theme in its work programme; Migrants and Ethnic Minorities has developed a Mainstreaming Strategy which refers to the need for the early involvement of stakeholders.

2007-2013 ESF Learning Networks Working on the Issues Together The Commission recognises that there are three major areas with which it can assist the LNs : Providing LNs with access to other DG EMPL units and to other Commission services and to develop, as far as it is possible, a European approach on the themes of the networks; Ensuring that the work commissioned from the AEIDL (technical assistance) provides appropriate support to the LNs; Structuring opportunities for LNs to discuss potential synergies in their work and to exchange their good practices. 8

1. EU Level For each LN: The Commission has adopted an inter-service approach involving other units in DG EMPL or other DGs in LN support teams, for example: Migrants and Ethnic Minorities – DG EMPL, DG Home Affairs and DG EAC; (Ex)-Offenders – DG EMPL, DG EAC and DG Justice; This ensures that most of the relevant aspects can be covered such as employment, vocational, social or legal issues; EU cooperation can also build on national thematic networks in MS to achieve a two–way exchange with European level thematic activities. 9

2. AEIDL (Technical Assistance) The Commission has asked AEIDL to draft a series of Common Methodologies on the following topics: Planning; LN development and consolidation; Communication between participants in LN; Using peer reviews in LN; Providing better quality of evidence for policy change; Mainstreaming network results; Measuring the impact/effectiveness of LNs at regional, national and EU level. A first draft in the form of a manual was discussed at a meeting of all LNs that was held in June 2010. AEIDL is currently preparing a revised version of the manual taking into account the outcome of these discussions.

3. Structuring Opportunities for LN Exchanges The Commission is aware of the need to provide further support to LNs by providing: Space to LNs for discussing potential synergies in their work and exchanging good practices; Training opportunities for LN managers/members; Assistance with management, monitoring and evaluation arrangements; Responses to other LN needs.  Next step: The preparation of the next LNs Coordination Meeting 11

Some Final Reflections: The economic crisis means we have to innovate more, not less, in public policy delivery; Given the close link between transnationality and innovation, LNs represent an important vehicle for policy change; Many MSs acknowledge this through their leading roles and active participation in LNs and the linking of LN activity with national TC initiatives; The common challenges for the EU and the MSs is to transform the learning from LN processes into clear messages for policies and reforms and to ensure that these are pursued appropriately. 12