Ensuring Added Value Through Transnational Co-operation Lloyd Broad Senior EU Funding Officer Birmingham City Council

This will cover... Developing Local Partnerships Developing Transnational Partnerships Benefits of Transnational Co-operation With some Examples Tips for Success Conclusions Post 2007

Developing Local Partnerships... … The Birmingham Approach Birmingham Strategic Partnership Role of Local Authority Roles of key partners How this worked in Equal Benefits of partnership approach

Getting the Balance Right? x x x x x x Management Operational Delivery PublicNon Public

Developing Transnational Partnerships (1) Selecting the right partners Having shared common objectives Be clear what you are exchanging Determine clear methods of working Be clear what you want to achieve Have a clear management framework

Developing Transnational Partnerships (2) Expectations / Aspirations / Commitment Culture Language Communication Timing National Rules and Constraints Budgets / Funding Demonstrating Added Value Challenges:

Benefits of Co-operation (1) Exchanging knowledge and experience in policy and practice Two examples from EQUAL 1: Dyslexia advice and support New ICT - Users as developers Note: EQUAL leading principles: Equal Opps; Empowerment; Innovation; Mainstreaming

Benefits of Co-operation (2) Digital CV Employers Awards Empowerment Toolkits Real life case studies (DVDs) Joint studies, eg, soft indicators Interactive websites Policy impact reports New Developments in EQUAL 2...

The Key to Success - Locally Allow sufficient planning Develop inclusive partnerships Get the right balance Embed transnational in local work Regular communication / meetings Dedicated transnational manager Get political senior support Consider impact, visibility and influence

The Key to Success - Transnationally Allow sufficient planning Select the right partners Develop clear mutual objectives Create good management structure Develop framework for communication and understanding Understand tiers of co-operation Allocate sufficient resource Understand policy linkages Record the journey - impact and visibility

Conclusions: Dont underestimate partnerships But get the balance right City to City not project to project Clear mutual objectives crucial Understand tiers of co-operation Clear M&D strategy crucial Understand challenges and constraints Added value and benefits are achievable Be clear how you measure success

Post 2007….? But led or managed by Cities or Regions Quality not quantity (fewer but bigger) Greater strategic and policy impact Improve synergy between programmes (ERDF, ESF, National) Sharing responsibilities for delivering Lisbon Is there a role for transnational co-operation post 2007? … YES!

Thank You Lloyd Broad Senior EU Funding Officer Regional European and International Division Birmingham City Council Tel: Fax: