1. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka The Study Case of: “United Sounds” Dortmund Christoph Kaletka 6th and Final SME ACTor Meeting and Workshop 24 October 2008 Bucharest kaletka@sfs-dortmund.dec

2. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka The Ruhr Metropolis

3. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Dortmund – Part of the Ruhr Metropolis population:589.000 inhabitants unemployment:2004: 19%; 2008: 14% market radius: one car hour 18 million commuters: in: > 80.000/out: < 58.000 Main sectors:retail commerce health IT insurance and banking logistics

4. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Former steel town...

5. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka... developing a new identity

6. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Target sector: Cultural / music management Ruhr metropolis: cultural capital of Europe 2010 Decision: not to target IT, logistics, MST  Development of “United Sounds” as a music event organisers network had silently begun (grassroots / bottom-up, options for structural and methodical improvement) Sector: Local / regional music scene, locally funded youth centers Target group: Local / regional music event organisers

7. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Second tier facilitators: The „core team“ 4 learnshops (two-day learnshop at the end) 3-4 participants: local youth and music center managers, music network organisers, event managers  restricted number Aims: Discuss and define the main goal(s) of the United Sounds network; establish a core team and assign team members roles Aims (methods): Learning action learning by using action learning methods Very basic tools used repeatedly to create methodical understanding: to-do minutes, visualisation, role of moderation, countdown planning

8. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Second tier facilitators: Main results They learned action learning by using action learning methods (What does that mean?!?) –Communication, results, techniques Core team structure as backbone of United Sounds built –definition of network functions and long-term goals –personal identification and belief in the project

9. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Labs for SMEs 7 learnshops 6-15 participants: youth and music center managers, music network organisers, event managers, artists, local administration (SMEs + local cultural stakeholders) Aims: Establishing connections and a common interest between individuals; re-establishing trust and communication structures –History in cooperation: critical factor Main tools used: to-do minutes, visualisation, strong moderation and intervention

10. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Labs for SMEs: Main results Growing number of participants Common goals defined First products (website, United Sounds events) Role of moderation given to 2nd tier facilitators at the end „Automatic“ use of action learning methods and instruments

11. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Reporting on Labs: Lessons learned? The brand-new facilitators say: briefing and preparation are central aspects –location and equipment: simple but difficult –Plan learnshop by defining aims, work contents, learning contents, methods, instruments Develop a project everybody can agree upon Learn about the role of a moderator Evaluate the learnshop: What has been learned? Create new input

12. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Reporting on Labs: Lessons learned? We say: United Sounds is working as a network People feel responsible and work on the tasks United Sounds milestones have been defined for the next 24 months United Sounds makes constant use of action learning methods sfs withdrew from United Sounds in a good conscience

13. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Reporting on Labs: Lessons learned? Final comment: It was a striking experience to see how a few basic methods of communication can turn a ‘flock of sheep’ into a relatively organised network and project (community of performance) with clear aims and strategies and accepted ‘leaders’.

14. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka And after SME ACTor? Common learning Shared responsibility Consensus on co-operation Well-developed tool-kit ----- Action learning changes the way you work! Silent dissemination… Active transfer…

15. www.smeactor.eu C. Kaletka Thank you !! Christoph Kaletka kaletka@sfs-dortmund.de