RURITAGE Paradigm. Phase II: Knowledge Transfer
After gathering, analysing and organising the data obtained from the Role Models, the next stage of RURITAGE paradigm is transferring that knowledge among the Role Models and the Replicators to foster capacity building and build their rural regeneration strategies. This process is not unidirectional, but a dynamic exchange and mutual learning strategy where Role Models, as roots of knowledge, mentor and support the Replicators while sharing experiences amongst them, allowing the further development of their own knowledge and capacities. To ensure a smooth and efficient knowledge-transfer, a crucial role is played by the several Knowledge Facilitator Partners, the seventeen institutions that collect and analyse the information from the Role Models and translate it into practical and easy-to understand solutions for the Replicators. Each Role Model and Replicator was allocated a dedicated Knowledge Facilitator Partner, who will guide and assist them through the entire Knowledge Transfer process.
The RURITAGE Knowledge-Tree summarizes the knowledge transfer process between Role Models and Replicators. In it the Role Model-Replicator relationships are identified, outlining an integrated package of solutions that will be transferred from the first to the second.
Apart from these, there are also the relations between Role Models, where they are able to share the good practices and experiences (i.e. what worked and what did not, what could had be done differently; what expectations they have etc.) that helped them to overcome existing problems. Finally, Replicators also have the chance to exchange experiences, particularly on their own newly built regeneration strategies.
In practice, this knowledge transfer and capacity building process takes place through direct (face-to-face) meetings and workshops and indirectly within a digital environment (the Digital Rural Heritage Hub) that integrates webinars and a blog for discussion. The knowledge transfer will not involve just Role Models and Replicators but a wide range of local stakeholders to ensure the participatory development and enhancement of the heritage-led rural regeneration strategies.
The bilateral knowledge transfer visits are based on the learning and mentoring staff visits activities, and are at the core of the knowledge transfer phase. In the first case, the learning staff visits, the key personnel of each Replicator travelled to different Role Models to learn about the barriers, lessons learnt and success factors of the implemented practices. Conversely, in the latter scenario, the mentoring staff visits, the key personnel of each Role Model travelled to the Replicators to evaluate and assess on the state of art and to provide their advice on the ground. Within this last category, the Role Models also had the opportunity to visit other Role Models to learn about good practices in other Systemic Innovation Areas than their own.
Overall this strategy of interactive multilateral knowledge exchange generates motivation to improve, fosters partnerships and creates a sense of identity with the project. Find out more about Knowledge Transfer by joining our next public webinar on the 19th of May. Register here!
