Development of a regional development strategy for the LEADER region Spree-Neiße-Land

Project content

In May 2021, the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Climate Protection of the State of Brandenburg launched a competition call for the LEADER funding period 2023-2027. The Local Action Groupe (LAG) Spree-Neiße-Land e. V. is applying as a LEADER region in this context and is supported by aconium GmbH. The focus is on the development of a regional development strategy (RES), which serves as the basis for the selection decision in the competition and at the same time as a central steering element for the subsequent implementation of LEADER in the region.

The strategy is being developed in a participatory, innovative and integrated manner. It is aimed at the region’s particular development potential and needs – the challenges facing the Spree-Neisse region in Lower Lusatia include coping with demographic change and shaping structural change following the imminent phase-out of lignite mining. Strategic design approaches are identified together with local stakeholders and in coordination with other funding programs. The RES is therefore being developed in a broad regional participation process, which includes high-profile events, specialist workshops and a survey.

Goals

The RES to be developed for the LEADER region Spree-Neiße-Land for the 2023-2027 funding period includes in particular

• an analysis of the region’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis),
• Identification of strategic fields of action as well as thematic and spatial priorities, including funding conditions and project approaches for the initial phase of the funding period
• a description of the organizational structure and process organization, including project selection criteria and provisions for evaluation and monitoring.

The aim of the project in the LEADER region Spree-Neiße-Land is to

• development potential increasingly mobilized,
• Interdependencies deepened,
• functional connections between rural and urban areas,
• local ownership strengthened and inter-municipal activities promoted,
• and regional, cross-territorial and transnational cooperation can be shaped

Tasks of aconium GmbH

In close coordination with the LAG, aconium organizes the entire development process of the RES from conception to editorial finalization. The work packages of aconium GmbH include project management and strategic consulting, the preparation of the SWOT analysis, the conception and organization of the participation process, and finally the strategy formulation.