The project aims to support the Friuli-Venezia Giulia (FVG) Autonomous Region, Italy, in enhancing its strategy on international partnership and co-operation (IPC). New global trends call for a rethinking of IPC. This should aim to maximise impacts on all local communities involved, moving from a one-way to a mutual approach. 

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development can provide useful guidance in setting priorities and the direction of IPC. Outdated policy frameworks and skills shortages may hamper such an effort. Therefore, the project will provide a comprehensive assessment of the regional strategy on IPC and a capacity-building plan for local practitioners.

Implementation period: 2022-2023 

What's the issue?

FVG engaged in IPC at the dawn of the 21st century, a time of unprecedented economic growth and great enthusiasm for globalisation. It has gone through multiple crises since then. Competition from emerging economies dealt local businesses a severe blow, putting a strain on regional budget. New social, economic and environmental challenges add further pressure. However, as megatrends have pervasive effects worldwide, establishing international partnerships is gaining momentum. Solutions designed elsewhere can benefit local communities. Knowledge transfer has never been easier, and so has the creation of global networks. Such an evolving context calls for new approaches to IPC, as FVG commits to scaling up the impact of its strategy in this field.

FVG will not have to start from scratch in finding innovative solutions. As developing countries gained prominence at the global level, multiple regions and cities have engaged in local-to-local co-operation, often with mixed results. The OECD has a sound record in supporting policy enhancement in this field. Providing evidence-based advice and a peer-learning forum for policy practitioners is a crucial part of this effort. Well-designed IPC strategies can help places leverage on complementarities with partners and maximise returns to local communities, including in fields such as business and trade.

What can the OECD offer?

The OECD Trento Centre for Local Development will carry out the project in close collaboration with CFE’s unit that champions OECD work on decentralised development co-operation and sustainable development.

By joining the project, FVG will benefit from:

• A crosscutting assessment of the regional strategy on IPC, including governance, financing and accountability issues, based on multiple sources (i.e. administrative sources, and a web-based survey among as well as interviews and focus groups with local practitioners);
• Actionable policy recommendations on enhancing the regional strategy on IPC;
• Capacity-building seminars to strengthen IPC practitioners’ skillsets based on an assessment of local needs;
• Strategic advice on how to improve public communication and raise awareness of the results of the regional strategy on IPC.
  
  

Contact

For more information, pelase contact Mattia.Corbetta@oecd.org.