The Structural Funds as ‘Agents of Change’: New Forms of Learning and Implementation

The IQ-Net network brings together regional and national partners from Structural Funds programmes across the EU. Its aim is to improve the quality of Structural Funds programme management through exchange of experience. The network involves a structured programme of applied research and debate; network partners meet twice a year, with conferences being hosted by the partners on a rotation basis.

Its activities are coordinated by the European Policies Research Centre (EPRC). The European Policies Research Centre (EPRC) is a leading institute in Europe for comparative research on public policy, with a particular focus on regional development policies. Established in 1978, EPRC is part of the School of Government & Public Policy at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow. Spanning 30 European countries, EPRC research programmes have a strong emphasis on applied research and knowledge exchange, including the provision of policy advice to EU institutions and national and sub-national government authorities throughout Europe.This paper assesses whether and how Structural Funds (SF) act as an ‘agent of change’ in the policy and practice of regional and local development. What is being done through the Funds that would not otherwise be done, where and how this ‘operational innovation’ is being generated, and which aspects of the SF approach are most valued? Specifically, it considers changes arising from SF mobilisation of stakeholders and beneficiaries.

EPRC: IQ-Net http://www.eprc-strath.eu/iqnet

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