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 LEDA-LDnet 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 is supported by the ‘LEDA Partenariat – Local Development Network Association (LDnet)’, a non-profit association registered in France. The costs of the network are covered by the association and by voluntary contributions.
Since the completion of the EU’s LEDA Programme in the mid-1990s, a number of participants in that programme continued their cooperation and networking through the ‘LEDA Partenariat Association’, lately with Rosalba La Grotteria as President. The General Assembly of the association on 9 October 2013 approved the changes to its statute and title, to reflect its priority in supporting LDnet. The statute of the association is attached below in French and English.
General Assembly and Board of LEDA-LDnet Association
The “LEDA Partenariat – Local Development Network Association (LDnet)” is a non-profit association registered in France and governed by its General Assembly and Board.
The General Assembly elects the board of the association every two years.
The last General Assembly of the association took place online on 2 February 2022 and the next one is scheduled for 14 February 2023:
How to contribute to the LDnet website
How to become a member of the LEDA-LDnet Association
Anyone who agrees with the objectives of the association (see Statute, below) can become a member, by downloading, signing and sending the Registration Form which is attached below.
Registration Form
Statute - English
Statuts - Français
There is no joining fee or regular subscription. The Association relies on voluntary contributions and all new members are invited to make a small contribution on joining and for existing members and friends of the Association there is an annual appeal.
Click HERE to make a contribution to LDnet (LEDA Partenariat Association)