Fostering Inter-territorial Mutual Learning through ‘Bilateral’ Virtual Meetings (TP meetings)

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Fostering Inter-territorial Mutual Learning through ‘Bilateral’ Virtual Meetings (TP meetings)

A core aspect of TeRRItoria alludes to engaging all Consortium partners in co-creation and co-learning procedures, where they will have the opportunity to exchange experience and advice while jointly contemplating potential steps for enhancing the designed RRI-related activities which will further contribute to the transformation of their territory. Towards this end and within the context of WP7 (Mutual Learning and Policy Advice), a continuous process of mutual learning within the entire consortium has been launched through the organisation and realisation of Territorial Partner (TP) meetings. TP meetings invite both territorial and research representatives of different territories to come together for a fruitful discussion. The first TP meeting assembled the representatives of the Municipality of Gabrovo and the Region of Central Macedonia, while the second meeting brought together partners from Emilia Romagna, North-East Romania, and Trøndelag.

Following a structured discussion coordinated by SEERC and DBT, the partners shared their experiences regarding the co-design of their experiments, with particular emphasis on the initiatives realised and the successes accomplished. Knowledge was shared with reference to the different RRI keys and dimensions, since the project partners have undertaken the development of self-tailored transformative experiments, matching specific territorial/regional needs and aspirations.

Virtual meetings of a similar format can also represent a ‘comfortable area’ for further sharing difficulties and obstacles encountered (and potential corresponding mitigation measures). Since the TeRRItoria TP meetings were realised during a time period when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were still prominent, there have been opportunities for one territory to provide new ideas and ‘solutions’ to the other territory (e.g. regarding how to ensure effective virtual stakeholder engagement, experiences using online platforms, etc.).

The mutual learning unfolding through the TP meetings will be further evolved over the life-span of the project. More TP meetings will be arranged with reference to the implementation of the Transformative Experiments, while bringing together different groups of territorial representatives. The 3 following Mutual Learning Consortium meetings will further complement the process of mutual learning; they will assemble all partners at the same time and trigger a broader and in-depth two-way communication and discussion, focusing on the key thematic aspects of the given time periods.


Article written by Maria Michali – SEERC

Maria Michali is a Research Assistant at South East European Research Centre (SEERC), working on RRI-related projects funded under H2020

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