ESPON on the Road - Bringing closer ESPON evidence for decision making

Aim

The ESPON 2013 Programme has produced a lot of results and the applied research, targeted analyses, scientific tools and publications provide a huge pool of knowledge that can be actively used in decision making. The project aims at strengthening the bridge between ESPON knowledge and local reality by bringing ESPON results closer to potential users. The project shall provide a platform for discussion with stakeholders and the wider public, on a local level, in order to provide for higher publicity and transparency on territorial development issues as well as feedback on ESPON scientific evidence from a more practical point of view.

The key aims of the project are:

  • Boost the outreach and use of ESPON results by regional/local policy makers. In addition to the key stakeholder communities the project will engage with new target groups so far not reached by capitalisation activities.
  • Actively contribute in innovative and creative ways to advancing the capitalisation and outreach efforts towards the identified target groups, including direct and interactive communication activities, such as “road shows”.
  • Making use of the deliveries from ESPON Priority 1 and 2 projects, as well as the numerous scientific tools (Priority 3) and publications (Priority 4) to be delivered during 2014.

Main results in terms of capitalisation

  • Disseminate ESPON results, especially the results of the most recent applied research, targeted analyses and tools.
  • Increase capitalisation of ESPON results on a transnational level.
  • Inform and involve local level stakeholders, policymakers and practitioners.
  • Reach “non-SPATIALists”, wider semi-professional or non-professional public with ESPON results.
  • Support discussion with territorial evidence related to current policy and political discussions.

Main activities envisaged

The project has nineteen country partners divided into four transnational working groups. The transnational working groups will adapt the activities of the project into the specific context of their transnational macro-region, customise ESPON messages targeted to their relevant thematic focus and target groups, and use the most appropriate communication tools.

The key activities of the project will be developed in a Capitalisation Strategy and will include:

  • The preparation of short, easy-to-understand information material on key messages which can be easily translated into local languages.
  • Local information events for the wider public, to give an insight into Europe through ESPON territorial evidence.
  • Targeted stakeholder workshops and tailored workshops to reflect on highlighted topics with the help of ESPON results.
  • Transnational workshops with a focus on specific topics customised for macro-regions.
  • Development of a project website which will serve as an interactive hub for project communication, coordination of project events, an online resource library of updated publications, visual materials, project videos and photo galleries.
  • Development of social media channels using Facebook, Twitter and YouTube etc as sharing platforms to spread ESPON to a wider audience.

Lead Partner

Federal Institute for Research on Building, Urban Affairs and Spatial Development (BBSR).

Detailed information on the contracted project team can be found under Transnational Project Groups.

Budget: € 699,123.68

Project’s lifetime: 24th December 2013 – 31st December 2014

Delivery of reports

Interim Activity Report: 30 June 2014

Final Report: 31 December 2014

Publishing

Reports will be published once they are approved by the ESPON Monitoring Committee.

More information

For further information please contact Gavin Daly, Project Expert at the ESPON Coordination Unit, email [email protected]

Website: www.esponontheroad.eu

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/esponontheroad

Twitter: https://twitter.com/esponontheroad

Documents

Final Report

  • Acrobat Document | 30.00MB