POLICY LEARNING PLATFORM

The Policy Learning Platform is part of the Interreg Europe programme, which helps regions across Europe work together and improve their policies. Through Interreg Europe, the European Union strives to reduce disparities in the levels of development, growth and quality of life in and across Europe’s regions. 

The Platform is a space where the European policy-making community can tap into the know-how of regional policy experts and peers. The Platform was created to solve a common problem: many regions face the same challenges, but don’t know what solutions others have already found. Thus the Platform helps connect people working in public policy, so they can learn faster and make better decisions. It offers information on a variety of topics via thematic publications, online and onsite events, and direct communication with a team of experts (peer reviews, matchmaking sessions). Everything is designed to be practical and based on real experiences from other regions.

In the long run, the Platform helps public organisations become stronger and more effective and implement better policies. By sharing ideas and learning together, regions can create better services for people, grow their economies, and protect the environment. 

BIA has been involved in the project as an expert organisation since its first iteration in 2018. BIA team members (Rene Tõnnisson, Mart Veliste and Kadri Uus) work as Thematic Experts on the platform. Together with colleagues from Europe, carry out the different platform services to help share knowledge and support learning between different regions. BIA colleagues are involved in the SMARTER EUROPE and SOCIAL EUROPE teams. Tackling policy topics such as SME competitiveness, cultural and creative industries, tourism, social innovation and entrepreneurship, green economy, integration and employment.