The Austrian way ofLEADER networking

Michael FischerNational Rural Network

Netzwerk Land

Local Action Groups in Austria

LEADER 1995-199931 LAGs

LEADER: 2000-200656 LAGs

Leader 2007-2013: 86 LAGs

Rural Development Network: Netzwerk Land (2007 – 2013)

Strategic Advisory GroupsContracting Authority:

Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry,Environment and Water Management

Leadpartner

APVUWD ÖAR

Management-Team

Coordination ofannual working progamme

Organisational andfinancial coordination

Environment

Agriculture

Leader

DiversificationQuality of Life

Forestry

Environmental Issues

Multisectoral DevelopmentLeader

Agriculture and Forestry

Implementation ofAnnual working programme

Organisational structure of the Austrian Rural Network

Our Self Image

We are a service unit!

Our primary tasks are:

Interpretation

Integration

Exchange

Innovation and Animation

Capacity building

RD Network Strategy: Step by step approach

Step 1: Improve relations between stakeholders within the 4 axes Focus on most innovative stakeholders of 4 axes (Strategic

advisory groups) Use innovative stakeholders as „multipliers“ or

ambassadors for the networking idea: to gain acceptance from other stakeholders – to create trust between stakeholders

Creation of immediate benefits for stakeholders within the 4 axes

Step 2: Create interlinks and foster cooperation between the 4

axes Find themes for cooperation (e.g. climate change,

biodiversity, value added chains, nature tourism, etc.)

Networking: Qualification& Exchange of Experience

Working groups and workshops for LAGs:

4 Main issues:

New methods and instruments for rural development Diversity management Tourism Intermunicipal Cooperation: e.g. energy, mobility, location development

Study trips: Best practice examples

Service hotline: Advice and answering of inquiries

Networking: Qualification& Exchange of Experience

Annual Conferences: Leader, Rural Development

Rural development mangazine: specific main focus for every magazine

Website: www.netzwerk-land.at (agriculture, forestry, environment, diversification, Leader)

Online project database

Annual rural development competition: Awarding of best projects (every year a different focus)

National and transnational cooperation: Partner search, moderation of start-up workshops (Coaching of LAG managers)

Participation at EU-wide networking plattform: European Network for Rural Development - ENRD

Innovative Projects in all Sectors:SME, Tourism, Agriculture, Renewable Energy

Cooperation SME & Industry

Lech route: Transnational hiking trail

European Pilgrims route to Santiago

Renewable Energy: Solar, biomass, wind power

Mountain Wood Ltd: Wood processing

Cattle breeding & beef marketing

Regional Development in protected arease.g. National & Nature Parks

Youth: Support and Integration

Promotion of Women

Cultural Development

Qualification for SME: e.g. Vegetable Sector

Innovative Projects in all Sectors:Nature, Culture, Equal Opportunities, Qualification

Positive Co-operation Culture

Modern multi-level Governance

Build up mutual trust

Curiosity

Generosity

Respectful Treatment of Partners

Michael Fischer

National Rural Network Austria

Netzwerk Land

T.: 0043-1-5121595-12

fischer@oear.at

www.netzwerk-land.at/leader

Thank you vor your attention!