HOW TO FORM A PARTNERSHIP Training Unit 3.2 National, transnational and local networks

Partnership networks A network is a formal or informal grouping of active organisations in a specific field, discipline or in a sector designated for lifelong learning. The partnership is established either through a bilateral agreement or multilateral between a group of institutes or organisations of different State members, for the development of activities linked to the field of lifelong learning. The formal agreement regulates the relationships within the partnership network.

National, transnational and local networks All of the networks active in the LLP environment (and, in particular, those of mobility) are: NationalTransnational Multi-actorExpertise

National, transnational and local networks National networks Part of the activities to prepare mobility interventions take place on a local and national level The local and national network has to provide a guarantee for the commitment and the responsibility of its components, those necessary in order for the intervention to be successful. A national-local network can be composed of Regions, Provinces, Communes, Learning Centres, Universities, Schools and institutes of secondary education, training organisations, Social partners, category associations, businesses.

National, transnational and local networks Transnational networks The partnership network must include institutions from the 27 EU member states, from Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Turkey. Each Application must introduce a transnational partnership network with at least two interested countries, one belonging to EU. The transnational network is useful to share good practices and experiences

National, transnational and local networks Multi-actor networks The partnership network must be composed of subjects representing different contexts: institutional, productive, sector-based. The multi-actor approach concerns both the national and the transnational parts of a network and it is able to affect all the project phases, from the context and needs study to the accomplishment of the apprenticeship. It is particularly significant in the choice of the intervention areas and of the competences fields identified in the project.

National, transnational and local networks Expertise Partners must be able provide specific experience and know how to the network for the execution of the various parts of the intervention. This is particularly important in the selection of foreign partners: since the identification of subjects able to offer different solutions to a given professional issue or topic, represents added value for the intervention and an opportunity to present methodological and operative innovation.

National, transnational and local networks In the use of a network for a mobility project the proposing organisation must preferably possess certain planning experience and management of community projects; within the network the regulatory commitments must be known; the organisational mechanisms which will be activated are complex; all of the project activities (both educational and non-educational types) make it essential that the partners have the necessary competences to carry them out.

National, transnational and local networks The EU Commission, also on the basis of experiences gained from Programmes such as Leonardo de Vinci or Initiatives such as Equal, identifies four typologies: Star typology: this model is characterised by the presence of a leader – coordinator – with experience and organisational capabilities, who puts into operation the project idea and constructs the proposal. Ad hoc pattern: is, on the other hand, the model followed by partners who already know each other. It adopts a type of variable geometry, since the partners interact depending on the occasion and it is not obligatory that they always form a partnership.

National, transnational and local networks Internetwork pattern: is perhaps the most complex model in that it includes the existence of micro-networks and the use of a coordinating structure which connects them. This provides the reference point and guarantees efficient communication between the partners; Cooperative pattern, in which the turnover enables partners to acquire the position of leader and to supervise the realization of one of the activity part. Node pattern: it is the evolution of the star pattern, but it provides for an equal participation of the partners and the leader institution becomes simply the network speaking body.

National, transnational and local networks Depending on the typology of the project, the context study and the needs identified, it will be necessary to wonder: what are the specific competences; which types of institutions are necessary to implement the intervention; which skill resources are necessary to display.

National, transnational and local networks For a network that has committed itself to carrying out an LLP project ( a transnational mobility project in particular) the partners to select must possess: Experience and competences in the thematic and professional fields chosen; Representativeness of different institutional context; Experience in organizing mobility actions. This is essential in order to organize the preparatory activities, the reception of participants and training; Ability in pursuing common goals and in group working; Capacity for managing their own budget according to the community rules; Visibility on the territory and credit within the local institutions.

National, transnational and local networks How to form a network partnership One first alternative to consider: either joining a former existing network or to form a new one. The modalities of partners identification vary according to the type of network, transnational or local-national. In the first case the National Agencies advise, at first, to refer to former executed projects; On the contrary, in case a local –national network will be formed, it is essential to get an accurate knowledge of the territory and of the reference sector.

National, transnational and local networks The steps of the project making The planning activities: each partner must have a clear idea about the various activities of the project and which of them they can contribute. The functions to perform: from the beginning each partner must have a clear idea about his place in the project and what objectives must be reached. The available budget: in each project making, the budget negotiation is a fundamental step in so much as in some cases ( which are not the right examples of good practices) it is considered the starting point in a network making.

National, transnational and local networks Content Notion of transnational partnership network. Distinctive elements of mobility networks. The most common types of mobility networks. Macro features of the partners to be involved. First steps for the making: partners identification and negotiation. Elements to agree on in a network making.