Transnational learning has become a buzz phrase in European policy-making and in multi-national business. Learning from the experiences of others is an idea that captivates practitioners and academics alike due to its simplicity and availability in a world that is increasingly characterised by cross-border and global connections. European regions in particular offer a diverse range of solutions to often shared challenges. This provides a knowledge base for other regions to draw on, through regional success stories, publications of ‘best practice’ and EU cooperation programmes.
This books explores ‘transnational learning and knowledge transfer’ in co-operation programmes and projects. It argues that a deeper understanding of learning needs to be central to the implementation of programmes and projects in order to successfully meet their desired outcomes and goals. By characterising some of the most important preconditions of transnational learning and introducing a process perspective to learning and transfer, this book identifies barriers to learning and knowledge transfer and contributes to a stronger conceptualisation of the topic. In doing so, it opens up the ‘black-box’ of transnational learning and knowledge development, providing a better understanding of its inner mechanisms. It also provides practical recommendations for policy makers and practitioners involved both at the programme and project level of transnational EU initiatives. This book will be of interest to students, researchers, and policy makers alike working in geography, political studies, legal studies and European studies.
1. Knowledge Development and Learning in Transnational Cooperation: An Introduction
2. Transnational Cooperation – a Programme and a Project Perspective
3. Three Keystone Concepts – Learning, Knowledge and Cooperation
4. Towards a Model for Transnational Knowledge Development and Learning
5. From Theory to Reality - Applying the Model
6. Transnational Working Approaches – a Survey of North-West Europe
7. Building a house on stone – from Thorough Beginnings to Multiple Ends
Biography
Dr. Verena Hachmann has over 10 years of experience with transnational cooperation as a researcher, and as coordinator and evaluator of both projects and programmes. After having been involved in EU and Nordic cooperation, she is currently working as a coordinator for two research and cooperation programmes in the transport field at the Norwegian Research Council.
’As a strategy and/or a desirable effect of cooperation, in particular at European level, transnational learning gets universal acclaim, and many programmes are devoted to its promotion, but outcomes do not always live up to expectations. Hachmann brings a rigorous approach to bear, analysing cooperation, one that is sure, not only to enlighten us about why, but also to work towards improving learning as an approach to policy making.’ Andreas Faludi, Delft, The Netherlands
