Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration by Latvia–Lithuania Programme

Latviaâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2007â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2013

Thematic Capitalisation Report y of Living Improved Qualit t Public Services through Efficien ion and Administrat

2014

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Contents 1. Methodology

Thematic Background

2.1. Thematic Regional Development Context

2.2. Pools of Projects Addressing Regional Development Challenges

2.3. Problems and Opportunities Addressed by the Pools

Thematic Analyses

3.1. Innovative Approaches and Good Practice

3.2. Impact on Target Groups

3.3. Project Synergies

3.4. Coherence to the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR)

Conclusions and Recommendations

List of Annexes Annex 1 – Evaluation Questions Annex 2 – Innovative Approaches and Good Practises Annex 3 – Map of Projects Divided by Topic

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Methodology The aim of the thematic capitalisation is to identify good practises, innovative approaches, sustainability and added value of cross border cooperation, as well as the impact upon the target groups, project synergies and contribution to the implementation of European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). Methods used for preparation of this report – desk research where the programme document, project applications and progress reports were analysed. Moreover, a focus group with the project participants from Latvia was organised (with representatives from projects FLOOD, CBRM II, HipiLatLit, Reading – IT – Creation) and three skype call–interviews conducted with the projects partners from Lithuania (representing projects TEAMWORK, TouchBallTouchLife, Art Bridge). Firstly, we divided projects into five thematic pools based on their thematic focus – culture, education, sport, safety, transport and communication. Secondly, we identified good practises. The main criteria for inclusion of the good practice examples in this report were: transferability of public services at policy and institutional level; step by step development of the approach – first understanding the context through analysis, then developing strategy and action plan by involving different stakeholders. We selected innovative approaches based on the definition from the INTERREG IVC Capitalisation report on Rural Development: “Innovation offers practical and more effective (better outcomes for the beneficiaries) solutions for social needs in their region, thereby enhancing their capacity to act” . After that we evaluated impact of the projects on their direct and indirect target groups and analysed project synergies. If and how projects contribute to the EUSBSR objectives, priorities and target indicators was also evaluated. Last but not least, conclusion and recommendations are proposed to optimise the thematic performance of programme in the next programming period. Detailed list of the evaluation questions is attached in the Annex 1. For the financial calculations of the ERDF contribution, the ERDF amount reported by the projects by November 2014 is used. For not finalised projects the financial calculations are made based on the ERDF amount set within the application form assuming all amendments if such occurred. We had some limitations during the preparation of the report – limited time frame and expected volume (max 10 pages), certain limitations of the information available regarding the on-going projects. The challenge was to evaluate the contribution of projects to the field “Improved quality of living through efficient public services and administration” defined in the new Latvia–Lithuania Cross Border Cooperation Programme 2014–2020 which is different from the directions of support of the current Latvia–Lithuania Programme under which the projects were approved, in particular, projects related to people – to people activities under small facility fund. This evaluation does not contain the impact analyses of the projects on the EUSBSR as this would require deeper field and the socioeconomic analyses of the particular territories covered, which is not the task of this evaluation.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Thematic Background 2.1. Thematic Regional Development Context Programme area consists of rural regions where more than 50% inhabitants live in territories with less than 150 inhabitants per square kilometre (Zemgale and Latgale in Latvia and Telsiai, Siauliai, Panevezys, Utena in Lithuania) and intermediate regions where 15–50% inhabitants live in territories with less than 150 inhabitants per square kilometre (Kurzeme in Latvia and Klaipeda and Kaunas in Lithuania). In all programme regions resources (measured by such indicators as GDP per capita, net migration rate, employment and unemployment level) are depleting – their value is decreasing because of the concentration of economic activity in metropolitan regions.

Figure 1. Performance typology2

Improvement of the cooperation between the local and regional authorities in order to identify better ways for providing services to inhabitants, as well as small scale cross border activities that encourage exchange of experiences between the local communities regarding their best practices in social sector, building up networks in education, culture and nature protection fields contribute significantly to the quality of life in border regions thus helping to keep people from moving to metropolitan areas.

2.2. Pools of Projects Addressing Regional Development Challenges The field “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration” includes 43 projects with a total ERDF grant 12 752 055 EUR. Majority of the projects (33 projects) are small facility projects. The projects have been divided into five thematic pools based on their thematic focus – culture (15 projects), education (11 projects), sport (eight projects), safety (seven projects) and transport and communication (two projects).

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Project Pool

Projects

ERDF Grants

Culture

Art Bridge, Seasons, CELEBRATE, Innovative Culture, UBUS, ART SPAWN, Ziemgala Traditions, RADBAU, PRELUDIA, Summer in village, Schools’ cooperation, Fostering Zemgale, Crafts and Culture, The white bird, Cultural identity

Average ERDF Grant 125 631 EUR

Education

Education network, Arts,Ethnic Identity, Preschool Education, ECOART, Common future, Dialogue of music, TEAMWORK, One healthy team, YOUTH FOR NATURE, Reading-IT-Creation, HipiLatLit, One healthy team,

Average ERDF Grant 156 824 EUR

Sport

ACTIVE, TSOC, TouchBall-TouchLife, Vital Neighbours, Wings for START, Basic success skills, Retrocross, We-football

Average ERDF Grant 124 377 EUR

LatLitCBC, Fire Fighting, 1FIRETEAM, CBRM II, Police, Flood, EAE

Average ERDF Grant 1 042 280 EUR

Trans-Port, Come Closer

Average ERDF Grant 425 773 EUR

Safety

Transport and Communication

Table 1. Project Pools in the Field “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

The safety projects have attracted more than a half (57%) of the funding. This can be explained by the fact that majority of other projects under this theme are small facility projects with average project budget < 200 000 EUR and safety projects (except Police) contain hard investment for purchase of equipment and their average budget is bigger than one million EUR.

Figure 2. Pools of the Projects in the Field “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”, thousand EUR and %

Culture projects account for 15% of the funding. These are followed by education projects compromising 13% but it has to be taken into account that under pool “Education” only part of the educational projects are included – another considerable part of the educational projects related to the vocational education are included and covered in the another chapter of the capitalization research: “Improvement of Labour Mobility and Employment”. Sport projects compromise 8%, transport and communication projects – 7% of funding.

2 ESPON project EDORA – European Development Opportunities for Rural Areas (2013), http://www.espon.eu/main/Menu_Projects/Menu_AppliedResearch/edora.html

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

2.3. Problems and Opportunities Addressed by the Pools Projects in the pool “Culture” address general regional development problems, such as low economic activity, depopulation and low level of civic participation, and specific challenges in the field of culture as disappearing intangible culture heritage, seasonality of cultural events and a lack of skills and competences in culture management. Culture projects address not only problems, but also opportunities: an unused potential in cross border cooperation and knowledge exchange in the field of culture, traditional culture and local identity as a tourism asset, as well as community development via cultural activities. Projects in the pool “Culture” could be divided into three subgroups based on their thematic focus and type of intervention: • 8 projects of 15 that focus on the safe keeping of intangible cultural heritage (crafts, dances, songs, traditions) – Crafts and Culture, Seasons, RADBAU, UBUS, The white bird, Ziemgala Traditions, CELEBRATE, Summer in village; • 2 projects of 15 that focus on specific forms or culture, e.g. chamber music (PRELUDIA) and puppet theatre (Art Bridge); • 5 projects of 15 that focus on the creation of new culture products (not only, but also based on traditional cultural values) and use innovative approaches – ART SPAWN, Innovative Culture, Cultural Identity, Schools’ cooperation and Fostering Zemgale. Regional allocation of projects from the pool “Culture” shows an active cooperation among Zemgale region in Latvia and Siauliai and Panevezys regions in Lithuania. Especially active cross border cooperation is visible among Lithuanian and Latvian municipalities located near the Latvian Lithuanian border; it suggests that these projects are operating rather on local than regional scale. Kurzeme and Latgale regions in Latvia and Telsiai and Utena regions in Lithuania also have been participating in culture projects but less actively as their counterparts in other regions. The “Education” projects show wide range of development cooperation starting from preschool education to higher education. Projects solve common problems for both countries – new skills and competencies, development of reading habits, sustainable development values in environmental education, exchange of culture and history in music education by development and improvement of existing education programs and implementation of innovative methods of education. In the project pool “Education” projects could be divided into three subgroups: • 1 project of 11 focuses on development of research infrastructure for education in the humanities in Eastern Latvia, Lithuania. One of the project outcomes is development of a joint doctoral programme in the sphere of the humanities. • 4 projects of 11 focus on development or improvement of new skills and competences in the field of ecosystem-based approaches to climate change adaptation and

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

mitigation, green agriculture, ecological use of natural resources and reading habits. • 6 projects of 11 focus on exchange of experience, common networking and cooperation events and mobilities among preschool and music school institutions, youth centres and sport service cooperation institutions of Latvian and Lithuanian regions. The cross border cooperation in “Education” pool shows that projects join largest towns of Zemgale and Latgale regions in Latvia and Sauliai region in Lithuania, but cooperation between smaller towns also exist (Tervete in Latvia and Akmene in Lithuania, Kraslava in Latvia and Ignalina in Lithuania), but cooperation between Latgale – Eastern Lithuania and Kurzeme – Western Lithuania in this pool is less active. Cooperation in the “Sport” pool focuses on involvement of youth in active and healthy life-style by encouraging participation and organizing joint sport events. These projects are very important for preventing youth in project regions from unhealthy life style – smoking, low physical activity rate, underage alcohol consumption and drug use. In the project pool “Sport” all 8 projects focus on promotion of joint activities among people and organisations, ensuring sustainable sports activities for all generations and developing capacity of selected municipal institutions in order to provide better public services in this field. Two of 8 projects promote healthy lifestyle among youth in border region through motorsport. Regarding the cross border cooperation in the project pool “Sport” active cooperation between Zemgale region in Latvia and Sauliai region in Lithuania show strong cross border cooperation links, however links between Latgale region in Latvia and Panevezys and Klaipeda regions in Lithuania also dominate. Projects in the pool “Safety” focus on risk prevention and management and development of common actions in response to environmental emergency and rescue situations, and cross border crime prevention by reinforcement of development of common activity between police of Latvia and Lithuania border cities. Projects in the pool “Safety” could be divided into two subgroups based on their thematic focus and type of intervention: • 1 project of 7 focus on region police institutions making harmonious and safe environment for inhabitants and tourists of the regions; • 6 projects of 7 focus on development of common rescue teams and risk management systems to eliminate the consequences of environmental accidents and prevent submergence of strategically important objects. Projects foresee quality and effectiveness of disaster management and emergency recovery services in Latvia and Lithuania.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

The regional allocation of projects from pool “Safety” shows an active cooperation among Zemgale region in Latvia and Siauliai and Panevezys regions in Lithuania. Especially active cross border cooperation is visible between Jelgava and Siauliai municipalities based on long lasting cooperation networks established in the early stage of project development and Bauska and Panevezys county. Involvement of project partner from Riga State Fire and Rescue Service of Latvia shows regional/national context of cooperation. Latgale region from Latvia and Utena and Klaipeda regions from Lithuania also have been participating in safety projects, but less actively. Projects in the pool “Transport and communication” focus on the lack of joint public transport planning, insufficient control of passengers and goods in the ports, as well as underdevelopment and underuse of e-services, including cross border e-services. In the project pool “Transport and communication” project “Trans-port” is focused on the development of communication systems in the largest ports and optimisation of public transport services in border regions, and the project “Come Closer” is focused on the development and wider use of e-services. Regarding the cross border cooperation in the project pool “Transport and communication” regional level cooperation dominates as the projects join largest towns in both countries. Kurzeme region in Latvia and Klaipeda region in Lithuania show a higher activity in this project pool although project partners from Zemgale and Latgale in Latvia have been involved as well.

Thematic Analyses 3.1. Innovative Approaches and Good Practice Numerous innovative approaches and good practices have been identified in the projects. For more information see Annex 2. Innovative approaches in the project pool “Culture” focus on diversification of cultural environment and creation of new, innovative culture products and events by mixing contemporary and traditional culture, and using modern technologies and approaches. For example, 15 innovative cultural products have been created and an innovative cultural event – festival “Flying fish” in Kuldiga – was organised during the project ART SPAWN implemented by Kuldiga Culture Centre and Artist’s Club from Siauliai. Furthermore, in the project Innovative Culture (implemented by Saldus Municipality, Telsiai District Municipality and Mazeikiai District Municipality) new culture events and new approaches to traditional culture events were developed and implemented, e.g. youth dance night festival and poetry and dance performance accompanied by special sound and light effects. Good practises in this project pool include activities for deeper involvement of wider community by organising thematic camps and workshops, for example, a children art camp on puppet theatre performance and puppet creation in the project Art Bridge implemented by Liepaja Puppet Theatre, Klaipeda Puppet Theatre and Panevezys Wagon Puppet theatre

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

(this project also demonstrated intensive cross border cooperation), creative cross border youth camp on the use of new media in the before mentioned project ART SPAWN, youth folk camp in project Summer in village (implemented by the Centre of Culture of Zarasai municipality and Culture Department of Daugavpils Amalgamated Municipality) and Art Academy for disabled people in the project Cultural identity (implemented by Naujoji Akmene music school and Auce County Municipality). Also publications for a wider society have been developed, e.g. recipe booklet of Latvian and Lithuanian gastronomic heritage in project Ziemgala Traditions (implemented by Pakruojis District Municipality, Siauliai Region development Agency, Rundale Local Municipality, Bauska Local Municipality, Vecumnieki Local Municipality and Iecava Local Municipality), cultural activities calendar in project RADBAU (implemented by Cultural Center of Radviliskis City and Bauska Local Municipality), chamber music CD in project PRELUDIA (implemented by Siauliai University, Daugavpils University and Mazeikiai Music School) and DVD of craftsmen training in the project Crafts and Culture (implemented by Siauliai Region Development Agency, Jekabpils local municipality, Jelgava Local Municipality and NGOs Dubysos Slenis and Luoke community). Last but not least, project The White Bird (implemented by the Culture Center of Utena and Preili County Council) addressed a significant target group – 3000 dancers, singers, musicians, culture specialists, craftsmen and 30 000 participants of culture events – and organised a first joint Latvian and Lithuanian song festival (except from the Baltic student song festival) in Preili where 500 participants from Latvia and 500 participants from Lithuania participated. Innovative approaches in the project pool “Education” include innovative and atypical methods and activities. For example, during the project Reading-IT-Creation new IT products were purchased to make libraries more attractive to children and youth and creative cognitive activities with information technologies and art scenic were implemented during the camps (implemented by Public Library of Zarasai District Municipality Utena and Latgale Central Library of Daugavpils). Furthermore, project HipiLatLit implemented by Rezekne University, Vytautas Magnus University and Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences of University of Latvia developed a joint interdisciplinary doctoral study programme in Baltistics. Good practises in this project pool demonstrate an on-going cross border cooperation that build upon previous cooperation activities, e.g. projects YOUTH FOR NATURE (implemented by Kraslava municipality council; Utena district municipality administration and Daugavpils municipality council) and Arts,Ethnic Identity (implemented by Naujoji Akmene music school and Auce music school). Good practises in the project pool “Sport” include not only organisation of cross border events, but also development of methodological papers and websites that contribute to the sustainability of the project results. For example, project Wings for START implemented by Motosports Racing Team, Sport Club Elksni and Aukstaitijos sport Club “PORTERIS” includes development of Joint strategy on how to attract youth to moto sport and an interactive website allowing children to interact with one another and learn about a healthy lifestyle. Moreover, project TouchBall-TouchLife implemented by Rugby Development Association of Latvia and Siauliai Sports School Klevas includes a development of a methodology for Touch Rugby, seminars for school teachers and the establishment of the joint sport portal.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Innovative approaches in the project pool “Safety” include joint action and innovative technologies to ensure disaster management and emergency recovery services in cross border area. All project pool is considered as innovative approach because of strategic partnership, and strategic and investment planning for development of joint rescue teams and collaboration in emergency situations. Good practises in the project pool demonstrate a high value added from cross border cooperation, including an establishment of a joint rescue teams.

3.2. Impact on Target Groups Projects in the pool “Culture” focus on specific target groups, as well as general public, which includes participants of the public events, tourists, local NGOs, entrepreneurs and the community. Regarding specific target groups, typical direct target groups for culture projects are: • Culture managers, teachers, lecturers and other employees working in the field of culture (Art Bridge, CELEBRATE, Innovative Culture, ART SPAWN, Ziemgala Traditions, RADBAU, PRELUDIA, Summer in village, Schools’ cooperation, Fostering Zemgale, Cultural identity); • Participants of choirs, music and dance groups, craftsmen, as well as adult learners (Seasons, CELEBRATE, Innovative Culture, UBUS, ART SPAWN, Ziemgala Traditions, RADBAU, Fostering Zemgale, Crafts and Culture, The white bird, Cultural identity). Numerous projects have focused also on narrower direct target groups, such as: • Youth and students (Innovative Culture, UBUS, ART SPAWN, PRELUDIA, Schools’ cooperation, Crafts and Culture, The white bird); • Children (Art Bridge, Innovative Culture, The white bird, Cultural identity); • Artists (Art Bridge, ART SPAWN, Summer in village, Crafts and Culture); • Disabled people (Summer in village, Cultural identity). Wider community was usually involved as audience in the public events. The mainstream results achieved by the culture projects are exchange of experience, development of competences and networking by conducting seminars, study visits, joint training, workshops, festivals, fairs, exhibitions and conferences. Such results bring benefits mostly to the direct target group of the projects.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Projects in the pool “Education” focus on specific target groups, as well as general public and tourists. Regarding specific target groups, typical direct target groups for education projects are: • Children, teachers, students, lecturers, scientists and other employees working in the field of education and public libraries (Reading-IT-Creation, Arts,Ethnic Identity, Education network, Dialogue of music, Preschool Education, ECOART, TEAMWORK, YOUTH FOR NATURE, HipiLatLit); • Participants of wider community and disable people (Arts,Ethnic Identity, Education network, Dialogue of music, ECOART, TEAMWORK, YOUTH FOR NATURE); • Youth NGO institutions (Common future). The mainstream results achieved by the education projects are exchange of experience, development of competences and networking by conducting seminars, study visits, joint training, workshops, festivals, exhibitions and conferences. Such results bring benefits mostly to the direct target group of the projects. Wider community was usually involved as audience in the public events, as well as audience for research results dissemination in the field of natural resource management and environmental protection. Projects in the pool “Sport” focus on specific target groups, as well as general public. Regarding specific target groups, typical direct target groups for sport projects are: • Children, teachers, students, lecturers participating directly in workshops, trainings, competitions, sport activities and other employees working in the field of sport (ACTIVE, We-football, TouchBall-TouchLife, Vital Neighbours, Wings for START, One healthy team, Basic success skills, Retrocross); • Participants of wider community and disable people (ACTIVE, We-football, TSOC, Vital Neighbours, Wings for START, One healthy team, Retrocross); • Municipalities and municipal institutions (ACTIVE, TSOC). The mainstream results achieved by the sport projects are exchange of experience, development of competences and networking by conducting joint sport events and competitions and joint training. Such results bring benefits mostly to the direct target group of the projects. Wider community was usually involved as participants in the sport events organised within the projects. Projects in the pool “Safety” focus on such direct target groups as local municipalities and State Fire and Rescue Service, as well as indirect target groups – residents, visitors and tourists. The mainstream result achieved by these projects is development of public services, for example, development of Joint Action Plans and Strategies for liquidation of extreme situations and accumulation of fire fighting and rescue forces in order to respond to incidents and extreme situations as well as local capacity building in cross border area.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Projects in the pool “Transport and communication” focus on such direct target groups as local municipalities and their institutions, as well as indirect target groups – residents, visitors, tourists, enterprises and public institutions. Mainstream result achieved by these projects is development of public services, for example, modernisation of port communication systems in the project Trans-Port and development of infrastructure and software, as well as promotion activities to facilitate a wider use of e-services in the project Come Closer.

3.3. Project Synergies The majority of the projects show a synergy with other projects and EU programmes within the programme regions. Due to limited local resources for implementation of projects, project promoters actively use options to attract financing from various sources. For small facility projects implemented by municipalities or NGOs a clear synergy with the LEADER programme and national and local grants is visible. For example, the project Art Bridge is complementary with the other projects financed from the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Lithuania of Klaipeda City Municipality Administration. Another example is culture project “Seasons” that has been implemented by two LEADER programme local action groups from Latvia (Balvi district partnership) and Lithuania (Kelme Partnership Local Activity group) thus adding a cross border dimension to local development initiatives implemented within the LEADER programme. Moreover, the participants of focus groups, conducted during the development of this report, implied that in 8 from 9 projects represented, issues raised in the previous projects were addressed. Projects have also demonstrated a mutual cooperation, e.g. project Cultural Identity participants joined the Balt’s Day event in Bauska organised in the project UBUS thus creating a synergy with another programme project. 6 projects of 7 from the pool “Safety” demonstrate synergy by development of common rescue teams and risk management systems in almost all cross border area. Especially the safety project “CBRM II” should be highlighted, which is Phase II of cross border cooperation initiatives developed to facilitate implementation of joint strategy between Jelgava and Siauliai municipalities thus demonstrating a cumulative effects of the supported projects. Moreover, the participants of focus groups stressed that they would be interested in experience exchange among the programme projects thus creating an additional value added of the programme. Also the added value of cross border cooperation is clearly visible. Focus group participants indicated that in all 9 projects represented in the focus group the cooperation with cross border partners is ongoing. And in more than half of the projects (5 from 9) the project has created a new or expanding cooperation platform with other partners.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

3.4. Coherence to the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) 61% of the ERDF grant (7 projects) correspond to EUSBSR objective “Save the Sea”, 36% of the ERDF grant (33 projects) – to the objective “Increase Prosperity” and 1% of ERDF grant or 1 project – to the objective “Connect the Region”.

Figure 3. Compliance with EUSBSR objectives and priority areas, %.

Breakdown of the funding among priority areas shows that the leader is “Secure – Protection from emergencies and accidents on land” with 57% of funding. It is followed by “Culture – Developing and promoting the common culture and cultural identity” with 19% of the funding and “Education – Developing innovative education and youth” with 10% of the funding. Other priority areas covered by the project include account for up to 4% of funding each. Last but not least, 2% of the project funding does not comply with the EUSBSR objectives and priority areas. Regarding the contribution to EUSBSR monitoring indicators, majority (35 projects) in this thematic area contribute to the achievement of indicators set in the objective “Connect the Region”. 34 projects (all projects from the pool Culture, Sport and Education) have a direct impact on the indicator “Number of organisations and people participating in programmes of cultural, educational, scientific exchange and cooperation” and project “Trans-Port” directly influences the indicator “Internal and external connectivity of the region, including travel time”. 7 projects contribute to the achievement of indicators set in the objective “Increase Prosperity”. Project “Come Closer” helps to achieve such indicators as “Volume of intra-regional trade in goods” and “Volume of cross border services” and projects “Flood”, “EAE”, “LatLitCBC”, “CBRM II”, “Fire Fighting” and “1FIRETEAM” contribute to the indicator “Integrated coastal protection plan and programme, including providing for effects of increased runoff and changes in marine environment”. To conclude, projects in the field “Improved quality of living through efficient public services and administration” have contributed to all three EUSBSR objectives, especially by facilitating cooperation in such fields as culture, education, sports and environment protection.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Conclusions and Recommendations The analysis shows that the projects in the field “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration” have contributed to increasing the quality of public services in such fields as culture, education, sports, transport and communication, as well as safety by a cross border exchange of experience and joint capacity building. The projects have demonstrated innovative approaches and good practises, as well as majority of them have contributed to the achievement of the EUSBSR objectives and priority areas. However, the projects appear to operate on a partner level, therefore actions to ensure a wider and sustainable impact of the results should be encouraged. A building of strategic alliances between the stakeholders (similar to local actions groups in INTERREG IVC projects) could be one of the preconditions for disseminating project results. Thematic discussions and networking events would be useful not only before the project submission, but also during and after the project implementation to ensure a fruitful exchange of knowledge and stimulate synergies among programme participants. Such events could be organised in cooperation with other cross-border cooperation programmes, e.g. Estonia–Latvia or other CBC programmes. The best practices, guidelines and other project results should be published on the Programme home page, sorted by the topics, thus ensuring exploitation of the project outcomes by the wider public, at least other projects. The added value and sustainability of the expected project results should be more carefully evaluated before the implementation of projects and ensured after the completion of the projects. If projects included planning of specific services, they should justify the added value and applicability of the results of such activities. For example, if a project included cross border public transport planning, it should include also proposals for changes in the national legislation to make such cross border public transport services possible. Furthermore, value added of the involvement of research institutions into cross border initiatives should be reconsidered focusing on applied research in fields that are crucial for the local and regional development (e.g. employment, life-long education, environment protection). More attention should be paid to the awareness raising and dissemination of research results to the local communities. Furthermore, for development of strategic partnerships is important with the key partners responsible for policy planning and implementation on national and regional scale (e.g. planning regions, state agencies and institutions). In cases where projects appear to operate on the local level no more than three partners are recommended. Discussions with the project partners show that operational capacity of the lead partners is limited to implement large partnerships and creates too much burden for the lead partner in the day to day management of the project activities and delivery of project outputs in the timely manner where local level projects are concerned.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

At the same time smaller projects, that mainly include the cross border mobility, could be implemented in a more simple way by using flat rate funding for project management and standard sums for mobilities (similarly to the Erasmus+ programme where financing is allocated for concrete number of staff mobilities, e.g. if project includes 10 mobilities to an organisation, 1000 euros are allocated for each mobility, in total – 10 000 euros, and organisations are flexible in the use of funds as far as it ensures implementation of 10 mobilities). Regarding the results, projects should focus on development of innovative approaches and products by mixing contemporary and traditional ways. Development or joint strategies, methodologies, services and products, as well as use of modern technologies should be highlighted. Moreover, activities for a deeper involvement of the wider community should be encouraged. For the sustainability of project results, development of home pages, publications, videos and CDs are beneficial. Last but not least, we advise to focus projects on strengthening the capacity of local municipalities to provide financially efficient and innovative services by implementing smart “shrinking’’ strategies in regions where the number of inhabitants is decreasing. At the same time, municipalities should develop new strategies and services to attract qualified workers to their territories by using their strengths – a peaceful, green environment, lower costs for housing and more easily reachable services than in metropolitan areas.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Annex 1 – List of evaluation questions Content of the report

Evaluation questions

1. Methodology

n/a

2. Thematic background 2.1.Thematic regional development context

What is an overall thematic regional development context?

2.2. Pools of projects addressing regional development challenges

What are mainstream (intervention) fields comprising pools of projects?

2.3. Problems and Opportunities Addressed by the Pools

1. What are common regional development problems, difficulties and challenges addressed by projects? 2. How pools of projects are compliant/ related to regional development problems identified?

3. Thematic Analyses 3.1 Innovative approaches and good practice

1. What are the innovative approaches and good practice? 2. What are common challenges and success cases/ stories? 3. What are different solutions to common problems? 4. What is added value of cross border cooperation? 5. What are most significant results and best examples to be of interest of other regions? 6. What are main preconditions for the transfer of good practice identified?

3.2. Impact on target groups

1. What are main target groups addressed by each pool of projects? 2. What are mainstream results achieved by projects? 3. Is there any impact of the results on target groups?

3.3. Project synergies

1. Synergies with other projects and EU programmes within regions. 2. Cumulative effects of supported projects.

3.4. Coherence to the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR)

How and to what extent projects comply to the objectives and priority areas of EUSBSR?

4. Conclusions and recommendations

1. Key issues to potential applicants and projects. 2. Key issues to programme management bodies. 3. Key issues to local, regional, national and if applicable to EU stakeholders, policy makers.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Annex 2 – Innovative approaches and good practises Table 1. Overview of innovative approaches in the project pool “Culture”

Project ART SPAWN

Description of innovative approach Objective of the project “Art Spawn” is to diversify and improve cultural environment of Siauliai and Kuldiga through effective use of the local historical, natural and human resources and cross border cooperation. In order to achieve the project objective, project partners developed effective ways for use of the local historical, natural and human resources by international artists, use of the media and contemporary art products, improved marketing knowledge and managerial skills of the cultural managers by participation in seminars, exchange of experience visits and job shadowing in festivals and cultural events, and ensured active participation of the local citizens in public cultural processes by taking part in educational workshops and interaction with artists and art works. An innovative cultural event festival “Flying fish” was organised taking into account particular local nature resource in Kuldiga. An artistic programme “Art Spawn” included workshops for professional artists from Latvia and Lithuania to interpret cultural heritage sites and find new places for art at public space. Also performances in old town and artists exhibitions in old buildings took place thus offering inhabitants and tourists new cultural experience. In total 15 innovative cultural products have been created during the project.

Innovative Culture

The objective of this project – to raise capacity and create new sustainable culture products with durable cross border applicability with the help of innovative activities in the sector of culture. As a result of the work package “Poetry and photography – a new cooperation aspect”, poems and photographs were selected and a book “Selected Poems” published. Presentation event of the book in the form of poetry theatre performance was carried out and an exhibition of photos included in the book was organized. New culture events and new approaches to the traditional culture events were developed and implemented, e.g. youth dance night festival, poetry and dance performance accompanied by special sound and light effects and workshops and training on the use of information technologies in arts. The project included also such activities as youth sports theatre camps and performance, art exhibitions and event “Master’s City” for artists and craftsmen.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Table 2. Overview of innovative approaches in the project pool “Education”

Project Reading-ITCreation

Description of innovative approach The goal of the project is to popularize traditional cultural values and reading as one of the principles for the development of active and sustainable society. During the project new IT products were purchased to make libraries more attractive to children and youth, nonstandard interactive activities for promoting children’s development, youth literacy and reading were introduced. Last, but not least children’s and youth digital skills in video making and photography were developed. Non-traditional library activities (creative cognitive activities in groups during the camps with information technologies and art scenic) in Public Library of Zarasai district municipality (Utena region) and Latgale Central Library of Daugavpils (Latgale region) encouraged children to read. As a result of sharing the experience gained during the project, different reading promotion services jointly with modern technologies were suggested. Use of e-books and IT technologies in the day to day life of the library and especially for improvement of reading habits is considered as long lasting result and innovative approach in traditional services. Creative camps organized for children about art scenic and making video are considered as new form of working in the library. Last but not least, creative activities are one of the alternatives that have an influence upon the reduction of children’s social disjuncture, active citizen’s education and increase the competitiveness of periphery region. During the focus group discussion the project promoter proved that project activities and results had helped to improve attendance rates of the libraries.

Education network

The objective of the project is to establish active environmental education network in the cross border region contributing to development of sustainable society. During the project several workshops and exchange visits were organised. As a result new educational skills and methodological basis as well marketing for successful networking was developed and innovative curriculum-based educational material for schoolchildren created. The newly prepared Kamanos educational exposition is adjusted for various target groups: schoolchildren, families with children, students and other nature lovers. It is expected that new exposition will increase number of visitors by 20–30%. The project has been implemented by the Public agency Nature heritage fund, The Kamanos strict nature reserve and an NGO Tervete Forest Education Centre.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

HipiLatLit

The objective of the project “HipiLatLit” is to modernise the sphere of the humanities in tertiary education in Eastern Latvia and Lithuania (Kaunas) by developing a joint research infrastructure. This has to be considered as a research project between cross border universities where a database of the texts in the Latgalian language has been developed, research “Lithuanian–Latvian–Latgalian Language Lexicon” performed and joint interdisciplinary doctoral study programme in Baltistics developed. Project has been implemented by Rezekne University, Vytautas Magnus University and Institute of Mathematics and Computer Sciences of University of Latvia

Table 3. Overview of innovative approaches in the project pool “Safety”

Project

Description of innovative approach

“Safety”

6 projects of 7 from the pool “SAFETY” are considered as innovative approach for strategic thinking and investment planning in the field of disaster management and development of joint rescue team for liquidation of accidents and collaboration with partners to protect environment in the Baltic Sea coastal zone. It is expected that new modern equipment and a cross border strategy will facilitate more effective response to accidents in cross border area. Part of the project results in CBRM II – development of intelligent light management system in case of emergency with distant management – can be considered as innovative approach in the use of emergency services.

Table 4. Overview of good practises in the project pool “Culture”

Project Cultural Identity

Description of good practises The objective of this project is to promote communities in Latvia– Lithuania cross border region to foster their cultural identity and find artistic ways to do this. The good practise lies in the wide coverage of project events and target groups. A wide range of contemporary, academic and traditional culture events were organised including various target groups – teachers, adults, children and disabled persons. A jazz festival, pop rock festival, chamber music festival and folk music festival was organised, also a summer camp for children, art therapy for disabled persons and training for adults. Moreover, the project participants joined the Balt’s Day event in Bauska organised in the project UBUS thus creating a synergy with another programme project.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Ziemgala Traditions

The goal of the project is to encourage the approach of Lithuanian and Latvian communities in the borderline region through construction and development of authentic culture and traditions in Ziemgala region. During the project several cultural events were organised. The good practise is characterized by a recipe booklet of Latvian and Lithuanian gastronomic heritage was developed, published (1 000 copies) and distributed among Latvian and Lithuanian residents for free, thus creating a lasting added value for wider society.

UBUS

The overall objective of the project is to develop cross border cooperation of the academic youth communities of three universities, preserving and restoring Baltic traditions, the culture of Kurzeme, Zemgale and Siauliai regions, by improving quality of cultural and academic events by means of art and creative initiatives. The project included theatrical resurrection of the Battle of the Sun as a symbol of Balts’ unity, joint art performances, international students’ camps (including practical work at cultural historical sites) and other events that raised youths’ contribution to science of Baltic countries. The project is a good practise because of the integration of science and culture, as well as thanks to the events developed that could be used as a magnet for attracting tourists.

Art Bridge

The overall objective of the project is to enhance cross border cooperation between Latvia and Lithuania Puppet theatres – Liepaja, Klaipeda and Panevezys, thus promoting contacts people to people. The project included not only festivals, performances, tours and workshops, but also a children art camp on puppet theatre performance and puppet creation with the objective to attract interest to studies in the higher education establishments as puppet masters. The project is a good practise because it foresees the involvement of wider society not only as participants in culture events but it includes also activities for a deeper involvement of wider community by organising a thematic camp.

Table 5. Overview of good practises in the project pool “Education”

Project YOUTH FOR NATURE

Description of good practises Objective of the project is to raise the patriotism of local youth in the Daugavpils, Kraslava and Utena communities located in the nature protected areas of Augsdaugava, Latvia and Aukstaitija, Lithuania. This project is considered as the next step following the previous projects’ partnership where relevant problems were identified across the borders. During the project activities youngsters have been brought closer to the local nature. Involvement of young

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

TEAMWORK

people in planning of recreation places, hearing their views, , their vision and innovative proposals how the recreation places should be developed helps to make their impact for improving nature protected areas and parks in the places they live. The project has been implemented by Kraslava municipality council, Utena district municipality administration and Daugavpils municipality council. More information available at www.kraslava.lv, www.dnd.lv, www. utena.lt. Project TEAMWORK promoted joint action of scientists, public, farmers and authorities which led to increased joint awareness and responsibility in natural resources protection and management. The objective of the TEAMWORK project is to raise awareness of invasion caused environmental issues and promote public, authorities and scientists cross border cooperation in alien species monitoring and eradication activities for sustainable management of natural resource in climate change conditions. Project idea, approach and implementation is considered as a good practice because it promotes collaboration of scientists, public, farmers and authorities which leads to increased joint awareness and responsibility in natural resources protection and management. One of the project outputs the manual for interactive map “The invasive species” has been developed. Since the project is still under implementation it is hard to evaluate results, but the project idea and activities implemented so far can be considered as the best example for raise of awareness and transfer of scientific results for wider use of society. In the wider context results of the project will help to manage climate change, by establishment of teaching system to ensure sustainable management of natural resources and involvement of society into the monitoring process of invasive species and early detection of invasions and rapid eradication. Project has been implemented by the Siauliai University and the Daugavpils University. More information available at www. teamwork.su.lt

Arts, Ethnic Identity

The goal of the project is to encourage student exchanges, creative workshops and range of joint musical performances involving also local community and people with disabilities. This cooperation has been developed between two music schools (Auce and Akmene) near the border. Since this is the second step of cooperation this is considered as good practice example showing how two small local music schools can contribute to cross border development among two countries by exchange of students and teachers and shaping of ethnic and historical, cultural identity when sustaining interaction between traditions and manners. However with respect to the future cooperation activities between educational intuitions, focus on development or improvement of joint teaching programs and use of modern technologies in education should be highlighted.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Table 6. Overview of good practises in the project pool “Sport”

Project

Description of good practises

Wings for START

Overall objective of the project is to promote healthy lifestyle among youth in border region through moto sport. Project includes not only implementation of cross border events, but also development of Joint strategy on how to attract youth to moto sport and an interactive website allowing children to interact with one another and learn about a healthy lifestyle. Project is to be considered as best practice since moto sport riders from Latvia and Lithuania as experts were involved in creating/ presenting promotional and educational materials (seminars, video training programme etc.). The project has been implemented by the Motosports Racing Team of Latvia; Sport Club Elksni and Aukstaitijos sport Club “PORTERIS”. More information is available on www.wings4start.eu.

TouchBallTouchLife

The objective of the project is to contribute to developing the opportunities for young people from local communities to enhance healthy and active life style by introducing new, inclusive team sport Touch Rugby in schools as a tool to improve self-esteem, recognition among pears, learn to work in the team and enhancing the role of sport in education and training. This project is considered as a good practice since it includes not only organisation of cross border events, but also development of a methodology for Touch Rugby, seminars for school teachers for introduction of new activities in sport lessons and establishment of the joint sport portal. The methodology for Touch Rugby was developed and made available to both partners. It is based on modern teaching approach and includes visual materials for teaching the tactics of the game for both countries. Project has been implemented by the Rugby Development Association of Latvia and Siauliai Sports School Klevas.

Table 7. Overview of good practises in the project pool “Safety”

Project Police

Description of good practises The aim of the project is to create a harmonious and secure environment for society and tourists. By implementation of common activities among police of Utena district and Latgale region the police officers of both countries got the knowledge exchange regarding/ and work experience concerning Schengen Area requirements and watching through border practical trainings.

Capitalisation Report: “Improved Quality of Living through Efficient Public Services and Administration”

Annex 3 – Innovative approaches and good practises

The highest number of partnerships has been established by Siauliai district (18 projects), Jelgava follows with 11 partnerships and Daugavpils – with 8 partnerships. Klaipeda, Liepaja, Ventspils, Saldus district and Riga have participated each in 5 partnerships. The rest of project partners have participated in less than 5 partnerships.