1. The Austrian way of LEADER networking Michael Fischer National Rural Network Netzwerk Land

2. Local Action Groups in Austria LEADER 1995-1999 31 LAGs LEADER: 2000-2006 56 LAGs Leader 2007-2013: 86 LAGs

3. Rural Development Network: Netzwerk Land (2007 – 2013) Strategic Advisory Groups Contracting Authority: Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management Leadpartner APV UWD ÖAR Management-Team Coordination of annual working progamme Organisational and financial coordination Environment Agriculture Leader Diversification Quality of Life Forestry Environmental Issues Multisectoral Development Leader Agriculture and Forestry Implementation of Annual working programme Organisational structure of the Austrian Rural Network

4. Our Self Image We are a service unit! Our primary tasks are: Interpretation Integration Exchange Innovation and Animation Capacity building

5. RD Network Strategy: Step by step approach Step 1:  Improve relations between stakeholders within the 4 axes  Focus on most innovative stakeholders of 4 axes (Strategic advisory groups)  Use innovative stakeholders as „multipliers“ or ambassadors for the networking idea: to gain acceptance from other stakeholders – to create trust between stakeholders  Creation of immediate benefits for stakeholders within the 4 axes Step 2:  Create interlinks and foster cooperation between the 4 axes  Find themes for cooperation (e.g. climate change, biodiversity, value added chains, nature tourism, etc.)

6. Networking: Qualification & Exchange of Experience  Working groups and workshops for LAGs: 4 Main issues:  New methods and instruments for rural development  Diversity management  Tourism  Intermunicipal Cooperation: e.g. energy, mobility, location development  Study trips: Best practice examples  Service hotline: Advice and answering of inquiries

7. Networking: Qualification & Exchange of Experience  Annual Conferences: Leader, Rural Development  Rural development mangazine: specific main focus for every magazine  Website: www.netzwerk-land.at (agriculture, forestry, environment, diversification, Leader)www.netzwerk-land.at  Online project database  Annual rural development competition: Awarding of best projects (every year a different focus)  National and transnational cooperation: Partner search, moderation of start-up workshops (Coaching of LAG managers)  Participation at EU-wide networking plattform: European Network for Rural Development - ENRD

8. Innovative Projects in all Sectors: SME, Tourism, Agriculture, Renewable Energy Cooperation SME & Industry Lech route: Transnational hiking trail European Pilgrims route to Santiago Renewable Energy: Solar, biomass, wind power Mountain Wood Ltd: Wood processing Cattle breeding & beef marketing

9. Regional Development in protected areas e.g. National & Nature Parks Youth: Support and Integration Promotion of Women Cultural Development Qualification for SME: e.g. Vegetable Sector Innovative Projects in all Sectors: Nature, Culture, Equal Opportunities, Qualification

10. Positive Co-operation Culture  Modern multi-level Governance  Build up mutual trust  Curiosity  Generosity  Respectful Treatment of Partners

11. Michael Fischer National Rural Network Austria Netzwerk Land T.: 0043-1-5121595-12 fischer@oear.at www.netzwerk-land.at/leader Thank you vor your attention!