SWOT-analysis as a basis for regional strategies - EUROlocal

4.2 Learning and partnership
As organisational learning is closely connected with the implementation structure, one
option in assessing it is to look at the partnership during the programme preparation
process and to see if potential partnerships are mentioned in SWOT analyses.
As defined in the EU regulative framework, partnership is intended to include (in
addition to the Commission and the Member State = government authorities), regional
and local authorities, the economic and social partners, as well as other relevant
competent bodies.
The following table shows that the EU regulations have also influenced the
programme preparation process for national regional programmes. The table also lists
the horizontal themes which are of direct relevance to partnership and eligibility.
Forming a wide partnership, including social and economic partners and private sector
actors, is usually taken as a prerequisite for the programming process, but it seems
justified to view well-developed partnerships as prerequisites for achieving the
integration of horizontal themes into the programme work, which still tends to be a
weak area in the implementation of programmes. In SWOT analysis, however,
partnership, as well as other organisational and institutional issues in general – as
discussed above – is referred to rather seldom either as a strength or weakness. There
are however some exceptions.
Table 7. Inclusion of horizontal themes and partnership
PROGRAMME HORIZONTAL THEMES PARTNERSHIP
BLEKINGE
GROWTH
AGREEMENT
(SWEDEN)
VÄSTERBOTTEN
GROWTH
AGREEMENT
(SWEDEN)
VARSINAIS-SUOMI
REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME
(FINLAND)
POHJOIS-
POHJANMAA
REGIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMME
(FINLAND)
- Not explicitly identified
- Bottlenecks hindering growth defined
as further focal points in the areas of:
• Entrepreneurship
• Labour market
• Communications
• Attractiveness of Blekinge
• Regional self-identity
• Co-operation climate
- Ecological sustainability a central
theme
- Equality of opportunity (Low female
presence in higher positions within the
labour market identified as a weakness)
- Relevance for job-creation
- Sustainable development
Main aims:
- Good living conditions
- Competitive pre-conditions for firm
development
- Balanced regional development
- Not explicitly referred to in
SWOT
- Wide partnership in preparation
of SWOT analysis and the
programme itself, similar to EU
programmes
- Not explicitly referred to in
SWOT
- Programme prepared by public,
social and economic partners
- Reference to voluntary
organisations in connection to
actions against marginalisation
- Lack of co-operation seen as a
weakness
- Not explicitly referred to
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