Peter Ramsden, in his keynote speech, argued for a “free movement of ideas”, highlighting the importance of mutual learning. The aim of the Stockholm based, ESF-funded project Networking Europe (conducted from March 2012-June 2014by the Sensus Study Association, represented by Maria Fladvad) was exactly this: Innovation not always develops out of something completely new. Often, new solutions come about through the melting for different ideas.

The project has built on this potential and aimed to develop various skills through increased cooperation with other EU Member States, especially those in the Baltic Sea region. A special focus was on enhancing skills that help creating a more inclusive labour market. To achieve this, networks were built, in particular around the Baltic Sea region in some of the areas prioritized by the EU Commission for the upcoming Structural Funds period (2014-2020).

Networking Europe comprises the following networks:

• Entrepreneurship and social innovation
• Employment and labour mobility
• Fight against Poverty and social exclusion
• Stockholm Roma Network

The networks aimed to identify and link organizations and already existing networks in the Baltic Sea region possessing real knowledge in the areas concerned, or alternatively to create new such networks where they may still be missing.  The purpose was to maximize the spread of new knowledge and expertise, and to lay the groundwork for the launch of fresh projects - all in time for the above Structural Funds period.
Networking Europe not only connected stakeholders across countries but also across sectors: In the study visit across the Baltic Sea Regions representatives from municipalities, local and national authorities took part alongside representatives from NGOs and social businesses.
Networking Europe was financed by the European Social Fund (ESF).

http://www.networkingeurope.eu/