10.06.2022 |
Successful management and operation of cultural institutions during Covid-19 pandemic |
Latvia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Visiting Malmo Live Concert Hall and Sibelius Hall has been a worthful experience for us. The main benefit is the information and experience that we gained from two absolutely different cultural organizations. Each country (Sweden and Finland) have had quite different approach to Covid-19 pandemic regulations, therefore each concert hall had to deal with absoultely different situations. And our concert hall could identify itself somewhere in between these both partner organizations. Both partners were very forthcoming and opened about sharing their thoughts, knowledge and experiences. We could definately take over some of their knowledge to implement at GORS too, like communication with audience about postponed or cancelled events and ticked return, technical solutions to provide distancing and other preventive measures, program planning etc.
Another worthful benefit were the conversations about potential cooperation with both concert halls. In Malmo Live Concert hall we talked about possible collaboration with Malmo symphonic orchestra here at GORS concert hall, and our partners in Lahti claim that their team is already looking forward to coming to concert hall GORS in Rezekne. All partner organizations expressed strong willingness to keep in touch in the future too. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
During both visits we felt strong interest from the partner concert halls to find a way of cooperation in the future. In Malmo Live we discussed about possibility of bringing Malmo Symphony orchestra to Rezekne and giving performance at Concert Hall GORS, as well as we talked about various international projects of experience exchange (looking for opportunities for Malmo Live team to come to concert hall GORS).
At Sibelius hall we talked about our experience at GORS and Malmo Live, so there was a wider background for our discussions - we compared three different concert halls, their structures and challenges during pandemic period. Representative of Sibelius hall (Jussi Kortepuro) told us that their team visits one ore more Venues in Europe every year, and they are willing to put concert hall GORS in their Venue list too.
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
Both experience exchange trips were very valuable for our organization in several ways:
1) New contacts were developed;
2) Visiting two great concert halls in two different countries and sharing experiences with each other;
3) Introducing each other with the structures and operating activities of the concert halls;
4) Sharing experiences about the concert halls during the pandemic period - challenges, operations, adaptations, restrictions. program development, finances, marketing, technical solutions, audience development and impact to further operation;
5) Negotiations about further collaboration projects and supporting each other in the future Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
We really appreaciate the given opportunity. The main aim of the project was to gain theoretical and practical knowledge about cultural organizations' and concert halls' operation during Covid-19 pandemic. The acquisitions met all our expectations and we can surely claim that we gained even more - we visited inspiring places, met real professionals of their sphere, attended wonderful events, analyzed common factors and differences in our organizations, cities and countries, which is a really inspiring experience for all of us. Contact: Liga Vaicule-Kozlovska, project manager of the project "Successful management and operation of cultural institutions during Covid-19 pandemic"
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10.06.2022 |
SSocIAL |
Lithuania |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
1. The staff of the Agency as well as Ministry, also the staff of host organisations from each other gained greater understanding of the problems and challenges in the project management, social security, and labour market. Topics in agenda were newest, most relevant to the needs of the parties e.g., even the newest aspects of situation due to the refugees from Ukraine were in the discussion.
2. After study visit new relations with Iceland foreign partners was established. It is first time of collaboration with Iceland in 20 years of activity of The Agency. Development of existing relations with Swedish partners became more valuable, because of live contact and possibility to clarify additional essential topics. Now it is explicit, that our cooperation will continue in future.
3. Study visit gave positive image of the Agency as well as Ministry at the international level. Both organizations could introduce its goods practice and achievements. The Agency had possibility to share information about its new international activities (ESF Social Inovation+, EaSI, CERV) where international partners could participate as organizations or individuals as experts.
4. Mutual sharing of the countries (with Iceland) on the implemented programs for refugees and migrants: providing services, promoting integration, teaching the national language, integrating into the labour market, motivating participation in projects etc. New insights were discovered on what can be done better and more simply to achieve better results.
5.Digitalisation of processes is the future of all organizations. E.g. Iceland presented very innovative digital solutions and tools for care of elder people. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Project meets several purposes of the Nordic-Baltic program. Project increased visibility of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation program, increased quality and involvement in the Nordic-Baltic cooperation also increased knowledge transfer for mutual benefit on all administrative levels, increased cross-sectoral cooperation
During the visit in Sweden and Island visibility about Nordic-Baltic cooperation was spread internationally. Every time, meeting new organisations, we shared information about financing we gained from Nordic-Baltic Council and about possibility for Nordic countries to apply for financing and visit Baltic countries. During both visits about 10 organisations found out about Nordic-Baltic programme. Some of host organisations made posts in intranet pages about our visit. European Social Fund Agency have announced messages in the intranet for its employees about benefit of visits to Iceland and Sweden.
The project involves representatives of different organisations of public sector and NGO, also Ministries. The project involves decision makers, project administration bodies and project implementers. That ensures cross-sectoral and ministerial cooperation. The knowledge transfer gave mutual benefit and helped to maintain sustainable co-operation relations and increase their quality by involving related representatives. The joint discussion helped to identify common problems and good practices that could be shared. Diversity of cross-sectoral organisations made it more valuable and applicable.
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for personal skills Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
Sweden case – during study visit in Sweden we acknowledged very innovative methods of the Change theory, the Problem tree. The Swedish ESF Agency uses these new methods in almost all its applications, which seek to identify the applicants' needs, solutions, and anticipate as accurately as possible the activities, outcomes, results and expected impacts. Those methods our Agency is planning to integrate to the new Social Innovation program to application forms. Also, we had a chance to gain more information and insights for the implementation of ALMA initiative from 2014-2020 period, digitalization of the processes increasing efficiency in daily workflows, full integrated system to the claim of payment process and digital signature. The Swedish Agency was interested in the possibilities provided by the State Aid Register (KOTIS), as an example of which they could set up a similar system in Sweden. The possibilities of integrating this system could be discussed in the following cooperation activities.
Island case – The most valuable good practises were shared at the Island meeting about the activities at the Directorate of Labour, the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (VIRK), were discussed similarities and differences in the area of professional rehabilitation. VIRK is a vocational rehabilitation fund whose members include all major trade unions and employers. The main purpose of VIRK services is to help individuals return to the labour market. The services are free of charge, in cooperation with trade unions, employers, various service providers and welfare agencies. The services are provided to person who is unable to work due to a health problem and has a doctor's referral. Reykjavik Municipality introduced innovations for the disabled and the elderly. The following technological solutions are used: tablets for remote visits / meetings with service users (with user-friendly “software” installed), medicine dispensers, as well as smartphones, emergency buttons, robot pumps etc. These solutions help to increase the quality of life, security and independence. These solutions can be adapted in the measure "Integrated Assistance to Individuals" in Lithuania. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
The project fully met the expectations, all Nordic partners were sincerely interested to share good practice, learn good and effective ways to reduce administrative burdens for both project promoters and public sector companies, to move as many services as possible to the digital space. It was established further ways of cooperation with the newly planned activities, during which we will continue active sharing of the best practices in the selective process of project payment claims, implementation of new digitization methods, findings of the new approach to use technological solutions in the provision of social services, cooperation at the social innovation activities, to promote active aspects of the gender equality at labour market. The Nordic partners especially have lots of experience implementing the Social Innovation projects, encourage the gender equality (those examples we saw during visits in Sweden and Island). The focus was on projects for development of administrative and technical infrastructure, empowerment/computer literacy training (especially for seniors), testing of various technological solutions-smart devices, tablets for remote visits, medicine dispensers. These solutions helped to increase the quality of life, security, independence of both the services themselves and the recipients of services, as well as create better working conditions for service providers, allow optimizing service provision processes. With the help of digitization more emphasis will be placed on communication with project promoters, and part of the technical tasks will be performed by robots or artificial intelligence. Contact: Agne Naruseviciute, project manager of the project "SSocIAL "
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10.06.2022 |
Sustainable Development Goals as a Tool for Strategic Planning in municipalities |
Latvia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
The focus of the visits was on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a tool for strategic visioning, planning and budgeting in Icelandic and Norwegian local governments. Taken into account the fact that the localization of the SDGs is a long-term and integrated process, Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments wants to support Latvian local governments in an inclusive way from their first steps (awareness-raising activities) to the delivery of SDGs on the ground and in the assessment of the work that has been carried out. LALRG has been taking steps to enhance the role of local governments as the SDGs implementers by organizing different activities. Several successful initiatives have been developed showcasing the key role of local governments in localizing the SDGs. However, the SDGs are not yet integrated in a concrete way into the everyday work of Latvian local governments. Latvian municipalities are very interested in experience of Icelandic and Norwegian municipalities and local good practices in the field of localization of the SDGs. As we know, Iceland and Norway have, from the very beginning, been one of the driving forces behind the implementation of the SDGs. Icelandic and Norwegian examples show that efforts to achieve SDGs can turn challenges into opportunities.
The experience gained in the project will be transferred to all Latvian municipalities, promoting the implementation of SDGs in Latvian local governments.
The implementation of the project also strengthens the cooperation between national associations of municipalities, as well as between Latvian, Icelandic and Norwegian local authorities.
Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
The implementation of the project increased visibility of Nordic - Baltic cooperation and increased quality and involvement in the Nordic - ac cooperation.
As a result of this project, the idea arose to develop and implement a project for the exchange of experience in the reception and integration of refugees and asylum seekers in local communities, given Russia's aggression in Ukraine and the influx of refugees. References in the media
Article on the LALRG web-page, published on 10/11/2021:
https://www.lps.lv/lv/zinas/lps/7026-lps-delegacija-islande-iepazistas-ar-vietejo-pasvaldibu-pieredzi-ano-ilgtspejigas-attistibas-merku-ieviesana Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
Local Governments have challenges related to all three dimensions of sustainability. Climate change is serious, lower economic growth is expected, the proportion of working age people is declining, and the inequalities in society are growing. Therefore, when the municipality makes decisions, they must be evaluated on the basis of all three dimensions. Every municipality must ensure that the entire community is involved in the work to achieve the environmental, financial and social goals. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
The Nordic-Baltic Mobility Program for Public Administration fully met all our expectations. The most important tasks of local governments are to provide good services to their citizens, to ensure holistic social development and to promote open and inclusive local democracy. To achieve this, local governments need to ensure both efficient operation and the necessary development work and innovation to meet the needs of the community and its citizens. The implementation of the SDGs helps expand the perspective, steer in the right direction and develop good solutions locally that also contribute globally. If the municipality is to succeed in translating the global goals into local action and practices, the SDGs must be integrated into all management, planning and governance. The implementation of this project provided an excellent opportunity to get acquainted with the good practices of the Nordic municipalities, which can be used by Latvian municipalities. The visits to both countries have been very fruitful and qualitative. Contact: Elita Kresse, project manager of the project "Sustainable Development Goals as a Tool for Strategic Planning in municipalities"
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31.05.2022 |
Enhancing collaboration on meteorological, hydrological, climate activities and services tailored to the needs of society and different users |
Lithuania |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Gained knowledge will strengthen LHMS staff capabilities in planning and organizing hydrometeorological activities in Lithuania. The participants got ideas from Nordic best practices on how to effectively organize hydrometeorological observations, to ensure measurement data quality and advanced working methods, to serve users, to use social media, to improve communication activity, quality management systems and to participate in international projects. From visit to Finland our Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service and FMI began some projects like partners, still in early stage. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
New contacts enhance possibilities for integration and participation in NORDMET working groups on meteorological observations, IT, data (and products) management, research, service delivery, education and training in Nordic-Baltic region, strengthening cooperation between Nordic and Baltic national meteorological services (NMS).
A cooperation between NMS working together as a network helps to continuously improve the
abilities of the NMS to serve their societies with official duties of higher quality and better cost
efficiency, manage their respective infrastructure resources, enhance the capabilities to participate
in and contribute to international infrastructural development projects, improve the preparedness
to encounter weather related events and monitor disasters likely to influence border areas or on a
scale larger than individual national areas. Also visits were successful gaining experience from what to begin working in international projects. Right now LHMS begin cooperation with FMI in international project. Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
Our specialists gained knowledge on organization and optimization of hydrometeorological observations networks in Finland and Sweden is considered to be applicable in Lithuania. Familiarization with specialists
from various fields of visited organizations will help LHMS in the process of restructuring to implement ideas how to achieve more effective work. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
This project executed in the framework of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public
administration has fully met the expectations both in the opinion of the study visit participants and
the administration of LHMS. Contact: Andrius Laurynaitis, project manager of the project "Enhancing collaboration on meteorological, hydrological, climate activities and services tailored to the needs of society and different users"
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30.05.2022 |
Establishment of specialized courts |
Latvia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
In March, it will be a year since the specialized court – the Court of Economic Affairs – started operating in Latvia. The project application was written before the pandemic to learn more about the Nordic experience in setting up specialized courts. Unfortunately, with the start of travel restrictions, the planned exchange visits were postponed for two years.
In 2022, when the specialized court has been operating in Latvia for a year, some experience has already been accumulated, but it would still be interesting to get to know the experience of specialized courts in Denmark and Sweden.
Study visits should always have a major educational element, but the impact of business trips can
extend much further. The importance of educational trips includes giving experts a
chance to build closer bonds with their colleagues, experience new environments and enjoy other
countries. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Active co-operation between the Baltic and Nordic countries began at the same time as the process
of restoring the independence of Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. Our countries are linked by cultural, historical, political and economic ties. There is a common desire for stability, security and
prosperity in the region, as well as on a broader geographical basis.
Regular and coordinated political dialogue and practical co-operation has been established
between the Baltic and Nordic countries, which has the potential to develop and deepen.
By strengthening ties with the Nordic countries, it is important for Latvia to promote people-to-people
contacts, support cooperation between municipalities, academic, professional, cultural and
non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, promote tourism and expand economic
contacts. References in the media
- 2 press releases (with photos) have been spread to media
on 11.04.2022. and 28.04.2022.
- 1 special chapter of the project has been created in institution's website: https://www.ta.gov.lv/lv/projekts/specializeto-tiesu-izveide
- several posts in Court Administration Republic of Latvia Twitter and FB account have been posted Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
The purpose of the study visits were to expose judges and experts to a wider range of learning
experiences and opportunities. Nordic countries were chosen because of its close economic link
with Latvia.
The exposure to these countries would hopefully add value to the delegates credentials in their
career as well as lifelong development. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
Study visits have met the stated objectives fully, visits were suitable and reliable. Contact: Dace Cimere, project manager of the project "Establishment of specialized courts"
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30.05.2022 |
Ensuring efficient regulatory framework for transport activities: development of ICT structure, strategic management and legal procedures and policies |
Lithuania |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Participants have gathered experiences and good practices from leading road safety countries in Europe. A study visit in Sweden provided better understanding of strategical aspects and importance of planning in regards to road safety. Being able to see and learn how to engage with different actors within transport system in order to make sure that policies, legislation is in fact efficient and yields results rather than just existing. Swedish examples proved how important is to engage with society and educate them, include in any projects in relation to road safety. Direct communication, strategic management of each working division helps to build trust among institutions and road users which later eases any procedures with which authorities attempt to increase road safety. These experiences will hopefully benefit Lithuanian Transport Safety as a national authority responsible for road safety in Lithuania.
Norway's experience on drafting national plan for road safety and including aspects of communication, safety culture and cooperation has benefited participating experts and organization itself as LTSA is currently working on new strategy for upcoming years. This provided great opportunity to dig a bit deeper when it comes to understanding of strategy's development, goals, key performance indicators and general approach of Nordic countries towards such 'broader' developments.
Gathered practices and experience now shows its results during discussions and workshops held at LTSA to ensure that organization is heading towards modern, well-governed approach. Nordic partners and their experience and successful results in road safety during this cooperation provided great orientation for future work. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
The project has strengthened already established partnership among Sweden-Lithuanian transport activities but also has led to new initiatives related to road safety. Sweden's experience on strategical communication in relation to educating society about importance of road safety, safety culture and etc. have led to further communications on possibility to jointly participate in a EU supported project with Eastern Partnership countries. Currently such option is still in process of evaluation, but shared experiences during this project has provided great foundation for further cooperation.
Also, Norway's experience on National strategy for road safety which has been presented during online meetings have ensured further communication in relation to development of LTSA's strategy for upcoming years which is currently actively discussed via internal workshops and organizational activities.
This proves how valuable direct communication and experiences with Nordic partners could be and how it further deepens and promotes cooperation between Nordic and Baltic countries. Being able to learn from partner countries' experience helps to become more competitive, efficient and modern institution while also providing a strong partner for further cooperation with each other or third parties.
Cooperation with Swedish Transport Administration and Norwegian Public Roads Administration also has provided a framework not only to improve procedures and current practices at national level, but has also encouraged LTSA and hosting institutions to more actively discuss and engage in bilateral cooperation when it comes to new approaches and new policies on transport safety and strategical developments in order to ensure that Nordic-Baltic region has safe and welcoming transport system.
References in the media
Information about the project has been shared with LTSA representatives across different division in Lithuania and there has been an in-depth article/interview with participants of project activities in LTSA's intranet where they shared insights, experience and received knowledge during the project.
There has also been social media posts related to study visit in Sweden (links below - from both participating parties).
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6925728014378893312/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vision-zero-academy/posts/?feedView=all
* - upon finalizing contents and meetings with Norwegian partners, there will be official publications at LTSA's website regarding both visits - in English and Lithuanian languages. Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
As development of strategy and procedures related to that was one of key topics for both meetings with Nordic partners, there were some valuable lessons learned during discussions with representatives from Norway and Sweden.
A detailed plan and understanding of its drafting has been highlighted by colleagues at NPRA and Swedish Transport Administration - both provided examples of their own experience in the past, and future plans for strategies. National Safety plan by Norwegian partners and Swedish global strategy towards 2030 - both presented similarities in approach - relating to importance of evaluation, responsibility sharing, key performance indicators -, but also showed differences in national approaches - from general scope of the strategy ands its limits to its appeal to general audience and included authorities. Valuable experience in this regard provides both - practical and theoretical - lessons for LTSA's work in exact same field - drafting our own strategy, understanding its reach and responsibilities coming with each goal and target listed there.
Furthermore, with examples of different practices in relation to road safety itself - crash investigations, methods to analyze data and etc., some key values gained were related to communication in relation to transport safety.
Both - Norwegian and Swedish models - provide a valuable insight which is sometimes forgotten, or perhaps, not always possible in Lithuania - understanding of public opinion and general view towards public authorities. A lot of success related to road safety by Nordic partners is related to their societies and their trust towards democracy, government, community cooperation.
Their examples provide a general foundation that in order to improve transport safety in Lithuania, it requires detailed and continued work in the field of education to ensure two-way responsibilities - one from government to citizens and the other way around - citizen to government. In order for any communication campaigns from public authorities to work and yield actual results - in this case - related to safety levels in Lithuania - a trusty and committed dialogue between public sector, NGO's, private sector and society is required.
Such values are already in place in majority of Nordic countries and that is a goal and target for Lithuania as well - not only in transport sector where LTSA plays an important role, but in many other areas of our daily life.
These examples of experience come not only from direct topics which are covered by project agenda, but also from broader communication and discussions during such visits/online meetings. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
Despite prolonged delays and difficulties due to external and internal factors - including Covid-19 - the mobility programme has met and fulfilled our expectations.
Timing and delays had some impact on topics which were relevant for our administration when activities took place, therefore agenda's and discussion topic have been adjusted to ensure efficiency and relevance of each discussed content of the agenda. This proved to work out great, as each topic presented practical experience which could be adopted/learnt from in our daily tasks which administration currently deals with.
Visit in Sweden not only covered topics of the agenda, but Swedish Transport Administration ensured that participants also get to feel and see by themselves how transport system in Sweden works and what is the culture around here from every part involved in transport system - from public authorities to each citizen. This had great effect on participating experts and they shared they gratitude for such a valuable visit.
Due to delays with Norwegian Public Roads Administration, it was agreed to move activities online, but contents and topics covered and provided have also been valuable in terms of their practical use and expanding our expert's knowledge. We still look forward to continue with upcoming online meetings with Norwgian delegation and administration believes that more possibilities to cooperate will come up in near future.
Project has reached its goals and provided personal benefits for participants - covering each topic of different agendas allows to strengthen our experts' administrative capacities, increase skills and knowledge in discussed areas. Furthermore, it helps us to expand our expert's network - which comes handy when dealing with both - national questions and also bilateral/international relations. Contact: Eimantas Alminas, project manager of the project "Ensuring efficient regulatory framework for transport activities: development of ICT structure, strategic management and legal procedures and policies "
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26.05.2022 |
Exchange of Good Practices in Science Communication |
Estonia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
The information gathered from the meetings with the hosting organizations was of great value as our organization can implement the strategies of the hosting organizations that have been practised for a longer period.
The conversations and exchanging the information with the specialist of the hosting organization gave us additional insight on how to use scientists in science communication and how to communicate science in a way that people understand the message forwarded to the public, both nationally and internationally.
The meetings showed that implementing the strategies that already have a positive outcome in other countries would be beneficial to us as we can skip the trial-and-error part and start using already effective and working methods.
We got reassurance regarding the methods we have used for science communication from similar organizations to ours. It was inspiring to learn that similar methods are used in other countries, confirming that the tactics we are already using, have positive results in the long run. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Regarding our visits to Finland and Denmark, it can be said that the Nordic-Baltic cooperation project is useful and beneficial for several if not for all participating parties.
Among other things, the project has helped us expand our network and make new contacts to collaborate on upcoming projects. Several specific agreements for visits and presentations regarding upcoming events were made with the board members of the Finnish Association of Science Editors and Journalists, and with specialists from Astra Center, and also with communication experts from the University of Finland.
Also plans for continuous collaboration with Rannis regarding PhD students' engagement in science communication events.
Common strategies, knowledge base and goals are necessary for better and more efficient collaboration between countries. Obtaining the knowledge from similar projects and strategies used in different organisations will help us improve the operational methods already in use. References in the media
We had a LinkedIn post on the Estonian Research Council feed in LinkedIn about the study visit to Finland.
The post can be seen here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/eesti-teadusagentuur_finland-tiktok-sciencecommunication-activity-6927878283212533760-K1uQ?utm_source=linkedin_share&utm_medium=member_desktop_web
Unfortunately, there's no media attention regarding our visit to Denmark. Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
The biggest asset we gained from the mobility project is new contacts from the visited organizations in Finland and Denmark. By having a common purpose, the new contacts are useful for future collaboration. We already made agreements with hosting colleagues from Finland regarding future cooperation opportunities, the first of which will hopefully happen in the near future. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
The fact that we could share our experience and learn about successful practices and strategies used elsewhere, means that we gained a lot from the project. We are planning to implement the learned new methods in our own work and engage new contacts in our future collaboration. We could say that our expectations were met and for some areas even surpassed. All the hosting organizations were very hospitable and the meetings had valuable results. Contact: Carlos Kuiv, project manager of the project "Exchange of Good Practices in Science Communication"
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13.05.2022 |
Prison Management, Particular Features of Resocialization of Sentenced Inmates and Good Practices |
Lithuania |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
The knowledge gained during the visits will have a direct impact on the quality-based changes of the Lithuanian penitentiary system, as Norway's and Finland's good practice examples shall be used for the development of the Lithuanian penitentiary strategy 2030 (organisation of employment and work activities, marketing of inmates production, assessment of the feasibility of the online shop for inmates production, more active implementation of the principle of dynamic security in direct contact with inmates, forecasting the decreased number of inmates, etc.).
The Norwegian and Finnish good practice might be implemented in the Lithuanian penitentiary system:
1. in the areas of positive employment activities for inmates, i.e. expanding the range of activities, involving more NGOs and volunteers, introducing prerequisites for the marketing of inmates products (e.g. through the establishment of an online shop);
2. inmates motivation measures to participate in positive employment by paying a specific monthly allowance (consider the possibility of limiting the remittances from outside if an inmate refuses to work or study);
3. organise a trip outside a penitentiary facility for positive well-behaving inmates, who are working or studying, together with an officer/ officers (e.g., 2-3 inmates and 1-2 officers);
4. organise work and production development inside the facility;
5. apply motivational measures for correctional officers and other staff. Take measures to increase the attractiveness of correctional officer profession, involvement of inmates in good initiatives;
6. provide training on the principles of dynamic security to correctional officers at all levels and units;
7. install e-terminals for inmates to assisst them in improving their digital skills. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
The participation of the Lithuanian, Norwegian and Finnish public administration institutions in the Project activities had the direct benefit as the representatives of the participating countries were able to exchange relevant information during the meetings and get to better know each other for further cooperation and developing of joint partnership initiatives and projects. Knowledge and experience exchange of best practices between the Lithuanian and Nordic public administration institutions gave a better insight in the prison management and resocialization areas. References in the media
The project did not attract media attention. On 16 November 2021, the staff of the Resocialisation Unit of the Prison Department presented the Norwegian good practice to the management and staff of the Prison Department. A short presentation on the outcomes of the visit to Finland was released both to the representatives of the penitentiary system and the public.
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
The participants of the internship got acquainted the trends and context of inmates’ resocialization in the Norwegian penitentiary establishments, applied resocialization measures and their individualization, organization and legal regulation of inmates’ occupation and employment, role of NGOs and volunteers in the resocialization process. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
The Nordic-Baltic Public Administration Mobility Program meets our expectations Contact: Jolanta Beliavskienė, project manager of the project "Prison Management, Particular Features of Resocialization of Sentenced Inmates and Good Practices"
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13.05.2022 |
Nordic-Baltic Study Visit and Knowledge Exchange - International Child Protecion |
Estonia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
The role of Estonian Social Insurance board in the field of child protection in Estonia and the mediation of international child protection cases needs to be reviewed and updated. It was very beneficial for us to get an understanding how Bufdir (which is similar to Estonian Social Insurance Board on the level of where it stands in the child protection system in the country) works, what are their roles and responsibilities regarding Norway's child protective system and the international cases. At the time of the visit we were aware that the Estonian Ministry of Social Affairs was planning on assessing and researching the Estonian Child Protection system (inc. the social insurance board) and thank to our visit we made some meaningful contacts in Norway whose expertise will be included into the research Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Norway is starting to develop a nationwide child protection casework database. Estonia has had a casework database for many years and we exchanged IT development team contacts so they can cooperate.
The visit to Norway also benefits the cooperation of Estonia and Norway in international child protection cases.
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
Exchange of practices, information and contacts. Very valuable for us was to meet our colleagues as that highly benefits cooperation. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
It is a wonderful program and it met our expecations. Only issue for us was that due to Covid and then the war in Ukraine, Sweden was unable to welcome us for a study visit. Contact: Kadi Lauri, project manager of the project "Nordic-Baltic Study Visit and Knowledge Exchange - International Child Protecion "
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09.05.2022 |
Exchange of experiences and best practices on public involvement methods - participatory budgeting, awareness building events and e-participation tools |
Latvia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Shortly after visits we started development of public involvement strategy and participatory budgeting in our our municipality. It will be launched in couple of months.
We were introduced with numerous methods and their results. Introducing them in our municipality we can increased competitive power of the region, high level of public involvement in governance, reduced environmental footprint and educated society as a result of awareness.
building events. Comparing public involvement methods in Rebild municipality and Helsinki municipality helps us to find out the most effective methods and solutions that are adaptable for Marupe
municipality. We established new partnerships as well. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
During group visits we saw mutual exchange of experience. In Marupe municipality we developed some good ideas we shared with our hosts as well. Also it was important that Rebild and Helsinki municipalities could get another perspective which aroused in our discussions. Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
One of most significant values gained was possibility to discuss various approaches of municipality work as well as challenges municipalities are facing every day. Even if in Latvia we have limited resources and budgets are way smaller than in Nordic countries we still find creative solutions for various problems. We also were proud that we were able to introduce with our Geographic Information System - where we collect and graphically present data important for coworkers of municipality as well as necessary for our inhabitants. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
Yes the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Public Administration met our expectations. We felt experience was shared both ways and we are happy to have had this opportunity to participate. Contact: Ilze Kamolina, project manager of the project "Exchange of experiences and best practices on public involvement methods - participatory budgeting, awareness building events and e-participation tools"
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09.05.2022 |
How to reach everyone in municipality |
Latvia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
In the city of Malmö, the city's development strategy was introduced, which envisages active construction and transformation of the city's infrastructure for the needs of a growing population. Several quarters of the city were visited where active construction and transformation is taking place.
In Lejre municipality, various municipal institutions, administration, school, senior activity center, youth center and others were visited. During the mission, various meetings were held with municipal employees, deputies, representatives of non-governmental organizations, etc.
During the mission, many and various suggestions were received in various areas of the municipality's activities, which should be submitted to colleagues for evaluation and implementation. It is concluded that the needs of Malmö municipality differ significantly from Dienvidkurzeme municipality and it is possible to adopt only some examples of good practice. In turn, the municipality of Lejre is very similar to Dienvidkurzeme municipality in terms of population and population structure, and a lot of what would be seen would be applicable in our municipality.
We gained excellent experience from Lejre on administrative-territorial reform. The municipality of Lejre is already an experienced 14-year-old municipality. Our two municipalities have very similar values - both are rural municipalities, with an ageing society and with interest in accessibility and sustainability. As part of a new municipality, Lejre's good practices were very useful to us. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
If we talk specifically about Dienvidkurzeme municipality, which we represented, then it was especially interesting for us to find out how the communication between the residents and the municipality is implemented, how the mutual flow of information takes place, because the residents must be informed about the municipal activities. The second aspect that was particularly useful in this project was the integration and cohesion of society. It is no secret that people from other countries come to the Baltic States every year, including Latvia and Dienvidkurzeme municipality. The Nordic experience in integrating these people into the local community was useful. And the exchange of experience in caring for seniors in the Nordic countries was also valuable, so that they would not be left alone after completing their active work, but would find activities that suit their interests. We have gained a lot of initiatives from the project program related to the environment and ecology, education, volunteering and much more that we will be able to take over in our municipality. References in the media
During the visit, representatives of the municipality were interviewed by two Lejre regional newspapers:
https://www.sn.dk/lejre-kommune/lettere-paa-inspirationstur-i-lejre/
https://www.sn.dk/lejre-kommune/letter-paa-besoeg-vil-laere-af-lejre/
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
During the implementation of this project, we have gained a lot of easy-to-implement experiences and ideas that can be implemented over a long period of time. The words we heard most often during this project were "communication" and "volunteering". These are the words that permeated any topic throughout this project. Volunteering is something that there is still a lot to do in our society. Experience in working with seniors and the local community as a whole was a valuable benefit. Integration and involvement of different communities in a single society. Education and security issues. Involvement of children in reading books and operation of youth centers. And much more. The common conclusion is that every member of society, regardless of their age, level of education, age or other parameters, has value, and everyone deserves support and respect. And everyone's ideas are heard. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
Thanking the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for the opportunity to participate in this programme by the delegation of Dienvidkurzeme municipality, we are happy to say that the very fulfilled and valuable programme not only met our expectations, but significantly exceeded them. This was especially true of the section we implemented in Lejre municipality, because our situations are quite similar - we are similar both in terms of the size of the territory and the number of inhabitants. We got a lot of simple and valuable ideas that we can gradually take over in our municipality. In Malmö, on the other hand, we gained a broader view of how a large-scale, fast-growing municipality operates and what the problems and solutions are there, so we also gained valuable initiatives there. Contact: Kristine Pastore, project manager of the project "How to reach everyone in municipality"
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09.05.2022 |
NORDIC CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE USER-FRIENDLY SERVICES IMPLEMENTATION : ARCHEOLOGICAL HERITAGE SITE DIMENSIONS |
Lithuania |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
When visiting and interacting with archaeologists exploring the Slussen area, it was amazing to hear how much freedom and trust the public authorities give to the archaeologists themselves and how the quality and timing of archaeological research speeds up, but certainly does not worsen the process. When visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Birka and Hovgarden, it was interesting to see the nuances of the care of such sites and the general sense of liberalism that enables a variety of small-scale and low-invasive land movements without any complicated bureaucratic procedures. Also, a very interesting and completely unused area in Lithuania turned out to be the maintenance of the cultural heritage landscape, the focus of which is on the selection of vegetation of such a landscape, questions about the image of the chronological stage of the heritage object to be presented/revealed to the visitor. Also, the healthy tendency of cultural heritage landscape maintenance specialists not to build or build visually expressive areas was very impressive (in Lithuania, a similar is done with visual protection elsewhere (eg in Kulautuva cemetery, Kaunas district municipality) houses germinate in the object itself and thus irreversibly change the image of the cultural landscape, the possibility of visual perception of the cultural heritage object disappears).
The study visit revealed examples of successful collaboration with a variety of community-based institutions. We learned how inhabitants' needs influence urgent archaeological excavation works - in Stockholm, Slussen, it was the urgent need to replace dilapidated water and transport infrastructure. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
-It strengthened long-term cooperation with Nordic partners;
- It was an experience sharing on modern Nordic management of heritage attracting local business and community (managers, guides, etc)
-It was shared experiences of tackling nowadays challenges (climate change, use of new technologies, accessibility of heritage values, user-friendly environment);
-The project allowed us to discuss the issues with a lot of needed Nordic experts on management, heritage accessibility, educational programs for the community, practical issues of heritage protection of the Reserve;
- The participants shared values: identity, sustainability, environmental preservation, urban
planning knowledge, heritage accessibility, and world heritage protection. References in the media
- The results of each study visit – textual and visual information was placed on the website of The Directorate of the State Cultural Reserve of Vilnius Castles ww.vilniauspilys.lt
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
Sustainability is not only environmental sustainability, but political, economical, social, cultural sustainability Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
Nordic partners were engaged very much in our project. The results of the study visit were excellent. Contact: ANGELE DANUTE CEPENAITE, project manager of the project "NORDIC CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE USER-FRIENDLY SERVICES IMPLEMENTATION : ARCHEOLOGICAL HERITAGE SITE DIMENSIONS"
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09.05.2022 |
Green and Digital Future |
Estonia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Communications is getting new knowledge and practical recommendation in next areas:
1) Bottom – up policymaking.
a. Involvement of different stakeholders for create a united strategy with the implementing plan.
2) The building-up Innovation eco-system and involving in the process all relevant stakeholders.
3) Green transition and circular economy policy making.
Some detailed examples.
1) The Nordic countries have long-term experiences for working-up consensus-based policies where all stakeholders are involved. We had got good knowledge how to agree on results, drive the process and get to the result, which is acceptable for all stakeholders from privet and public sector. The good example is the Norwegian recycling and deposit system for plastic bottles and cans.
Within the administrative remit of Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications will be launched an innovation agency. The Enterprise Estonia and KredEx merged at the beginning of 2022. Innovation Norway, Vinnova and RISE are good examples for building up well-functioning innovation implementing agency. For instants, The Matrix Model is the most popular organisational governance model in the Nordic counties.
In Norway and Sweden the Topics Green transition and circular economy are led by the privet sector, who sees there some new business opportunities. These topics are built up via economic parameters. The main target for the topic are save the climate and nature and preserve the well-being of society in the Nordic countries. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
It should be admitted Nordic countries are in the topics green transition and circular economyre world-class frontrunners. While Estonia has just taken the first steps for putting these themes on the board. We should built up our cooperation in the way that all parties could get some benefits in the future. In the first order, Estonia should join with initiative of Nordic countries and take over their principals for promoting green transition and circular economy.
We have had very fruitful and open discussions with the hosted organisations. By having, these study visits we have had very good contacts and networks for cooperation and cooperation on EU level in the future.
In short term we try to find some possibilities to start cooperation with Ignite Sweden and RISE. There are some interreg programmes that could suit for the next cooperation stage. In addition, very important is cooperation on EU level for having regulations that suits as much to the Nordic countries as to the Baltic countris Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
We have had very open and fruitful discussion about consensus-based policy makeing process. We have got very many practical solution that we can put into the practise for impementing green transition and circular economy. The most imporatant result of the project is broad network and direct contacts in nordic countries for creating new projects and implementing initatives of green transition and circular economy.
Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
The programm meets fully our expectations. Contact: Kaie Nurmik, project manager of the project "Green and Digital Future"
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02.05.2022 |
Role and opportunities of local government in achieving climate and energy policy goals |
Estonia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
The applying partner of the project was the Association of Local Authorities of Lääne-Viru County that acts in the interests of all the municipalities in the county. Since the county (with the the Association in the lead) is compiling the Sustainable Energy Action plan in order to move towards Green Goals, the Association as well as the Muncipalities (the members of the Assocition) all benefited from the project by the rise of knowledge in Green Deal and alternative energy resources - the knowledge that is benefitial when each municipality will set forth its goals and aims in the pan-county Action Plan. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Lääne-Viru County has long-lasting twinning relations with Agder Municipality in Norway and such mobility project reinforced the ties. The partner is also involved in the compilation of Sustainable Energy Plan for Lääne-Viru County through another project and acts as an advising partner in the project giving its input via online seminars.
The cooperation with Eurajoki Municipality will continue because of the plans for the construction of nuclear power plant in Kunda (Viru-Nigula Municipality) and the cooperation with the possible constructor, Fermi Energia, has already started parallely with the present project. Also, due to the above-mentioned plans the county, especially Viru-Nigula Municipality and Eurajoki will be in close cooperation in the future in order to gain more knowledge and experience from Olkiluoto Power Plant. References in the media
Local newspaper "Lääne-Virumaa uudised" 19th of March 2022:
https://www.laanevirumaauudised.ee/uudised/2022/03/19/omavalitsuste-juhid-toid-norrast-kasulikku-teavet
The webpage of the Association of Lääne-Viru Local Municipalities: https://www.virol.ee/uudised-ja-teated/-/asset_publisher/SfGT0FmXmC0C/content/laane-viru-omavalitsuste-juhid-kaisid-kliima-ja-energiakava-koostamise-raames-visiidil-norras?redirect=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.virol.ee%2Fuudised-ja-teated%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_SfGT0FmXmC0C%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-1%26p_p_col_count%3D1
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/116132108442069/photos/a.189851891070090/4890121531043079/
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
- solving political conflicts on local level when the issues of renewable energy resources (i.e. wind turbines) are tackled
- lessons learnt from compling Sustainable Energy Action Plan for the county and different project helping to move towards the Green goals
- strengthened cooperation regarding the construction of possible future nuclear plant in Viru-Nigula Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
Surely, the programme provides an excellent help and possibility to learn from each other on Nordic-Baltic level regarding very different topics and themes in public sector services. Contact: Anu Oja, project manager of the project "Role and opportunities of local government in achieving climate and energy policy goals"
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29.04.2022 |
Adopting experience of rapid and uneven development of municipality |
Latvia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Since there were 6 participants taking part in the visit, each of them had different perspective and lessons learned from the visit. All of them gained new and valuable experience on how a nordic municipality functions and is managed in different areas, as well as had possibility to improve the overall skills needed at their daily work. Overall the delegation gained new knowledge and established new partnerships. The gained experience has also regional and national level benefit, because the chairman of Adazi municipality is also co-chairman of the Riga metropoly area association (association of the municipalities situated around the capital city Riga) as well as active member of Latvian Association of Local and Regional Governments.
The lessons learned on the cooperation between the military base management and municipality were the most valuable because there is large military base situated in Adazi municipality as well, therefore the best practices on the ways how the area of military base is managed, how the local residents are informed about the planned military training activities were very important to the delegation of Adazi municipality. It was also very interesting to learn the best practices of the management of the municipal waterways (Varde canal) which is very active with boats and as residential recereation area, because there is a canal between Gauja river and Baltezers lake in Adazi municipality, which is underdeveloped and not used to its full potential therefore the new ideas were very useful to Adazi representatives for further planing. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Sharing experiences from Varde municipality and visits to the military garrisons exceeded the best expectations of the Adazi municiplity delegation. Some of the observed ideas were implemented in cooperation with the authorities of the Latvian National Armed forces on the national independence day of Latvia when a museum-type exhibition with military heritage was unveiled and there was a possibility for the general public to visit some areas of the Adazi military base on guided and supervised tours. we beliece that the contribution of all the participants on both parties has enhanced diversities and co-creation of ideas in order to sustain and pormote strong partnerships. References in the media
The visit was reported on the website of the municipality as well as an article published in the printed form at the informative newsletter of the municipality ditributed for free to all the residents of the municipality.
https://www.adazi.lv/apstiprinats-adazu-domes-administracijas-projekts-nordic-baltic-mobility-programme-for-public-administration-2020/
https://www.adazi.lv/lai-aizgutu-inovativus-risinajumus-adazu-pasvaldiba-tiekas-ar-vardes-pasvaldibu/
https://www.adazi.lv/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/av_092020_WEBc.pdf (page 16) Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
The most valuable part was the gained experience about the best practices on the cooperation between a local municipality and management of the military base for the mutual benefit of both parties as well as local residents so that their daily lives are not disrupted by military training needs and movement of the military equipment in the area around the base and training grounds. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
Yes, the exchange visit was managed to the highest standards by the hosts and made the delegation feel most welcome and very well looked after. Their hospitality also helped us to save the funding on accommodation as the delegation was hosted at the Danish home guard school free of charge. Contact: Laura Bite, project manager of the project "Adopting experience of rapid and uneven development of municipality"
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29.04.2022 |
Prevention and Investigation of Domestic Violence and Effective Management of Resources: Best Practices |
Lithuania |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
The police officers of Vilnius County Police Headquarters found it extremely useful to carry out discussions related to domestic violence and share different practices and experience in this field. During the discussions the most important aspects of police work in the field of domestic violence were marked as well as investigative and preventive procedures to be improved. Including representatives of prosecution and social agencies was also very useful as it gave the opportunity to picture a broader outlook of fighting domestic violence. Together with the general information some particular aspects may be highlighted, for example, the use of virtual glasses for court simulations. The usage of them in Lithuanian police might be comprehensively evaluated, for example, in some trainings for police officer. Another good practice that may be adapted in Lithuanian police systems is the revisions of current police registrars and establishment of an improved integrated police data base system that may allow a wider and more convenient use of necessary data (the proposal have been already provided to Police Department). A more detailed inspection of police cars and equipment installed in police cars was also fruitful. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
The study visit to Reikjavik created an opportunity to re-establish connections that were developed some years ago. Plans to arrange the visit of Reikjavik police officers to Vilnius were discussed. It was agreed to continue sharing of experience by different channels. The Project activities also strengthened cooperation with Helsinki Department, gave the opportunity to discuss new topics and gain experience through observing. References in the media
Reports were presented to the management of Police Department and the information received during the visit provided to the colleagues of Vilnius County Police. Lithuanian Honorary Consul in Iceland shared the information of the study visit in Facebook. Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
The study visit let to evaluate and compare police work and procedures applied in Lithuania, Finland and Iceland. The major problems, practices and risks in the field of domestic violence and police cars management are of similar nature. However, the ways of how police cope with some problems or what practice they apply at some points are different. Particularly these differences opened the possibility for further discussions, evaluations and share of experience. It is valuable to mention, that modern criminal phenomenons tend to have no border and boundaries, hence, it is crucial to develop effective cooperation with neighboring countries. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
The expectation were perfectly met. The study visit gave the opportunity to learn new practices and enriched with the idea that are worth thinking of and initiating discussions of potential implementation in Lithuanian police system. The participation in the project also gave the opportunity to strengthen cooperation channels and think of new cooperation direction. Contact: Justina Pupkiene, project manager of the project "Prevention and Investigation of Domestic Violence and Effective Management of Resources: Best Practices"
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28.04.2022 |
Exchange of best practices for implementing changes in language institution administration, as well as future partnership opportunities |
Estonia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Our organisation benefited the most from meetings of colleagues (meeting in person rather than online meetings, as it appears that everyone is tired of the screen meeting and personal touch is already a value in and of itself) to share concerns and joys about management issues and communication problems, as well as to develop a competent management system for administrative tasks. Most valuable is the shared knowledge and experiences. Establishing project ideas, as well as the network and team needed for future project collaborations and implementation. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
We strengthened knowledge transmission for mutual benefit as a result of the initiative, both at the administrative and researcher levels. Increased experience exchange on best practices in public administration and promotion of standardization, shared knowledge, and new cooperation ideas to sustain the collaboration with both institutions in Finland and in Iceland. References in the media
Project activities and information about the study visits was announced in the internal media of the Estonian Language institute and a webinar will be held to introduce the resultd of the visits to KOTUS and Arni Magnusson Institute.
https://www.kotus.fi/nyt/uutistekstit/kotuksen_uutiset/kotuksen_uutiset_2022/viron_kielen_asema_on_vahvempi_kuin_koskaan.38171.news fbclid=IwAR1CBW8LZWBgoSzrXDElaSVtrPh_x1PkCYyUPspe3cYwDvzcJpXaPC9aRKk
https://www.facebook.com/Sprakinstitutet (from March 10th and April 12, 2022)
https://www.facebook.com/kotustiedotus (from March 10th and April 12, 2022)
https://arnastofnun.is/is/frettir/heimsokn-fra-eistlandi?fbclid=IwAR12yk9tDjw0VGGJ8VQYcU7RblQVV3BFcyi_-5JMQoUJCqH-NCpmIA_fw0I
https://www.facebook.com/arnastofnun
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
Discussion about the future of small language management in context of national policies.
Creation of the project management database.
Making new contacts and fostering productive relationships Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
The Nordic-Baltic Mobility programme fulfilled our expectations and provides a great opportunity to meet partners, discuss partnership opportunities, and share knowledge about the institutions management. Contact: Riin Kikkas, project manager of the project "Exchange of best practices for implementing changes in language institution administration, as well as future partnership opportunities"
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28.04.2022 |
Effective Solutions in Education |
Lithuania |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
The knowledge and information received as well as good practice learned will contribute to performance of the Office of the Ombudsperson of Child's Rights of Lithuania (further on - Institution) improvement, while handling complaints, monitoring situation in education field, monitoring implementation of national and international legal acts regarding children's rights to equal education and safe environment. During the meetings cooperation and child's active participation were emphasized as one of the most efficient measures to ensure better implementation of child's rights and positive changes in their lives. This information as well as examples of good practice, knowledge on different possible ways of problem solving will help to strengthen Institution's position in discussions with national state, municipal institutions and non-governmental organizations while drawing national policies, action plans on developing existing system, legal acts, concerning comprehensive inclusion of children with special needs and safe school environment for all. Finally, examples of projects that were implemented in Norway and Iceland to ensure child participation in decision making processes will be shared in meetings with practitioners (teachers, non profit organizations and etc.) with a purpose to encourage greater consideration to be given to the importance of the child's views. Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Children and their wellbeing is one of the areas of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation. States have mutual interest to develop systems of support for children in different areas. Nordic countries have developed good examples of child welfare, education, integration systems.
The information, experience shared through the visits of our project make contribution to implementation of fundamental values in general - tolerance, non-discrimination, equal rights.
The contacts established through and thanks to the project will allow to create and develop cooperation initiatives, implement joint projects, in order to share practices related to one or more specific issues related to children's wellbeing, groups of children with special educational needs. The practices of Nordic countries learned can be presented more widely to Lithuanian society, parents and children, specialists, providing the possibility to learn from Nordic countries, to seek changes of attitudes towards inclusion of children having special needs and inclusion process. References in the media
Ombudsperson for Children of Lithuania informs the society about her activities through Institution's official website. We have published information about our activities we have carried under the Programme on the website - about the project by Nordic Council of Ministers, project aims and the visits to Norway and Iceland including the institutions we visited.
http://vtaki.lt/lt/naujienos/vaiko-teisiu-apsaugos-kontrolieres-vizitas-norvegijoje
http://vtaki.lt/lt/naujienos/vaiko-teisiu-apsaugos-kontrolieres-vizitas-islandijoje
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
We were fascinated with the implementation and approaches of educational values in countries visited.
Norway has a very strong legal and institutional system in implementing child's right to a safe and enjoyable school environment that promotes health, well-being and learning. Zero tolerance approach to bullying in Norway is a stunning example to follow.
Iceland has one of the highest percentage of children in early education, also the country has developed a system of including children with special educational needs into main stream education. The percentage of male school-staff is high and that is striking. The other example we learned is the respite services to families raising children with behavior difficulties. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
The programme certainly met our expectations. The programme allows the participants to choose their individual area of interest and to seek for experience to deepen the knowledge. Programme gives opportunities to bring good practices to the participant's countries, to disscuss the ideas, to evaluate possibilities for further developments. Contact: Laura Vitkauskaitė-Sirunavičė, project manager of the project "Effective Solutions in Education"
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19.04.2022 |
Bioeconomy study visit |
Estonia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Deepening of understanding of bioeconomy issues in agriculture, forestry, food production, fisheries and
aquaculture is helping to develop policy interventions and to put the innovations into practice.
Enhanced knowledge and administrative capacity of the staff members of the Ministry are helping to design of interventions of the Estonian CAP Strategic Plan 2021–2027 and European Maritime Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund implementation plan 2021–2027, as well as:
- improved cooperation and synergy between departments and fields (agriculture, forestry,
fishery, food industry) under responsibility of the Estonian Ministry of Rural Affairs,
- improved co-operation between Ministry and Nordic ministries responsible for development of
bioeconomy,
- building network and contacts with Nordic enterprises, innovation and RD centers and clusters,
- deepen the understanding of building up cooperation and piloting in bioeconomy (e.g. Bioruukki in Finland). Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
Nordic-Baltic cooperation benefitted through the project in many ways, e.g:
- increasing cooperation in politically prioritised areas As bioeconomy) as well as increased experience exchange on best practices in respect of public administration,
- increased cross-sectoral cooperation: research, agriculture, forestry, fisheries,
- increased coordination of joint Nordic-Baltic utilisation of different EU funds (e.g. Horizon Europe) where we deepen the information exchange with the Finnish Ministry and Icelandic R&D players.
References in the media
Information about the study visits was forwarded through the weekly information letter of the Ministry (available to all journalists). Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
Ministry of Rural Affairs gained through the project knowledge, best practices and real examples of innovative, new and well-functioning applications, enterprises and technologies of Nordic countries to be transferred to the Estonian context. Experiences gained through the programme are unique and most probably not transferable without the mobility programme. Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
Our all objectives and expectations were fully met and most probably we are planning follow-up in order to facilitate knowledge share between Estonian local communities and enterprises and Nordic partners. Contact: Argo Peepson, project manager of the project "Bioeconomy study visit"
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04.04.2022 |
Exchange of experiences and knowledge in the field of personnel management in the archives (Study visit of the employees of the National Archives of Estonia to the National Archives of Finland and to the Swedish National Archives) |
Estonia |
Please describe how the project benefited your organisation
Benefits to the National Archives of Estonia:
- We received valuable information about the strategies that Nordic archives use to develop their archiving processes. (We have also briefed our management on this.)
- We received valuable information on how the various aspects of human resources management in the Nordic countries are organized. We received valuable information about what works and what does not work when it comes to staff training and development. Some principles of training system of NAE are already under review.
- We got useful information about the recruitment policy for archivists and we got some good tips on how to organise for our employees a successful induction into the workplace.
- Also, we got precious information for developing our employee motivation system.
- The study visits provided us with some good tips on how to introduce green thinking in the workplace and develop a green office.
- We got many new contact and ideas for cooperation with Nordic archives.
Please describe how the project benefited the Nordic-Baltic cooperation
The objectives and activities of the project are closely connected with the general objectives of the programme. The activities of the project are aimed at exchanging information with the Nordic States, creating cooperation networks and mutual cooperation in the field.
Colleagues from the National Archives of Finland and the National Archives of Sweden pointed out that our study visit gave them for the first time opportunity for exchanging experiences in personnel work and it was good for developing closer relations.
As we have the same situation in archival field, we had a lot to talk about and discuss topics in HRM. Thanks to the visits, we have established great contacts with people in these archives. Also, we received an invitation to participate in the Nordic Archival Days, which will be held on 1-2 September 2022 in Stockholm. Our management is planning to attend the event.
It was particularly enriching to share with each other the experiences of how the archives have managed to operate in the pandemic. Moreover, what steps are taken and what is being done in the light of the current security situation in Europe.
Our Swedish colleagues, with whom we have had less cooperation in recent years, were very interested in our activities and in visiting us.
We are sure, that the project has created opportunities for further cooperation in the future.
References in the media
The project enabled us to develop closer relations between the three countries. Employees in the field of personnel management in the national archives of Finland and Sweden appreciated our initiative inarranging the study trips. It´s because we have not had many opportunities for exchanging experiences with other archives, especially during the pandemic. Information about the realization of the project "Exchange of experiences and knowledge in the field of personnel management in the archives (Study visit of the employees of the National Archives of Estonia to the National Archives of Finland and the National Archives of Sweden)” was shared through our organisation’s calendar. Also, the personnel departments in Finland and Sweden informed their employees in the organization about the study trip of the National Archives of Estonia. Both archives had thoroughly prepared for ourstudy trip. Many employees from Estonia, Finland and Sweden were involved in the activities of the project. We have shared information about the Norden Project (https://www.norden.ee/en/) and our colleagues from Finland and Sweden were very thankful for that.
As topics of personnel work and personnel management are very sensitive, giving wider publicity to the project was not considered reasonable. Information concerning carrying out the project was communicated inside the organization. During the study trip a brief description of the Nordic Council of Ministers and the programme was provided. An overview of the activities and results of the project was given to the management of the National Archives of Estonia. Also, the Estonian National Archivist has thanked the partners for contributing to the project. The subsequent correspondence with the project partners confirms that the colleagues from the Archives of Finland and Sweden have also given an overview of the study trip of the National Archives of Estonia to their management.
Do you consider your mobility project valuable in terms of sharing experience?
Yes, for my home organisation Please give an example of experiences/values gained through the mobility project
The mobility project was a very good opportunity for gaining and exchanging experience with institutions in the same field in Finland and Sweden. As the field of archiving is specific, this is practically the only way to exchange similar experiences. From the point of view of human resource management and administration, we gained a lot of new knowledge and practical experience. It was interesting to learn that the general trends, in the organization of support services are similar
In Finland, their experience in mass digitization was impressive and they organized courses and information days for public authorities at different levels and lengths. They have a very systematic approach to guiding public authorities.
In Sweden, we got a good overview of their recruitment process as well as their activities during the pandemic, which took place in parallel with the large-scale relocation of their records.
Please describe briefly whether the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for %s met your expectations
This program provided an opportunity to exchange experiences between similar government agencies, enriched our daily work by providing plenty of reference material in the field of human resources and provided us an overview of all activities of the archives. In other words, the project was very useful for us. Contact: Sigrit Mahla, project manager of the project "Exchange of experiences and knowledge in the field of personnel management in the archives (Study visit of the employees of the National Archives of Estonia to the National Archives of Finland and to the Swedish National Archives)"
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