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Introduction to Mini- Case Studies N. Andrea Philipp

Urban-rural linkages enhancing territorial competitivenessWorkshop 17 September 2008

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Contents

Selection of case studies

Introduction to “Amsterdam Food Strategy” Introduction to “KOBRA 2010 Bratislava” Introduction to “Eifel Initiative”

Questions for analysis and discussion

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Selection criteria

Mini- case studies on urban-rural linkages enhancing territorial competitiveness

Focus on three out of five themes of territorial competitiveness:• Food chains (regional food marketing and logistical network)

• Leisure and tourism (possibly including both)

• Areas and places of high natural and/or cultural value and protection status

• Multimedia/infotainment

• Business clusters (handicraft, industry) and regional innovation networks

Different forms of urban-rural settings– larger city and its rural hinterland– small/medium-sized towns close to a larger city

– rural area surrounded by larger cities

Different EU member countries

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Location of cases

Amsterdam Food Strategy - NL

Eifel Initiative - D

KOBRA 2010 Bratislava - AT / SK

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Amsterdam Food Strategy

Background Dutch capital Amsterdam: growing population, currently 748.000 (1,97

Mio in Amsterdam region) neighbouring the “Groene Hart” (Green Heart),

a relatively thinly populated area in the Randstad region (encircled by Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Den Haag, Leiden, Haarlem and Utrecht)

characterized by rural functions: agriculture, preservation of nature and recreation

Drivers: Amsterdam’s ecological footprint:

almost 40% of the environmental impact is due to food Dairy products count for 9%, meat for 6% and other foods for 24%, transport not included

Health problems:45 % of the people are overweight, 14 % of those being serious cases

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Amsterdam Food Strategy

“Proeftuin Amsterdam” (test garden, taste garden, or field of experiment) A strategy on healthy, sustainable, regional food chains

Actors:City of Amsterdam, province of Noord-Holland, municipality of Zaanstad; national bodiesfarmers associations, retailers, consumers, schools, associations for regional products

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KOBRA 2010 Bratislava

Background Region spanned by the two capitals Bratislava (Slovakia) and Vienna

(Austria) and a number of other vibrant and attractive towns such as Brno and Győr

Part of the economically and culturally expanding Central European region CENTROPE, intertwined area of metropolises with decentralised settlement structures and a graduated ranking of cities, across national borders

Drivers: Strong dynamics of Brastislava affecting the rural Austrian towns: rapid

population growth - formerly rural villages tend to show features of suburban towns

However, protected natural areas demand for a well-balanced strategy for development in the region

Functions and potentials of the rural area: organic agriculture, profitable agriculture, tourism on health and culture, tourism on viniculture

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KOBRA 2010 Bratislava

KOBRA 2010 Urban-Rural-Cooperation Bratislava

Master plan and projects on “landscape, recreation and tourism” for Bratislava and the villages in the Austrian hinterland

Actors: “Planning Community East”,14 local governments in Burgenland and Lower Austria, City of BratislavaState Governments of Burgenland and Lower Austria

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Eifel Initiative

Background Rural area, with larger cities (Aachen, Euskirchen, Koblenz,

Trier) on the fringes Cross-border: comprising two Federal States of Germany,

and border regions of Belgium Functions: few industrial clusters, but mining, agriculture,

viniculture, forestry and dairy farming, tourism as a growth sector

Drivers: foundation of Eifel Tourism ltd. in 2004 and branding of the

regional brand label “EIFEL” - the first major partnership of local authorities and other stakeholders beyond the Federal States’ borders

impetus from strategic action plans and declarations of the chambers of commerce and chambers of crafts

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Eifel Initiative

“Eifel Initiative” association with steering group, co-ordination board and coordinators

Strategic action plan for the future of the Eifel region, five thematic networks: culture & tourism, forest & timber, agriculture,

handicraft & trade, technology & innovation

Actors: 10 Eifel districts, 53 local governments und 8 regional chambers of commerce, Eifel tourism association, trade and craft associations, universities, companies, natural parks etc.

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Questions for analysis and discussion

Key objectives of the initiative? Key actors involved and urban-rural linkages established?

Challenges to the initiative? Resolutions?

Enhancement of competitiveness of the region? Benefits/ added value of the activities?

Helpful governance mechanisms or approaches?