Netzwerken in der Regionalentwicklung

Networking in Regional Development. The experience of the LEADER project “Wissbegierige Bildungsregion” (Inquisitive Education Region ) in the Weinviertel region
“Wissbegierige Bildungsregion” (Inquisitive Education Region) is an education project in the Weinviertel-Manhartsberg region that aims to bring education to municipalities and thus closer to the inhabitants of the Weinviertel. “Educational rooms” that are accessible to municipality residents interested in learning have been set up in the centre of villages. Each participating municipality needed a network of individuals responsible for different network activities and who actively operate these educational rooms. To this end, regular networking meetings, training for those responsible for the educational rooms and educational exchanges were organized. To learn from these experiences and adapt existing educational concepts to the region, an educational network with regional and transregional actors in the field of education was also set up. A regional educational programme was created that was jointly marketed. In addition, there was cooperation with existing initiatives such as the “Dorfuni” (Village Uni) or the Monday Academy, two initiatives whose goal is to facilitate education for everyone. The experience revealed that the commitment to being involved in a network on a voluntary basis arises through the experience of a sense of purpose, but it decreases over time. It is easier to find new volunteers than to retain volunteers permanently. For people to participate in continuing education or events, their personal benefit must be very clearly formulated. To sum up: Sensitivity to the right measures and the right number of activities is required, as are trusting relationships as well as learning, education and networking processes that are perceived as being meaningful and dynamic. (Ed.)