History

The European Learning Network (LNet) evolved from a comparative study on enterprise in inner cities to become a tool for promoting local economic and social development in areas of deprivation.

The study, called the ICE study, was commissioned by the London Development Agency and carried out by GLE in 2003.

The ICE study explored the link between inner cities' enterprise promotion and their wider regional economic policy, reviewing emerging strategies and policies in Europe through local, national and international case studies. The study concluded with a broader discussion on the issue of transferability and sustainability of policy measures and highlighted areas for further exchange of experience, which now form the basis of LNet.

About LNet

LNet is a unique network spanning five major European cities: Amsterdam, Hamburg, London, Milan and Prague; which seeks to highlight common barriers to enterprise through sharing first-hand experiences of economic development.

The two year project, led by economic regeneration company GLE, highlights how entrepreneurship, innovation and social enterprise can be promoted as catalysts for growth in deprived urban areas.

Through study visits, research, case studies and the development of good practice tools, LNet has identified the most effective ways for Regional Development Agencies and local authorities to support innovation, social enterprise and entrepreneurship in deprived areas, focusing on business support, investment and skills and knowledge, as well as effective governance structures.

LNet began with a major conference in London in November 2004, followed by numerous thematic workshops in partner cities and dissemination seminars in Brussels. The events culminated in a final conference in London in December 2006 where the wealth of knowledge resulting from the project’s research was presented to over 200 policy makers and practitioners including representatives from the UK Government, the European Commission and European city governments (pictured right).

The final conference also served as the launch pad for the LNet toolkit - a how-to-guide providing top tips in how to actively encourage enterprise, innovation and social enterprise in deprived urban areas.

The Three Themes:

The Enterprise Gap and Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship is a key driver of change by stimulating innovation, competitiveness, job creation and growth, yet its potential for redressing imbalances in deprived areas is still under-utilised. This ‘enterprise gap’ and the potential for identifying and seizing new business opportunities will be the focus of this LNet theme.

Innovation

The core of innovation is the successful exploitation of new ideas. In the context of LNet, innovation is seen as the capacity to understand and support local market needs through the development of new approaches to enterprise.

Social Enterprise

Social enterprise is an approach to business which links entrepreneurial spirit to social objectives and goals. LNet will focus on practical approaches to linking communities to markets and supporting business environments which are responsive to local needs.