LDnet is an informal network set up in 2011 to bring together knowledge and people in local development across rural, coastal and urban areas in Europe and beyond.
People wishing to make a contribution to local development can participate in the network, registering as contributors to the LDnet website, participating in LDnet activities and joining the European Local Development Network Association, which supports the operation of the network (and is in the process of taking over this role from the LEDA-Partenariat Association).
LDnet mission statement
After 10 years of LDnet operation, the General Assembly on 2 February 2022 adopted the following ‘mission statement’ to guide the activities of the LDnet network so that it can best contribute in the evolving story of local development.
The unique feature of LDnet is our interest in Local Development across all types of territory (rural, coastal, urban, mountains and islands) and across a wide range of themes from its origins in social inclusion, job creation and local economic development to more recent concerns about climate change, the circular economy and digital transitions.
LDnet acts as a bridge between experts, researchers, activists and policy makers in a wide range of public, private and third sector organisations. Geographically our main focus is the EU Member States plus Norway and Switzerland, the EU candidate countries (Western Balkans and Turkey), the neighbourhood countries (e.g. Eastern Partnership, Maghreb, Middle East, UK) and beyond.
Our aim is to position participative, integrated and sustainable local development approaches at the core of designing, implementing and evaluating economic, social and environmental development policies at all levels of governance.
To achieve this aim we need to work to engage with new partners and to bring on board the next generation of activists and policy entrepreneurs.
LDnet fields of activity
LDnet provides a forum for sharing information and knowledge among experts, researchers and all those active in local development. Its activities cover both the theory and practice of local development. In this way it acts as an independent ‘think tank’ whose work can inform stakeholders and contribute to policy development and implementation, and generally benefit all those involved in local development in Europe and beyond. Opening up the network to a mass membership of practitioners is a long-term ambition.
LDnet at work
Network contributors have the opportunity to work together in open or closed groups to raise the level of debate, research and understanding of local development. The network is mainly be web-based and virtual. An annual event and smaller round-table meetings are also held.
LDnet status and resources
LDnet is an informal network open to all those active in local development. It has been supported from its inception by the ‘LEDA Partenariat – Local Development Network Association (LDnet)’, a non-profit association registered in France and this role is being assumed by a new non-profit association, the ‘European Local Development Network Association (LDnet)’ registered in Estonia. The costs of the network are covered by the association and by voluntary contributions.
How to contribute to the LDnet website:
How to become a member of the European Local Development Network Association: