THE EUROPEAN OBSERVATORY OF LIFELONG LEARNING IN RURAL AREAS: The Role of ICT in Meeting the Needs of Small Enterprises Brussels 7 th of September 2007 Ruralia-instituutti Ruralia Institute Ruralia-institutet

Why Euracademy Observatory? The role of SMEs is vital to the viability of rural areas Lifelong learning has been seen as indispensable condition for business competitiveness and economic prosperity (Lisbon Council 2000) There is a need to improve methods in supporting the lifelong learning of SMEs, especially in rural areas ICT can provide one realistic possibility Improving the utilisation of ICT in lifelong learning requires understanding on the current situation, potential and markets The information is scattered at the moment and comparable information on rural SMEs in this context does not exist

What is Euracademy Observatory? A project A permanent information service in Internet A network

Euracademy Observatory: project A transnational project financed in part by the European Commission in the context of Leonardo Da Vinci's Community Vocational Training Action Programme. Supports the creation of a resource centre and databank of research findings concerning the lifelong learning needs of SMEs, micro-enterprises and the self-employed in rural areas, with emphasis on the role IT can play in meeting these needs.

Euracademy Observatory: project activities Creating the prequisitions for the Internet service

Euracademy Observatory: project activities Creating statistics and research material for the Internet service by documenting, monitoring and evaluating the use of ICT-supported training in the context of lifelong learning Review policies and practises of ICT-supported life long learning aiming to identify and promote good examples Describe and document the characteristics of the provision of ICT- supported training in rural areas Identify the needs and profile of the recipients of ICT-supported training (expressed demand for ICT-supported training) Identify the latent demand and investigate constraints of ICT-supported training

Euracademy Observatory: project activities Guarantee the long-term continuation and sustenance of the Observatory

Euracademy Observatory: a permanent information service in Internet Targeted to inform policy makers and practise (training organisations, social partners, entrepreneurs, developers and consults) Regular updates and dissemination activities

Euracademy Observatory: network The Euracademy Observatory forms a wide network of the project partners, training organisations, entrepreneurs, NGOs and other social partners working with the problematic of ICT-supported training in rural areas  wide knowledge base that can be integrated to the other European activities  Critical mass needed for the maintaining and developing Observatory further Observatory network is a part of wider Euracademy Association network

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