Digital Ecosystems - Learning Applications Network
This Project supports the INTERREG IVC Programme’s profoundly-important objective of improving the effectiveness of regional development policies for the advancement of the knowledge economy.  It will result in enhanced policies for increased regional competitiveness, job creation and growth - both at project partner level and across all EU regions – via the development, deployment and exploitation of emerging, innovative information and communication technologies (ICTs) and eBusiness models such as Digital Business Ecosystems, Living Labs and Digitally-Networked Businesses (hereafter referred to collectively as “digital ecosystems” or “DEs”).  This will be achieved by (a) identifying and disseminating both established and newly-emerging good practices and successful initiatives in these fields, and (b) providing an interregional Learning Applications Network which will involve key stakeholders and policy-makers and enable them to exchange experiences, knowledge and good practices.
Although the DE concept is fairly new, each of the 9 Partners involved directly in the project has specific experience of, or expertise in, different aspects of DE development and deployment.  The partners, who represent a carefully-selected mix of geographical coverage, experience and networking skills, will analyse good practices both within their region and in other regions where DEs have been developed successfully, and also across a range of chosen sectors/themes, and exchange information and experiences via a planned programme of Interregional Workshops, Peer Review Visits and staff exchanges.  All partners will be involved in the preparation and exchange of detailed reports, concluding with a final report summarising the way forward for each region.  The Project will also include 8 regional pilot actions to assess the likely benefits of innovative ICTs and new eBusiness approaches, and to evaluate the potential for transferring good practices between sectors/regions.
