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What have we discovered about this theme? |
General Findings
Networks can be incredibly beneficial in streamlining efforts and resources that would normally be isolated (see ‘Transportation & Infrastructure Investment’ and ‘Marketing & Promotion’ components). By working together, people or groups will often reduce the amount of money or resources required for the same outcome (see ‘Partnership/Local Governance’ component). Networks and connections can assist in economic or cultural development can serve as educational or best-practice showcases, or can increase a town’s sense of overall community (see ‘Equal Opportunity and Inclusion’ and ‘Identity and Culture’ components).
A small town can benefit from networking with neighbouring small towns, some times in the form of a co-operative ‘cluster’. Economies to do not respect boundaries and towns in an area can collaborate, rather than compete, in order to meet local and region objectives and interests (see ‘Tourism’, ‘Marketing and Promotion’, ‘Community Safety and Facilities’ and ‘Transportation & Infrastructure Investment’ components).
There is also much to be gained through participation and/or subscription to national and international small town networks or initiatives, e.g.
www.ecovast.org - European Council for Villages and Small Towns
See also ‘Action to Strengthen Small Euro Towns’ (ASSET)
www.newtowns.net - European Platform Network for New Towns
See also the Newtasc project www.newtasc.com
www.towns.org.uk - UK Action for Market Towns Association
Essential Aspects
People are the most important resource in a small town. The initiatives and efforts put forward by local residents are vital to establishing and maintaining networks and connections. In order to maximise this resource, it is important for small town practitioners to invest in people (see ‘Community Dialogue & Engagement’ and ‘Equal Opportunity and Inclusion’ components). This can be as simple as providing encouragement or a space to meet. It can also include providing financial inputs in the forms of grants or start-up loans. Irrespective of other resources, appropriately organising people to make connections can be invaluable to small town development. It is particularly important that a small town has co-operative businesses, either in the form of an active Business Association or Chamber of Commerce.
Quality IT infrastructure and the knowledge of how to use the internet and email has become increasingly important for local, EU and global wide communications and connections. (see ‘Jobs and Employment’ and ‘Equal Opportunity and Inclusion’ components).
Community websites are a great way to facilitate connections and share information. In addition, practitioners can draw attention to local networks through Award programmes or other forms of recognition.
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