PENR3L/PASCAL 2008 Conference: Learning Regions' Role in Regional Development and Re-Generation

How can NEO learn from this model of engagement, leadership, learning, and quality of intentions?

Ireland will host the next PENR3L/PASCAL 2008 Conference at the University of Limerick, May 28 - 30. The host partners are:

"PENR3L (PASCAL European Network of Regions of Lifelong Learning) is a programme designed to establish a dynamic and growing working network of expertise centres and forward-looking local and regional authorities that will work together to accelerate the growth throughout Europe of learning cities and regions, ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.

"PASCAL is an international research and policy development alliance, which aims to develop, communicate and explain new and emerging ideas about place management, social capital and learning regions. PASCAL was initiated by the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, the University of Stirling, the Victoria Government, the Scottish Executive and Kent County Council. The Univesity of Limerick and the University of Glasgow together with the founding members have organised this international conference.

The conference goals are described here:

"The key focus will not be on regional development or the development of the learning region per se but rather the impact these have in terms of regional regeneration and development that has flowed from the efforts to develop learning regions.

Here's what they looking ahead to accomplish:

• "The role of the Learning Region in developing regional Lifelong Learning strategies
• Learning how to create constructive partnerships at local, regional, national and international level
• Demonstrating the value of policy makers and practitioners from public, private and NGOs working with academic institutions
• Facing the challenges of changing demographics
• Disseminating applied research findings to end users
• Demonstrating engagement with community networks for social change

Learn more about the conference and this model for learning and re-generation here.