The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation

Inspiration from the South Baltic Programme

European Regional Development Fund COLOPHON

Published 2020: Guldborgsund Municipality

Editor: Anna Topp Gustavsen

Layout: Club 1 Reklamebureau

Translation & editing: Maria Danborg

Cover photo: Freya Anduin

Introduction

The Umbrella project was meant to be exactly that A gradual process with great potential - an umbrella to gather other projects and a way to This development is not without obstacles, and ca- connect people through cross-border projects. It was pacity building should not be seen as a goal in itself, aimed at newcomers who had not yet been involved but rather as a process. To build a house you need to in projects in the South Baltic Programme. These lay brick by brick, starting from the foundation. That included small local and regional organisations with is why the Umbrella project was introduced with an interest in developing a South Baltic identity. awareness raising events to say: “Hey you! Change is just around the corner! Go out and see what is going Stakeholders were invited to participate in national on in the region you live in.” And for those who were training courses in project management and offered already aware of the great potential of the Baltic Sea tailor-made solutions to help build capacity. Differ- Region, well, knowledge can always be increased. ent initiatives and micro-activities such as “meet- your-neighbour” have helped break down barriers We have been looking forward to introducing you and spread the concepts and values of cross-border to the benefits of cross-border cooperation in the cooperation. South Baltic Sea region. These 12 Interreg Souh Bal- tic projects are here to motivate and to inspire – and A cross-border project to inspire we are pleased to include our own achievements more cross-border cooperation – and tips & tips on how to be part of the Interreg The overall purpose of this project was to enlighten South Baltic family. people that cooperation is important for geographic, economic, and social cohesion, and that approach- This is our Success Story Book ing the field of EU grants and projects can be an To inspire. To encourage. To bring action! advantage in local development policies.

2 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Contents PART 1 PART 2 Get inspiration Umbrella: Boosting South Baltic Programme projects cross-border cooperation

• Attractive Hardwoods - Best practice in Tourism • Awareness Raising Events: Developing your Development, marketing and sustainable man- idea and cross-border network agement of Attractive Hardwoods • Providing expert help for project development • DUNC – Development of UNESCO Natural and Cultural ASSETS • Thematic cross-border conferences: Expanding your knowledge and network • BioBIGG - Bioeconomy in the South Baltic Area: Biomass-based Innovation and Green Growth • Essential knowledge for cross-border cooperation: EU-project training workshops • CaSYPoT - Capacity Building for Strategic Youth Policy and Transnational Cooperation • Meet your South Baltic neighbours: The impact of study visits • South Coast Baltic - Establishing durable cross- border boating destination management

• Live Lagoons - The use of active barriers for the nutrient removal and local water quality improve- ment in Baltic lagoons PART 3 • Biking South Baltic - Promotion and development of the Baltic Sea Cycle Route (Route No. 10) in Best tips & tricks from , Germany, , and Swe- the Umbrella partnership den • Association of Polish Communes • BalticMuseums: Love IT! - New brand of gamified Baltic (Elbląg - Poland) tourist products for sustainable development of natural and cultural heritage tourist destinations • Pomorskie in the European Union Association (Gdańsk - Poland) • Interconnect - One ticket to the future • Baltic Institute for Regional Affairs - • SB BRIDGE – Building bridges for green-tech BISER (Gdynia - Poland) future • Klaipeda University, (Klaipèda - Lithuania) • FOCUS - Facilitating blue growth with open cours- es by utilizing R&D products and virtual mobility • Region County (Kalmar - ) • SB Food INNO - Developing food innovation • Guldborgsund Municipality, capacity in the South (Nykøbing - Denmark)

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 3 PART 1 Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

4 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 5 Budget 1.493 252,65 EUR

Programme co-financing 1.189 875,44 EUR

Duration July 2016 - June 2019

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Swedish Forest Agency, Sweden Communication and willingness to cooperate is the most important factor to success. PROJECT PARTNERS: Region Blekinge, Sweden Be positive and always truthful within the partnership. Do not try to • hide the problems nor think that you are there for yourself. • County Administrative Board of Blekinge, Sweden If you gain trust, you will benefit your organisation directly from the • Regional Directorate of particular project and benefit personally, as you will meet the fantas- State Forests in Gdansk, Poland tic people from around our region or Europe. • Pomorskie Tourist Board, Poland • Directorate of Žemaitija Do what you promise to do and do not avoid taking responsibility. National Park, Lithuania

6 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

Attractive Hardwoods Best practice in Tourism Development, marketing and sustainable management of Attractive Hardwoods

Connecting nature and Some of the main difficulties the partners people through ecotourism faced were due to a lack of knowledge How can we bring people closer to nature, about why tourists visit forests and a low and boost ecotourism in the South Baltic interest from commercial operators in of- Region? This is the question connecting fering hardwood ecotourism. In addition, the many different partners involved in the much of the information available was Attractive Hardwoods project. The solu- outdated and only available in the differ- tion: To find and promote best practice ent countries’ own languages, making it by sharing the challenges the partners difficult for the partners to share ideas and experienced. difficult for tourists to access the informa- tion. To solve these issues, the partners While that may be easier said than done, conducted surveys in their respective a main part of solving the challenges the countries to learn more about the tourists region faces has been through developing visiting hardwood forests, like why they international cooperation. Piotr Neubauer, came to visit, and how long they stayed. manager in the Regional Directorate of the State Forests in Gdansk, stresses the Shared solutions to shared problems Hav- importance of building “the multidimen- ing gained this knowledge, the partners sional relations, both between the institu- have produced tourist maps, made movies tions and what is even more impor-tant: about the hardwood forests - and Poland between the people.” and Lithuania have even developed na- tional strategies for promoting ecotourism. Identify common challenges By working together, the different coun- to find common solutions tries can share not only their challenges, The Attractive Hardwoods project began but also their strengths. Neubauer de- in 2016 as a partnership between mu- scribes it as an organic process: “we learn nicipalities, national parks, tourist boards, from each other and there is a diffu-sion of and private organisations from Lithuania, habits and activities between us, like the Poland, and Sweden. The participants seek Swedish order flowing to us and Polish or to support cross-border cooperation in the Lithuanian spontaneity going north.” South Baltic Region and aim to provide the partners with knowledge and skills to solve problems and implement solutions.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 7 Budget 1.713 067,00 EUR

Programme co-financing 1.364 113,25 EUR

Duration August 2017 - August 2020

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Municipality of , Sweden It is amazing what you can achieve in an international project when you unite with a PROJECT PARTNERS: common goal. Municipality of Mörbylånga, Sweden • Taking part in an international project is an Curonian Spit National Park administration, Lithuania • opportunity for a shared experience where we • EUCC Baltic Office, Lithuania can learn from each other and develop. • EUCC - The Coastal Union Germany, Germany • Tourist Board Stralsund, Germany Seeing things from different perspectives can • Tourist Board Wismar, Germany result in even more productivity, problem solv- ing and creativity.

8 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

DUNC Development of UNESCO Natural and Cultural Assets

Unlocking the full potential Cooperation and a common purpose of the Baltic Sea World Heritage sites Some of the steps the DUNC project takes The Baltic Sea region is rich in natural and to promote the development of UNESCO cultural heritage. Some of the most emark- Natural and Cultural Assets are working able UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Bio- together with local businesses and creat- sphere Reserves lie along the shores of the ing long term and holistic management Baltic Sea. Due to their outstanding value strategies and action plans for the partner and their growing international recogni- sites. They also work to secure genuine tion, these sites attract more and more and joint stakeholder participation in plan- tourists every year, who want to discover ning processes and promote cooperation the region’s natural beauty and cultural across borders and with other projects. identity. These sites also have the potential The project aims to facilitate networking to be role models for sustainable tourism among tourism stakeholders, develop and be globally recognised for their contri- quality activities that prolong the tourist bution to regional development and the season, and create pleasant visitor experi- empowerment of local communities. ences for tourists without compromising the environmental, social, and economic Working towards sustainable tourism assets of the region. The idea of network- Tourism is an important and growing fac- ing across national borders is at the core of tor in the region’s economy, but it has un- DUNCs working method – not only in the desirable consequences: a negative impact short term, but also in a broader perspec- on the environment, risk of damage to the tive. While the focus of the project is on visited locations, and problematic seasonal UNESCO sites, all the results and outputs visitor patterns. Municipalities and tour- will be applicable at other heritage sites. ist boards from Sweden, Lithuania, and The project gives know-how and is a great Poland are involved in the DUNC project, opportunity for networking among the which was launched in 2017 to develop partners, while encouraging a common an effective and sustainable tourism strat- identity around a common purpose in the egy for the UNESCO sites in the Baltic Sea region. Get inspiration from other South region. DUNC also seeks to preserve and Baltic Programme projects promote heritage by encouraging owner- ship within the local communities.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 9 Budget 1.904 434,41 EUR

Programme co-financing 1.526 249,26 EUR

Duration July 2017 - July 2020

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Roskilde University Centre, Denmark Contact companies directly and arrange face-to-face conversations. Entrepreneurs are very busy people; PROJECT PARTNERS: phone calls, e-mails, and official letters are not enough • RISE Research Institute of Sweden, Sweden to learn something. Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland • To begin a cooperation with companies, you must be • University of Greifswald, Germany able to offer something. Companies are not non-profit • Agency for Renewable Resources, Germany institutions and they care about money. • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden Cooperation must be valuable for both sides. Offering new business contacts or opportunities is attractive but just offering ”know-how” is not enough for them.

10 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

BioBIGG Bioeconomy in the South Baltic Area: Biomass-based Innovation and Green Growth

From waste to win - a new approach to a usable product. To this end, the Bio- unused resources BIGG project has had workshops in Lund Many biological resources go unused, and Gdańsk, hosted a conference about which is a waste – both in an economic business potentials for SMEs within the and in an ecological sense. These biologi- bioeconomy in Gdańsk, participated in a cal resources can be by-products or residu- European Bioeconomy Congress in Poland, als from the agricultural industry, and the and sent participants on study tours to BioBIGG project aims at finding ways to Germany, Benelux, and Italy. utilize these by-products and residuals, thereby turning waste into profit. The Pass your knowledge on partners involved in BioBIGG also seek to For the scholars this has been an opportu- decrease the levels of pollution discharged nity to learn, experiment, and expand their in the South Baltic Area and to support horizon. A participant from the Depart- small and medium-sized enterprises. To do ment of Energy and Industrial Apparatus this, they have identified possibilities for at Gdańsk University of Technology, de- innovation by partnering with universities, scribes a desire to “broaden our expertise, companies, and municipalities. By having learn good practices from our European a cross-border approach, it became easier neighbors, show what is happening in to find relevant pilot projects to invest Poland in the field of bioeconomy - and in and ensure that ideas are spread and finally to be forerunners in the region. We developed. hope to transfer the acquired knowledge to the future generations of engineers Find inspiration through cooperation educated at our university.” From an engi- The partners come from Denmark, Poland, neering perspective the BioBIGG project is Sweden, and Germany, and include an an opportunity to develop new technolo- agency for renewable resources as well as gies, which can lengthen the life cycle several universities, whose scholars bring chain of biomass through conversion. The complimenting skills to the project. An BioBIGG project is an exercise in rethinking important part of the BioBIGG project is our approach to waste, and considering learning from each other, inspiring each it something valuable, which can – and other, and working together to find solu- should – be used. tions and new ways of turning waste into

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 11 Budget 457 331,00 EUR

Programme co-financing 357 732,35 EUR

Duration July 2016 - June 2019

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNER: • Association of municipalities in , Sweden Be open and try to understand the other culture’s point of view. PROJECT PARTNERS: • Klaipeda University, Lithuania Prepare to be patient. Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic, Poland • Accept the differences - sometimes The City of Slupsk, Poland • there is no one optimal solution for • municipality, Sweden all the countries. • Linneaus University, Sweden Partners from Region (RU) through twin project financially supported by Swedish Institute: • Svetlogorsk • Gusev • Agency for Youth Affairs in Kaliningrad Region • Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University

12 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

CaSYPoT Capacity Building for Strategic Youth Policy and Transnational Cooperation South Coast Baltic

Creating a better world for the youth ries were similar and touched areas like the A high percentage of young people in the future, work, and local influence. Because Eurobaltic Region move from their home of this, it makes sense to have a common region, leaving many places at risk of de- approach to the situation. population. The CaSYPoT project seeks to solve this issue by creating better oppor- Engaging the youth through tunities for the youth in the region. To do festivals and influence this, the partners had to figure out what One of the results of the CaSYPoT pro- young people want and what they need to ject is a re-organisation of the City Youth be able to stay in their home region. Using Council in the City of Slupsk, Poland. The a Swedish survey, which was adapted to City Youth Council now actively engages fit the different countries, the partners 23 members, who represent the city’s set out to examine why young people youth. They come from different areas and left their home region, and how they schools and participate in the local politi- viewed their future. The questionnaire was cal life. Inspired by a Lithuanian project, answered by almost 1600 respondents the City of Slupsk is also developing an aged 16 – 19 from six municipalities in online map to make it easier for the youth Lithuania, Poland, , and Sweden. to find out what is happening in the city From the survey, the partners discovered and explore their opportunities. A third ini- that between 65 and 90% of the young tiative is an open space called Telegraph in respondents planned to leave their home Svetlogorsk, Russia, where young people region because of a perceived lack of op- can meet and investigate art, entrepre- portunity. neurship, educational projects, self-realiza- tion and self-organisation. The project has Discovering similar worries also resulted in a Baltic Sea Youth Camp: in different regions a three-day festival promoting friendship, Using the information uncovered in the culture, and political awareness for young survey, the CaSYPoT project works towards people between 18 and 25 from 11 coun- making strategies regarding the youth tries in the Baltic Sea Region and Iceland. at both a local and regional level in the By involving the young people in local life Eurobaltic Region. Even though there were and activities, the project aims to provide regional differences between the answers answers to the young people’s concerns the young people gave, many of their wor- about their future in regions.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 13 Budget 2.516 732,99 EUR

Programme co-financing 2.127 223,04 EUR

Duration Oct 2016 - Dec 2020

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Association of Sea Cities & Municipalities, Poland Working in international projects connects Economic Development Corporation different partner regions, highlights similarities • and differences and can thus help to better Vorpommern, Germany understand one’s own region and culture. PROJECT PARTNERS: International project teams combine the expe- • Tourism Association Vorpommern, Germany rience and know-how of the individual cultures • Marina Network Association, Germany so that the greatest possible benefit can be • Municipality Ostseebad Heringsdorf, Germany derived from this. • Regional Municipality, Denmark Westpomeranian Sailing Route, Poland Cross-cultural cooperation fosters creativity, so • that unconventional solutions and innovations Żegluga Szczecińska, Poland • can arise. • Municipality Darłowo, Poland • Maritime University in Szczecin, Poland • Petla Zuławska Harbour Network, Poland • Gdańsk University of Technology, Poland • Klaipėda District Municipality, Lithuania • Šventoji Tourism Association, Lithuania • Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Kaliningrad region, Russia (associated)

14 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

South Coast Baltic Establishing durable cross-border boating destination management

Where boating adventures begin nerships, which has allowed the partners The southern shores of the Baltic Sea are a to be very productive. The project has beautiful place with lots of great opportu- already resulted in activities ranging from nities for boating, sightseeing, and enjoy- boat rallies to guidebooks to networking ing life. However, the region has struggled events. Especially the boat rallies have with lack of visitors. To solve this, partners been popular. In 2018 German TV chan- from Vorpommern (DE), Bornholm (DK), nel NDR made a documentary about that Zachodniopomorskie (PL), Pomorskie (PL), year’s rally, showing the boats sail a route Klaipėda region (LT), and Kaliningrad re- from Denmark to Lithuania via Poland and gion (RU) gathered in the South Coast Bal- Russia. So far, the documentary has been tic project to promote the region to attract seen by close to 500.000 viewers, introduc- more visitors. The initiative was launched ing them to the boating possibilities in the in 2011. In the first phase, the partners region and attracting future tourists. Co- sought to initiate and strengthen coopera- operation with local tourism associations tion, cross-border activities, and inter- and port operators is an important part of national knowledge transfer. This added the project. The South Coast Baltic project genuine value in the regions. The project organizes courses and trainings, such as a is now in its second phase and aims to course for Marina Operators in Szczecin, attract more guest boaters to the southern publishing brochures for motorboaters, shores of the Baltic Sea. Both phases are and more. The project has also produced a funded by the European Union within the harbour guide about the ports and mari- Interreg South Baltic Programme, which nas in the Southern Baltic with information provides economic support and great about touristic, nautical, and practical fea- networking opportunities. tures of the area. As a promotional tool the partners have also produced high-quality Inspiring boaters and attracting journalistic material about the region, as new visitors well as made sure there are lots of excel- According to project coordinator Marta lent photos available, letting the region’s Czarnecka-Gallas, the strength of the beauty speak for itself. project lies in its strong and diverse part-

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 15 Budget 1.154 670,00 EUR

Programme co-financing 981 469,50 EUR

Duration August 2017 - July 2020

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Klaipeda University, Lithuania Decide if you want to use the floating islands as biodi- versity hotspots (use endangered species such as Iris PROJECT PARTNERS: pseudacorus) or as tourist attractions (use flowering • EUCC - The Coastal Union Germany, Germany plants such as Lythrum salicaria). IBW PAN - Institute of hydro-engineering • Choose plants that bloom several years in a row. of the polish academy of sciences, Poland • Curonian spit national park administration, Consider local environmental conditions, like salinity Lithuania and climate.

Think about biomass utilization (such as fodder, en- ergy, construction material) before harvest.

16 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

LiveLagoons Green islands in blue lagoons - floating macrophyte islands

Green islands in blue lagoons root systems, the plants take up nutrients Many lagoons in the South Baltic suffer from the water, and then release oxygen from bad water quality due to high levels back into the water. The green islands also of nitrate and phosphorus. The LiveLa- reduce water currents, enhance sedimen- goons project aims at improving the water tation, and enable higher water transpar- quality in these lagoons by using floating ency – something that both residents and wetlands to remove nutrients. This is done tourists appreciate. Bacteria in the floating by planting emergent water plants, which islands also transform nitrate to molecular can use the nutrients and restore the nitrogen, thereby removing nitrate as a coastal habitats, thereby making the water direct nutrient in the lagoons. clear and suitable for recreational use. The project uses already existing commercial Working together allows for testing in systems for freshwater and adapts them to different environments fit the local habitats in the Baltic region. The first floating wetlands have been in- stalled in Darss-Zingst Bodden Chain (DE), Find solutions that are attractive and in the Curonian lagoon (LT) and in the Szc- economically sound zecin lagoon (PL). Working together across Some of the challenges similar projects borders allows the project partners to test have had come from finding solutions that both technological and socio-economical are only usable in one specific location, methodologies in different environments. or planting plants that could not easily be So far, the partners have published policy used or have low market value. The Live- briefs with recommendation. In the policy Lagoons project therefore seeks to make briefs, they give advice about choice of a model for floating islands that will be plants, what to consider before installing easily applicable in the different regions, floating wetlands, and make suggestions while remaining economically sustainable. for other options for nutrient removal, When choosing plants for the floating such as attaching long lines for mussel to islands, the partners consider plants the islands. They have also published a that are visually attractive, making them video showing floating islands being in- interesting for tourists and visitors, or look stalled in coastal lagoons, and participated for plants that are endangered, and could in workshops and conferences, like the benefit from a biodiverse hotspot, such EUROPARC 2018 in Scotland and the 8th as these floating wetlands. Through their European Lagoon Symposium in .

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 17 Budget 988 036,69 EUR

Programme co-financing 807 982,52 EUR

Duration January 2017 - Dec. 2019

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Pomorskie Tourist Board - Pomorska Regionalna The EU Funds create a great opportunity to build Organizacja Turystyczna, Poland or modernize infrastructure.

PROJECT PARTNERS: Being in a partnership lets you exchange experi- ences and use already tested solutions. • Pomorskie Voivodeship, Poland • Zachodniopomorskie Voivodeship, Poland By working with international partners, you can • European Cyclists’ Federation, Belgium make a product that can be addressed to varied • Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Tourism Board, Germany age groups and regions of Europe. • Centre for Regional and Tourism Research, Denmark • Danish Cycling Tourism, Denmark

18 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

Biking South Baltic! Promotion and development of the Baltic Sea Cycle Route (Route No. 10) in Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden

Connecting Europe part of an international project. “Our meet- one biking path at the time ings and relations with partners are often The team behind Biking South Baltic! is not only professional, but we also establish developing a route that allows you to bike private relationships.” along the coast of the Baltic Sea. It will be The seven partners work to build aware- route No. 10 in the EuroVelo-project, a pro- ness of Route No. 10 though trade fairs, ject which aims to connect all of Europe contact with tour operators and other through biking routes. Biking through na- stakeholders. Besides building and im- tional parks and past UNESCO World Herit- proving infrastructure, one of the main age Sites, the cyclists will experience both goals of Biking South Baltic is to make the cultural and natural highlights of the re- route accessible and easy to follow with gions. Cycle tourism is a highly sustainable a uniform information system, so cyclists type of tourism as the means of transpor- will be able to follow the route cross- tation is climate-friendly and many cycle borders. The partners also collaborate with tourists travel in the off-season. Since the networks of business partners to estab- routes pass by both rural and urban places lish and improve the services offered to the number of tourists is also spread over cyclists along the route such as accommo- a wider geographical space than if they dation, food, ferry carriers, tourist informa- had remained in one city, thereby avoiding tion centres, and more. crowding in high season. An opportunity for newcomers Improving information to build partnerships and infrastructure The project is still in the implementation A representative for the Lead Partner phase and continues with a strategy for Pomorskie Region, Piotr Książek, gives developing the Baltic Sea Cycle Route a deeper understanding of what the (EuroVelo 10) between 2020 to 2030. Piotr Pomorskie Region has gained by partici- Książek encourages newcomers to par- pating in Biking South Baltic. The project is ticipate in EU-projects, as “The EU Funds partially funded by the EU, and the region’s create a great opportunity to build or participation has made it possible to build modernize infrastructure, offering cyclists and improve infrastructure, helped the a new quality and at the same time giving region attract tourists, and developed their an opportunity to build partnerships and international collaborations. Piotr Książek alliances (…) and the use of already tested also highlights the social benefits of being solutions functioning in other countries.”

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 19 Budget 1.484 375,00 EUR

Programme co-financing 1.237 673,75 EUR

Duration January 2017 - July 2020

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • University of Szczecin, Poland Do not be afraid to join an international project or community – it always pays off in the sense of PROJECT PARTNERS: new friends, experience, and opportunities for • National Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Poland new ideas and activities! Lithuanian Sea Museum, Lithuania • Being in an international partnership for many Malmö Museums, Sweden • years has given us a wealth of experience that • NaturBornholm, Denmark allows us to feel confident in any international • Experyment Science Centre in Gdynia, Poland contacts, activities, or relations. • Foundation of Internet Industry Development ”Netcamp”, Poland As part of the project we gain not only new tools, Business Academy North gGmbH, Germany but also ideas, and a spirit of sharing, openness, • and improvement.

20 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

BalticMuseums: LoveIT! New brand of gamified tourist products for sustainable development of natural and cultural heritage tourist destinations

Coastal attractions as sustainable “We gain not only new tools, but also tourism destinations ideas, and a spirit of sharing, openness and Nine project partners and eight associated improvement,” Jurgita Eglinskiene says. partners have teamed up to turn coastal She continues to describe several benefits attractions around the Baltic Sea into sus- from participating in the project: A new tainable tourism destinations. multi-lingual app for visitor’s smartphones One of the challenges the attractions share with gamification elements, a new per- is technological. The technological pos- spective on an exhibition from colleagues sibilities – and the public’s interest and ex- in Malmö, inspiration from colleagues in pectations – change extremely fast. Even Gdynia when analysing User Experience, though IT can be an asset for a museum, it and becoming part of an international can also be difficult to make and maintain community. a high-quality product. Jurgita Eglinskiene from the Lithuanian Sea Museum de- Be inspired by people from scribes how international cooperation can different national cultures help solve the challenge of how to keep The products developed in The Baltic- the museum up to date and its mode of Museums: LoveIT! will help museums information relevant: “We need to share and other tourist attractions deal with developments with other institutions to challenges like bad weather, low season, continuously have an attractive offer for crowds in high season, and make the at- our visitors.” tractions accessible for tourists who speak other languages than the attraction’s main Gamified tours and a spirit of sharing audience. At the Lithuanian Sea Museum, Lead partner University of Szczecin is a new multilingual app has already been developing a framework where museums implemented to improve visitor engage- and attractions easily can gamify eGuide ment. Visitors can access the app from tours. The BalticMuseums LoveIT frame- their smartphones and explore the mu- work is developed over several stages seum with the gamified app. to ensure that it is user-centric and easy Working with other nationalities to im- to use for the museums and attractions. prove IT has certainly been a fruitful and Stages include training sessions for staff inspiring experience, and Jurgita Eglin- and hackathons, where programmers skiene describes it as a “great inspiration to meet for an intense and creative program- work with people from different national ming session. cultures and work backgrounds!”

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 21 Budget 3.502 280,90 EUR

Programme co-financing 2.845 624,88 EUR

Duration June 2017 - May 2020

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Region Blekinge, Sweden Reaching international partners gives a project better chances of PROJECT PARTNERS: evolvement and implementation. InnoBaltica Ltd, Poland • Interreg-framework for internation- Assoc. for Promotion of Hanseatic Institute for Entrepreneurship • al cooperation gives clear guide- and Regional Development at the University of Rostock, Germany lines on how to work together in an • Hanseatic City of Rostock, Germany easy and well-known way. • Guldborgsund Municipality, Denmark • Klaipeda Public Transport Authority, Lithuania The beauty of working with other Blekinge Institute of Technology, Sweden nationalities is the possibility of cre- • ating something unique that might Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic, Poland • reach beyond any kind of borders. • Viimsi Municipality, Estonia

22 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

Interconnect One ticket to the future

Connecting coastal regions through clear guidelines on how to work together public transportation and guarantees sharing of information and Interconnect is a project which seeks to a central plan. By following the Interreg- connect the coastal regions of the South framework for international cooperation Baltic areas through public transportation. the chance of success is higher. At the moment, public transportation is not very flexible; information can be dif- Single ticket solutions and ficult to find, and you might need to buy cross-border travel information tickets from different operators for a single The Interconnect project is part of a journey. To change this, the Interconnect continuous response to the mismatch project gathered 20 formal and associated between the need for public transporta- partners from 6 countries to work together tion and what it looks like today. It builds to supply straightforward and user-adjust- on earlier projects like Interface and ed solutions. Interface Plus. The overarching theme is to promote user-adjusted and sustain- Overcoming boundaries to able public transport services. Depending gain common goals on the needs of the participating regions Ania Dudziak, Project Officer at Euroregion this results in different approaches. In Baltic in Poland, is part of the Interconnect the Pomorskie Voivodeship the project project. This was her first time participat- has invested in a single ticket solution. ing in an international project, which she Between Blekinge and Pomorskie the enjoyed: “As a newcomer in both part- Interconnect project offers cross-border nership and international projects, I was travel information system, while the amazed by how well people from different partners push for more cooperation across environments and institutions can work the German-Danish border to improve the together, overcoming any boundaries, and Rostock-Gedser route for foot passengers, sharing their experience and knowledge and to improve regional integration and to gain common goals.” economic growth. Many previous attempts have been made For the involved partners, the project has to develop public transport services in been an opportunity to share international the area, but they have suffered from a experience and know-how in developing lack of cohesion. The Interconnect project and implementing solutions in this aspect follows a given Interreg-framework for of regional development. international cooperation which gives

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 23 Budget 1.223 072,50 EUR

Programme co-financing 996 999,38 EUR

Duration July 2018 - July 2021

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Klaipeda University, Lithuania Real life examples make a significant impact on youth. Opportunities to experiment and solve specific cases can PROJECT PARTNERS: be a great motivation for young people to join the green • ATI erc gGmbH education, Germany growth field. Gdansk Entrepreneurial Foundation, Poland • Use social media to share knowledge relating to the com- • County Administrative mercial success of green growth companies, not just your Board of Skåne, Sweden specific green project. • Holbaek Municipality, Denmark • Klaipėda Economic Offer the target audience relevant business solutions in Development Agency, Lithuania green growth. The thematic green camps and Technolym- pics are designed to engage participants in new chal- lenges, while revealing more about the field itself.

24 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

SB Bridge Building bridges for green tech future

There is no planet - B. Join the Green side! company provided a problem for the stu- There is a mismatch between the green dents to solve, which they worked on with and blue labour market and higher educa- experts in the field. The project also hosts tion. Even though many young people Technolympics where young people solve are engaged in the fight against climate problems in the thematic field 5R – reduce, change, too few students have an inter- reuse, refuse, replace, recycle. est in technical education. The SB Bridge project is a response to this disparity. With Finding motivation in solving the slogan ‘There is no planet B. Join the real problems Green side!’, the partners seek to engage Solving real-life problems can be a power- the youth by inviting young people par- ful motivator for the young participants ticipate in competitions in the South Baltic and attract them to the competitions. region. Based on earlier experiences, this Local companies operating in the blue can awaken students’ interest in techni- and green fields are encouraged to join cal subjects and be part of a larger effort the project and help create challenges to build bridges between the youth and for the students to try to solve during the interested parties like SMEs and relevant green camps. By participating, companies authorities. can also help develop skills and interest in potential future employees. Green camps and Technolympics The students enjoy using their skills to SB Bridge hosts camps and events where solve specific problems instead of being young people from the region’s differ- asked to solve textbook problems. Experi- ent countries meet and spend a few days encing success and meeting new friends visiting companies and solving problems. while working on projects motivates Two camps have already been held, while the young people to keep investigating several more are planned, with themes like technical and environmental ideas and water management and clean transpor- seek out internships. The project’s practical tation. One of the camps took place in initiatives to include young people are im- Schwerin, Germany, in 2019 and focused portant, since it can form their habits and on renewable energy. A local energy decisions in the early stages of their career.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 25 Budget 1.023 000,00 EUR

Programme co-financing 823 700,00 EUR

Duration January 2017 - Dec. 2019

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • Klaipeda University, Lithuania Distance learning requires good study habits: set a schedule, make a study plan - and stick to it. PROJECT PARTNERS: Lithuania Business University of Prepare for your studies – find headphones, install or update • needed programs, and download course materials. Applied Sciences, Lithuania • Linnaeus University, Sweden Chose a good place to study – and stay focused! • University of Gdansk, Poland • Roskilde Business College, Denmark

26 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

FOCUS Facilitating blue growth with open courses by utilizing R&D products and virtual mobility

Creating interest in blue economy Planning Tourism Business. One student, The FOCUS project is focused on blue a recent graduate from Klaipeda, Lithu- economy – marine biotechnology and ania, describes how participating gave him coastal tourism. The project aims to relevant knowledge: “Passing this course improve knowledge about the sector, as gave me a lot of knowledge regarding well as make more people interested in Sustainable Tourism, which I implemented blue-growth economy. A survey was sent to write my thesis.” The student heard to employers in the South Baltic Region about the FOCUS courses from one of his to identify their needs. The participating teachers. He explains that studying online experts then designed open courses to made it easier to participate and says: “This improve the needed competences. Part- course is easy to understand and provides ners from Lithuania, Sweden, Poland, and almost all the required information. The Denmark worked together with associated course material is of high quality cover- partners to produce digital educational ing almost all aspects.” Another benefit of material and to ensure that it is available studying this way was improved flexibility, online. This will help share knowledge since the student could study when it fit in and good practice, as it is a way to transfer his schedule. information and understanding from ex- perts to practitioners and students. So far As part of the INTERREG South Baltic 11 open courses are available online. Program, the FOCUS-project is an example of how knowledge and knowhow can be Benefits of online learning shared between different countries and The online learning resources cover made accessible for an even greater audi- subjects like Blue-Based Solutions, Sustain- ence. able Blue Economy, and Management and

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 27 Budget 2.020 000,29 EUR

Programme co-financing 1.534 975,03 EUR

Duration July 2017 - Dec. 2020

TIPS AND TRICKS LEAD PARTNERS: • University College Absalon / Follow your ideas - there is great possibility to Professionshøjskole Absalon, Denmark make it part of your daily work through inter- national cooperation. We saw huge potentials PROJECT PARTNERS: for scaling up the local food industry in the rural South Baltic Region, and succeeded in Lund University, Sweden • building a strong partner group to pursue our • Rostock University, Germany ideas and plans. • Aarhus University, Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Agroecology, Denmark For us it was all about transforming The UN • Zealand Institute of Business and Technology, Denmark Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) into • Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Sweden the companies’ development goals! • University of Copenhagen, Department of Food and Resource Economics

28 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Get inspiration South Baltic Programme projects

SBFOODINNO.eu Developing food innovation capacity in the South Baltic Region

Innovation in the food industry is crucial. ing growing and processing vegetable Due to the increasing world population, proteins. To generate growth in the food food demands are expected to increase industry, it is important to consider the on a worldwide scale. Investments in food whole process – beginning with agricul- innovation are essential to qualify the ture and primary production, moving to South Baltic Region’s food industry to take production processing, and finally consid- part in these new and increasing markets. ering the consumer’s experiences regard- By innovating, we can secure and maintain ing texture, taste, and visual appearance. global competitiveness and growth in the The project has implemented several in- regional food industry. novation activities and facilitation tools: The project SBFOODNNO.eu has met these challenges by developing innova- • Field trials crops: Lupine, Pea, Soya, Faba tion activities between food sector SMEs bean, Quinoa. and knowledge institutions in the period • Plant protein product development 2017-2020. Previously, only 20% of food on Faba bean, Quinoa, Pea, texturized, sector SMEs innovations were based on Amaranth, Hemp, Concentrated potato cooperation between food sector SMEs protein, Coffee protein, Aqua faba, and innovators such as knowledge institu- Chickpea, Seaweed, Seeds. tions. The project partner group consists • Food Innovation Council meetups of seven knowledge institutions who all -expert panel debates and connecting have extensive experience collaborating food SMEs to resources in knowledge with food sector SMEs to strengthen their institutions and food clusters. growth potentials. The institutions have • The Food Innovation Canvas Model provided profound practice-based innova- - a food SME development tool. tion addressing how to support develop- • Students involvement stimulating in- ment in food sector SMEs and demon- novation within e.g.market demands strated how knowledge institutions can and research, new products and market play an important role in making business potentials. e.g. Case-based learning. development accessible. • Network meetings & innovation camps as F2F meeting and online webinars. Plant-Protein-Product focus • Rural Public Food Policies and Strategies The project highlights the food industry’s case studies. demand for profitable knowledge regard-

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 29 PART 2 Umbrella Boosting cross-border cooperation

The Umbrella project started in 2018 with the ambi- project management and development provide tion to help boost the cross-border cooperation knowledge about the opportunities in cross-border capacities of local actors in the South Baltic Sea. cooperation, and the impact of visiting our South From the beginning, the Umbrella partnership has Baltic neighbours to find inspiration and ideas for initiated and supported a large range of capacity cross-border cooperation. Ultimately, getting ex- building activities; like knowledge-sharing activi- pert advice on project development is the project is ties and study visits to neighbouring South Baltic the path to a successful application. countries. Umbrella hopes to motivate new stakeholders to Umbrella introduces the following stories on how participate in cross-border cooperation, and hope- to help build capacity and inspire more stakehold- fully, change your way of thinking about participa- ers to become involved in cross-border coopera- tion in EU projects - and to see the opportunities tion. The stories show examples of networking, provided by the South Baltic Region and other EU providing information on current and future discus- funding programmes. sion in thematic areas, how teaching materials of

30 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Boosting cross-border cooperation

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 31 TIPS AND TRICKS

Use your regional contact point – they know your national condi- tions and can help you navigate the rules and regulations.

Work with other countries in the same region to promote a regional identity.

Experience from one project can help you in other projects.

32 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Boosting cross-border cooperation

Developing your idea and cross-border network: Creating awareness about opportunities

The Umbrella Awareness Raising Event is a dynamic the past to life and lets the participants approach topics occasion to raise awareness among stakeholders about in a new way. opportunities of cross-border cooperation and EU grants The Umbrella project offered financial support for work- in the Baltic Sea Region. The ambition is to increase the shops where the participants could meet to discuss ideas curiosity among local and regional stakeholder by get- and to shape the partnership. In addition, the project ting people together to meet, to discuss and to get to group also had the opportunity to make use of the know each other to build new networks to understand Umbrella Rent-An-Expert service. This allowed the group that cross-border cooperation is a way to tackle common to get help with EU funding and project development challenges and find shared solutions. from an expert. This provided quality assessment of the Umbrella has held two Awareness Raising Events in project idea and of the project application for the South Gdansk, Poland in 2018 and in Sorø, Denmark in 2019 – Baltic Programme. The project application was success- and more than 200 participants took part in these event. fully approved, and in January 2019 the Crossroads in We are pleased to introduce this inspiring story on how History project started. to successfully start a cross-border project using our first Awareness Raising Event as the platform to develop their Remarks from the Crossroads in partnership and idea. History project partnership: The Crossroads in History partnership found it hard to From idea to project: navigate among the different EU funding programmes, Crossroads in History especially since they were inexperienced in the area As part of the first Awareness Raising Event in Gdansk, and considered themselves to be newcomers. Initial June 2018, a small group of participants from Kalmar, contact to the South Baltic Contact Point kick-started Wismar, Klaipeda, and Gdansk were invited to be part of a the making of the Crossroads in History project, and the thematic side-event initiated by Kalmar Museum. initiating project partners were soon after introduced The project idea came from the historical background of to the Umbrella project and the possibilities provided the countries in the South Baltic Region, a history full of by Umbrella activities. During the project application conflicts and cooperation, trading and troubles. This in- phase, the Umbrella project provided the Crossroads in spired the project Crossroads in History to use shared cul- History project with an expert to help write the applica- tural heritage to improve social cohesion in the region. A tion. It was highly valued to get help from someone who network of museums from Germany, Lithuania, Sweden, understood EU-language and could help elaborate the and Poland collaborated to explore the theme “migra- important parts of the application, including preparing tion” using the “Time Travel” method. This is an approach the budget. Without this expertise it is uncertain whether to learning where the participants dress up in a historical the Joint Programme Committee would have approved fashion, meet in historical surroundings, and act out a the project. The partners now feel prepared to write an fictional story based on factual events. This helps bring application on their own in the future.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 33 34 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Boosting cross-border cooperation

Providing expert help for project development

Newcomers to EU projects often find the project de- involve stakeholders, and collect the most valuable velopment phase challenging. How do you get started, and thorough feedback. where should you begin, how do you find partners, and how can you write a successful application? A very Experts help write successful applications effective way to help stakeholders gain knowledge, The ‘Rent-An-Expert’ services also offered support for inspiration, and become involved in cross-border beneficiaries who had identified relevant themes or cooperation is undoubtedly by involving experts on EU concrete ideas for the development of projects within project development. the South Baltic Programme or other EU programmes. To encourage stakeholders to get involved in cross- This support can be quality assessment to consolidate border cooperation and become partners in EU pro- a specific project idea or concept, help to understand jects, the Umbrella project has offered different free of and translate the (often) frightening EU-language in charge expertise services, such as the Umbrella “Rent- the various programmes, help to understand how to An-Expert” service. Umbrella also established a “Pool build a partnership, or learning how to develop an ap- of Experts” where various experts offer support for the plication. Umbrella has successfully supported project stakeholders’ specific needs. This can take many forms applications from both the South Baltic Programme, such as facilitating workshops, seminars on project the Swedish Institute, Erasmus+, and the Danish-Ger- development, supporting stakeholders in developing a man Programme for financial support from EU. specific project idea, finding the right EU programme – and preparing the application for submission. Input for the future South Baltic Programme Together with an expert on strategies in the Baltic Experts facilitate workshops and webinars Sea Region, Umbrella has also organised online focus Umbrella has organised several workshops on various group workshops to provide input for the new INTER- topics in the areas of energy, tourism, bioeconomy, REG South Baltic programme period 2021-2027. These and culture – all trying to encourage and support the workshops consulted relevant stakeholders to collect participants to get more knowledge of the challenges honest opinions, new ideas, and to examine the needs and future trends in the specific area. The workshops in areas like Blue and Green growth, energy transition/ and webinars gave better possibilities for interaction, connectivity, building civil society, and sustainable and since the smaller audience was able to discuss topics innovative tourism. which were relevant for them. The use of experts was The Umbrella Rent-An-Expert services have proven a very useful, as they could give direct feedback and sug- valuable opportunity to help more newcomers find gestions for the next steps in the project preparation. inspiration, become engaged in their search for EU op- Using experts to moderate, ask questions, and sum up portunities, and get help to start their own journey in the findings is also a valuable way to get perspective, future EU projects and cross-border cooperation.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 35 Financial support is crucial for project development: Remarks from the round goby project

Getting financial support was the reason for developing the international project group. By meeting each other and getting professional help to mature the project idea it became a successful seed-money application. We are confident that the path to the seed-money would not have been so smooth without the support from the Um- brella project. This is exactly what we needed, to meet to develop the project idea but also getting valuable input and feedback to the application. This is often the most difficult part: how to write the successful application. The seed-money project has given us time to mature the partnership and develop the project idea to get ready to apply for funding the future programming period.

36 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Boosting cross-border cooperation

Thematic cross-border conferences: Expanding your knowledge and network

The Umbrella cross-border conferences are another Round goby-invasion of the Baltic Sea: great opportunity for participants to find relevant problems and solutions information about cross-border cooperation in a spe- One of the workshops at the cross-border conference cific thematic area. It is also a good occasion to meet in Kalmar in September 2018 was on the topic of the fellow colleagues who are interested in similar topics. round goby – an invasive species in the coastal areas of The cross-border conferences was organised in close the South Baltic region. dialogue with the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region At the workshop, which gathered participants from Panel Area coordinators (EUSBSR), which proved an Sweden, Poland, Denmark, Lithuania, and , it was excellent opportunity for participants to engage with clear that similar challenges were found throughout experts, be informed of the latest discussions, and hear the South Baltic region. Round gobies had spread about future projects and activities. across all countries in the southern and central Baltic. Since they spread through shipping traffic, they had The conferences consist of panel sessions as well as become abundant in some regions while they were discussion sessions in smaller groups to ensure interac- absent in others. Therefore, there was a keen interest tion among participants, experts, and policy areas. in establishing a network with key stakeholders to de- The cross-border conferences can be a first occasion to velop a concept note and project application to benefit network and be inspired to investigate the possibility commercial small-scale fishery for round goby in the of creating new projects together with participants in Baltic Sea region. your area of expertise. The projects can then be sub- With financial support from Umbrella, the group of mitted to the upcoming call for proposals for the EU participants had the opportunity to set up another programmes. The Umbrella project has organised three meeting to take the project idea even further – and be- cross-border conferences on the topics bioeconomy, came aware of the possibility to apply for seed-money energy and electromobility, and sustainable tourism. from the Swedish Institute. Together with experts from the Umbrella rent-an-expert service, the project group submitted a project application to investigate the pos- sibilities to develop the project for future funding.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 37 Some lessons from the EU-project training seminars

● Project management skills are valuable whether you are 5 years old or 75 – they are as useful to a young person planning a Scouting project as they are to a seasoned professional wrapping up a major work assignment.

● Projects are done by people, with people and for people. Remember that knowing the tools is not enough. To truly succeed you also need leadership capabilities and strategic and busi- ness proficiency.

● Joining these training seminars to learn about EU funding, meet other participants, and de- velop our ideas into potential projects has been of great value for us. It now seems less frighten- ing to join an international project partnership. Photo: Małgorzata Matkowska Photo:

38 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Boosting cross-border cooperation

Essential knowledge for cross-border cooperation: EU-project training workshop

The Umbrella project has created a training pro- holders were then invited to participate in workshops gramme in all the partner countries to improve the in Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden. The participating stakeholders’ skills in developing and workshops consisted of more than 10 training semi- managing EU-projects. The tailor-made development nars conducted in national languages. This was done programme was made to support the potential project to support stakeholders by training them and as an developers and to offer training free of charge. This will opportunity for participants to meet and learn from help organisations develop their knowledge, enhance each other. skills, and boost their confidence to become involved in cross-border initiatives around the South Baltic One of the trainers participating in the Umbrella region. The training programme is also intended as an project describes their outcome from participating, opportunity for representatives from all the regional saying “I’ve discovered the potentials of international sectors, academia, businesses, NGOs, and local authori- projects, including benefits of cross-border networks ties to meet, exchange ideas, and learn. and possibilities of funding.” Even as the trainer taught other people and organisations how to engage in A project to increase confidence in international cross-border projects, they discovered the advantages projects of international work for themselves. User-friendly and ready-to-use educational materials were designed together with professionals to help The training materials can be found online for free on newcomers with cross-border cooperation. the Umbrella Moodle platform, giving easy access for The educational material covers all steps of the project interested parties. lifecycle; from getting the idea, through the search for funding opportunities and application process. More information to be found on Trainers were chosen and educated so they would be www.umbrellaproject.eu prepared to teach future project developers. Stake-

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 39 Photo: Guldborgsund Municipality Guldborgsund Photo:

Remarks from the rural development study visit During the visit, it is important to make time for social interaction. Getting to know each other is a We have many things in common and the study trip vital part of having good project interaction and has given us new experiences and knowledge, new solid results. Often, the informal chat over dinner contacts, and new ideas for common projects in the is what provides the atmosphere to explore new future. These projects could be in areas like food and perhaps more inventive results. It also creates production and tourism. In particular, rural tourism ownership to the project process. could be an area that would offer many opportuni- ties, like special initiatives for biking, trekking, and horse-riding – but also maritime activities for tour- ists such as sailing, fishing, or diving.

40 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Boosting cross-border cooperation

Meet your South Baltic neighbors: The impact of study visits

The ‘Meet your neighbours’ activities are some of the Learning about rural development best ways to connect people, get them to know each – exchanging valuable knowledge other, and to establish new networks for further coop- Kalmar County and Guldborgsund Municipality are eration. both characterised by low population density and large rural areas. Many of these areas deal with chal- The ambition is to financially support stakeholders lenges that are common for Denmark and Sweden, in visiting neighbouring South Baltic regions and get such as depopulation and lack of employment oppor- them to spend sufficient time together to form a solid tunities. The study trip to Guldborgsund had a mixture understanding of one another, build networks, and of seminars and field trips. Presentations were held by be able to discuss possible joint projects and future representatives from both national, regional, and local cooperation. Umbrella has supported micro-activities authorities and gave an understanding of the struc- in topics like developing tourism in hardwoods, culture tural framework for both countries. This helped the and art, youth cooperation, and rural development. participants understand the similarities and differences of the systems. Visiting various smaller towns and One of the study trips hosted by the Umbrella project places gave interesting ideas about how others face was in 2019 where rural developers from Kalmar Coun- their challenges. This also let the partners learn about ty visited Guldborgsund Municipality, which proved the activities the small towns use to turn challenges an excellent opportunity to exchange experiences and into advantages, like involving citizens in smaller com- discuss common challenges and possibilities for com- munities. mon projects. The ambition of the Umbrella study trips is to ex- change experiences, learn from good examples, and discuss possible joint projects and cooperation in the future.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 41 Photo: Tage Jensen Tage Photo:

PART 3 Best Tips & Tricks from the Umbrella partnership

42 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Best tips & tricks from the Umbrella partnership

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 43 PART 3 Meet the UMBRELLA partners Get our Tips & Tricks on cross-border cooperation

44 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Best tips & tricks from the Umbrella partnership

Meet the UMBRELLA partners Getting our Tips & Trick on cross-border cooperation

The project partners and associated partners that initiated the Umbrella project come from 5 different the INTERREG South Baltic countries. Together, we have made Umbrella an ambitious project with a budget of almost 1 million EUR and a duration of 30 months of activities. Led by Euroregion Baltic, Umbrella had an interwoven structure that involved all its partners, with good opportunities to discuss strategic views about cross-border cooperation with participants from the policy areas’ panels. The Umbrella partners want to share some of their own experiences as partners in the project – and how to engage new actors to take part in cross-border cooperation.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 45 46 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Best tips & tricks from the Umbrella partnership

Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic (Elbląg - Poland)

Valentina Scandola Umbrella Project Leader

The Association of Polish Communes ERB is a non- profit organisation working for cross-border coopera- tion. 40 municipalities from Pomorskie and Warmia- Mazury are members. Most ERB activities focus on developing international cooperation in areas of tourism, culture, environmental protection. A special focus is on people-to-people cross-border coopera- tion on the local and regional levels. It hosts the ERB International Permanent Secretariat (IPS) which coordinates ERB cooperation.

My best tips and tricks for being the Lead Partner:

● Being lead partner of the Umbrella project has among partners and new organisations. I think been the biggest challenge in my early career we succeeded, and I hope this is just the begin- and also on a personal level. The biggest suc- ning of a bigger project. This project taught me cess for me has without any doubt been the a lot, but above all, what I have learnt came from relationship established among the partners. It people. kept a flame of motivation and passion for our job alive. We all shared the same multifaceted ● Have a different culture, background, education, mission: to bring Umbrella to a brand status, or simply vision of the world. to initiate capacity-building, to increase cross- border relations, to strengthen the existing ● Listen and trust but remember to consider knowledge, and to intertwine our daily work things carefully.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 47 48 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Best tips & tricks from the Umbrella partnership

Pomorskie in the European Union Association (Gdańsk - Poland)

Małgorzata Matkowska, Project Manager

The main task of “Pomorskie in the European Union” Association is to build a positive image of the Pomor- skie Region on the European scene, act as a channel of information between the Pomorskie stakehold- ers and other EU actors, and to lobby for European and Pomorskie interests. The Association represents regional and local self-government, regional devel- opment agencies, universities, NGOs, chambers of commerce and cultural institutions.

My best tips and tricks to help build up capacity for newcomers:

● If you want to reach potential stakeholders, ● As a project partner, do not be afraid to ask for think what your project offers. Contact your local follow-up information or clarification from the stakeholders first and invite them to discover partnership. We are together in the partnership your project. Present benefits they can gain by and all partners want to make the most of the being engaged in the project’s activities. Get project. Remember to express your opinions and to know their needs and help them overcome listen to what others say. They might see things difficulties by guiding them through the variety from a different angle than you, but together of EU programmes and initiatives. Communicate you will find an optimal solution. with your stakeholders. They might encourage their networks to get involved in project activi- ties. Be proactive.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 49 50 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Best tips & tricks from the Umbrella partnership

Baltic Institute for Regional Affairs (Gdynia - Poland)

Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło, President of BISER

Baltic Institute for Regional Affairs (BISER) is a NGO offering expertise, analysis, and review services. It also prepares and conducts projects covering the purposes of the Association, particularly in areas of social economy and social entrepreneurship, sustain- able development, EU macroregional strategy and regional policy, transnational cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region and others.

My best tips and tricks to get help for your project idea and to promote your project:

● Establish positive contact and relations with the ● Join the South Baltic programme events in your Joint Secretariat and your Contact Point. They area – Annual Event, regional workshops and have vital expertise and are there to help you. consultations organised by the Contact Point and others – you will get new contacts, new knowl- ● Read the Programme Manual if you have ques- edge, and promote your project at the same time. tions. Even twice. Honestly, most of the answers are there. If not, ask the Joint Secretariat or Con- ● Do not be afraid to promote your project, activi- tact Point (as they know it all). ties, and future events widely on Social Media. Use different media: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, ● Get to know other active Interreg South Baltic or even Instagram – different target groups seek projects and Project Managers – it is useful to information in various media. By using them all, share ideas, exchange views on the project activi- you will reach more people. ties, and provide your beneficiaries with content from other projects. Besides, you never know, ● Create eye-friendly, simple, and understandable maybe you are building a new partnership for graphic content for your Social Media posts and the future! ads.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 51 Photo: Guldborgsund Municipality Guldborgsund Photo:

52 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Best tips & tricks from the Umbrella partnership

Klaipeda University, (Klaipèda - Lithuania)

Rasa Viederytė, Associate Professor

Established in 1991, Klaipeda University is a multidisciplinary educa- tional institution with more than 4000 students. Klaipeda University has a leading position at a national and Baltic level in the field of marine sciences and studies integrated into international academic networks. Klaipeda University has extensive experience in interna- tional projects, and skilled staff in formal and non-formal education participate actively in professional networks. Klaipeda University develops thematic platforms, initiates ties with industry willing to be more “green” and “blue”, supports SMEs with consultations on busi- ness development solutions, and promotes blue and green growth.

Here are my best tips and tricks for managing a successful project:

● A strong and competent team is an important ● Trust and belief in each other’s competencies factor for the successful implementation of a and abilities are very important in a project with project. Therefore, team strengthening, coop- international cooperation. In this way, team eration with each other, team formation, and a members complement each other, exchange close professional relationship with each team knowledge, and give a lot of added value to the member are essential conditions for the success- project. ful implementation of project activities. ● Personal interest in the project content and the ● A detailed discussion of the qualitative and active involvement of project organisations’ quantitative results and the expected impact is members in the implementation of each project necessary at the very beginning of the project. activity is necessary, even if you plan on subcon- This allows the project partners to plan activities tracting services or work. and integrate them smoothly with other activi- ties in the organisation.

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 53 54 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Best tips & tricks from the Umbrella partnership

Region Kalmar County (Kalmar - Sweden)

Jan Martinsson, Head of Baltic Sea Region Affairs

Region Kalmar County is a politically controlled organisation that offers health care, public transport, cultural and regional development. Together with the county’s municipalities, universities, businesses, and other actors, we want to create the best conditions for our residents.

My best tips and tricks to reach and engage stakeholders:

● If there is some kind of “engine” for international aspect in their internal work. Facilitating study cooperation in your region or local area, like visits to other countries can be way to motivate EU- and/or international coordinators, they will international cooperation. be pleased to help and guide you further into international network. They are a tool that gives ● Taken on the account of my experiences, the input to the organisations. best way to engage people in international cooperation is to make study visits. Meet- ● Normally you will know of or find already exist- ing people from other counties with similar ing regional networks in a wide range of areas, tasks and being able to exchange experiences, such as tourism, rural development, environ- knowledge, and discussing relevant topics help mental questions, transport and communica- you understand different solutions to the same tion, digitalisation, librarians, education, social problem – and also strengthens your network. questions, health care, elderly care, business This understanding should be seen as a strong development and so on. These networks can motivation for going into joint projects. help give input and establish an international

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 55 Photo: Guldborgsund Municipality Guldborgsund Photo:

56 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella Best tips & tricks from the Umbrella partnership

Guldborgsund Municipality (Nykøbing F. – Denmark)

Anna Topp Gustavsen, International Coordinator

Guldborgsund Municipality is the southernmost mu- nicipality in Denmark and located on two islands in the South Baltic Sea. Due to the geographic location, due to two international transport corridors run- ning through the municipality, and due to tradition, international cooperation with the neighbouring countries in the Baltic Sea area is high on the agenda in Guldborgsund.

My best tips and tricks for why you should join cross-border cooperation as a municipality:

● There is important network, knowledge, and and energy you invest into the project, the more experiences in our neighbouring countries and you will gain in return. further out in Europe, and we should keep in mind that they have similar challenges to us. ● Being partner in an international project helps Be curious, open-minded, and patient – you brand your organisation locally, nationally, and will be inspired. among neighbouring countries.

● Concentrate on projects that can be beneficial ● It is fun to meet our neighbours - and the best to the goals of your institution. It will help you part is that you end up with new international develop new and better services for the citizens networks, colleagues and friends. in your municipality and region. The more time

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 57 5 Sweden

Denmark

Baltic Sea

6

2 3

Germany Poland

58 | The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation Umbrella: Boosting cross-border cooperation

Umbrella is an Interreg South Baltic project tic Institute for Regional Affairs (BISER). The endeavouring to boost capacity for cross- three other partners are Klaipeda University border cooperation in the South Baltic. The from Lithuania, Region Kalmar County from targets of the project are local and regional Sweden, and Guldborgsund Municipality actors in the South Baltic Programme area in from Denmark. 8 associate partners from Denmark, Germany, Lithuania, Poland, and the 5 South Baltic EU-countries are also Sweden. The project started in January 2018 involved in the project. and runs until December 2020. As part of the Umbrella activities, we have It has been an important goal for Umbrella published this booklet with 12 inspirational to reach small and local partners such as stories from projects from the South Baltic smaller municipalities, cultural and educa- Programme 2014-2020. We also want to in- tion institutions and civil society organi- spire with an overview of our own Umbrella sations. We are especially interested in achievements to show how we have sup- welcoming participants from rural areas ported small actors and newcomers to see who only have a little experience in cross- the benefits of international cooperation. border cooperation. Umbrella offers a wide We hope that Umbrella, and our tools and 4 range of networking and knowledge-based methods have been an inspiration for you activities to inspire more local and regional for the next programme period. Umbrella actors to build stronger international ties will continue as UMBRELLA 2:0 – and still and networks, and strengthen their capacity. be able to serve as a platform of inspiration for further international cooperation in the We are 6 partners in the project. Three part- future of the Baltic Sea Region. ners are from Poland: The Association of Pol- ish Communes Euroregion Baltic, Pomorskie Read more about Umbrella on our in the European Union Association, and Bal- website www.umbrellaproject.eu

Project partners

1 1 Association Of Polish Communes Of Euroregion Baltic (Elbląg - Poland)

2 “Pomorskie In The European Union” Association (Gdańsk - Poland)

3 Baltic Institute for Regional Affairs BISER (Gdynia - Poland)

4 Klaipeda University (Klaipèda - Lithuania)

5 Regional Council In Kalmar County (Kalmar- Sweden)

6 Guldborgsund Municipality (Nykøbing - Denmark)

The Benefits of Cross-Border Cooperation | 59 Project Partners

Associated Partners

European Regional Development Fund