A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Local endogenous development and urban regeneration of small alpine towns ‘ ‘ ’ ’ SCIENTIFIC MEETING 27 – 28 JUNE 2005 PALAZZO DELLE STELLINE – MILAN ORGANISED BY WITH FVG

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN A transnational project implemented by WP 6 – SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE INTRODUCTION THE QUESTIONS THE RESULTS WP CO-ORDINATOR: DI Hubert Trauner, Niederosterreich

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILANINTRODUCTION uniqueness, specificity and distinctiveness are becoming important factors many economic production functions and factors (technology, information etc) can be found all around the globe, other assets such as unique mountain amenities, natural environment, landscapes and local culture must be experienced only on the spot, so these areas are gaining importance again

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILANINTRODUCTION Small mountain towns have a good chance in offering a higher quality of life including not only the beautiful landscape scenery etc. but also education possibilities and job opportunities for example in the service sector. Quality of life must combine both: Successful concepts for future development perspectives and preserving and promoting cultural and natural heritage Combining both they can increase their attractiveness and decrease the abandonment of these areas.

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN 1. What kind of reaction from people did you get until now? 2. What kind of difficulties have you encountered up to now? 3. What are you doing for assuring a long term effect of the projects? 4. What do you think are the main restraints for a fruitful transnational cooperation? Questions

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process Main statement: …there are different types of participatory process. They have to be adopted to the specific situation / problem that has to be solved and to the different culture and mentality of the local (i.e. national) population. Not everyone is convinced of the effectiveness of it… …Obviously there are different point of views.

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process Austria: The participatory process is the only way to get a feedback from the territory. There have been established suitable structures for the bottom up process during the last 20 years. Nowadays the success of the method can be noticed by the high degree of acceptance and the will of taking part in participatory process. Even after the end of the “official” funded process the local population keeps on working in the established working groups to implement their ideas and promote endogenous. development from the small alpine towns (  long term effect is guaranteed).

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process Austria: Factors of Success Transparency Communication / guidance / leadership Clear roles and task-distributions and distribution of obligations Picking up and assessing the ideas of the local population Keeping realistic

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process Austria: Conclusion Creating a high quality of life might be an instrument to distinguish from eastern european countries which at present foremost only can offer low salaries. However, this method also can easily be transferred to the “new” european countries.

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process Switzerland: Two steps of integration / participatory process: 1.Due to the given law the population has to be asked before each project if they are willing to take the financial challenge and implement the projects components. 2.The population usually is integrated during the project implementation for making decision. At least they can emphasize their will and influence the decisions. Usually there are also established working groups. Comment not all topics are useful for a bottom – up approach

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process Germany: More or less the same point of view. The key to success is to integrate the population in the development. Building up working groups. Sometimes it is necessary to select the participants carefully. There are topics where the “normal” citizens play the key role, but sometimes the group has to be more qualified to take part and face the problem that has to be solved. But it is always necessary to “ask” the local population for their opinion and pick up their suggestions an ideas!

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process Germany: Conclusion  The regional population can give very precious (internal) information  Nobody will act against his own interests

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process Italy: Participation is needed in particular cases, specially when conflicts arises. In one of Piemonte case study there is a serious problems concerning environment so the involvement of stakeholders is fundamental.

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Participatory Process France: Participatory bottom – up process is perceived as a rather new method due to the given political (centralized) structures. The effectiveness is seen rather critical. Foremost because of the political system, but also for cultural reasons and the mentality of the people. The criticism also is existing because it is obvious for the project responsible, that in some cases the local population does not offer the necessary know-how.

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Results: Restraints Cooperation Main reasons:  Different political structures  Different cultural backgrounds (  mentality /understanding)  Language reasons  Lack of information  Lack of time – focus on the own project elements / interests  Different rules and laws  success depends on a good Leadership  i.e strong Lead Partner necessary

A transnational project implemented by WP 6 - SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE SCIENTIFIC MEETING, MILAN Thank you for your kind collaboration!