Intelligence and Innovation, Intelligence and Innovation

OCD–EU–LAC – Rethinking Decentralised Cooperation in a Context of Multiple Transitions (2022–2023)

Involved organizations

Barcelona Provincial Council and the European Union–Latin America Decentralised Cooperation Observatory

Year

2022, 2023

City, country

Europe, Latin America

Lines of work

Analysis and intelligence

About the project

The project involved the preparation of the background paper and study Rethinking Decentralised Cooperation in a Context of Multiple Transitions, building on the discussions and outcomes of the 8th Conference of the European Union–Latin America Decentralised Cooperation Observatory, held in Barcelona. The study synthesised key insights, identified emerging trends, and provided a strategic perspective on the role of decentralised cooperation in addressing challenges such as climate change, urban resilience, and the social, institutional, and territorial transformations affecting cities and regions.

Challenge

Decentralised cooperation is currently shaped by multiple transitions—climatic, social, economic, institutional, and territorial—that are redefining its priorities, approaches, and instruments. These transformations call for renewed ways of strengthening the capacity of local governments to address global challenges through territorial action. The challenge was to translate the debates of the Decentralised Cooperation Observatory into practical knowledge that could inform both strategic reflection and the future practice of decentralised cooperation.

Approach

PHARE supported the preparation of an analytical report based on the systematisation of the outcomes of the 8th Conference of the Decentralised Cooperation Observatory. The work synthesised key debates, identified emerging lessons, and connected decentralised cooperation experiences with evolving agendas such as urban resilience, climate adaptation, and local capacity development. The approach combined strategic analysis, trend assessment, and the production of applied knowledge to support local governments and cooperation practitioners.

Impact

The study contributed to reframing the discussion on decentralised cooperation in the context of global transformation by providing a stronger understanding of its strategic value. In particular, it highlighted how cooperation policies can support urban resilience strategies, strengthen local capacities to address climate change, and promote more adaptive and resilient urban infrastructure and services. The report also provided a knowledge base to foster peer learning among territories and inform future cooperation agendas.

Associated resources

Repensar la cooperación descentralizada en un contexto de incertidumbres y transiciones múltiples
Return

Cooperation and alliances

Solutions we offer

Networking and alliance building:

Engagement with networks, platforms, and strategic partners to advance shared agendas and strengthen territorial cooperation.

International cooperation and resources:

Identifying and managing cooperation, funding, and other support mechanisms to strengthen territorial initiatives.

Project design and implementation:

Formulation, management, and support of international projects and initiatives.

ATTRACTIVENESS AND PROJECTION

Solutions we offer

Territorial positioning:

Designing territorial positioning strategies and tools to strengthen the identity and projection of cities and regions.

Attractiveness and identity:

Building narratives, city branding, destination vision, and territorial promotion strategies.

Projecting opportunities:

Attracting investment, cooperation, tourism, culture, and talent.

Strategy and Public policies

Solutions we offer

Territorial strategy and planning:

Designing strategies and tools to strengthen territorial development and consolidate international engagement as public policy.

Public agendas and governance:

Participatory methodologies, policy labs, and collaborative processes for building public agendas.

Technical assistance:

Technical support for implementing territorial development and international engagement strategies.

KNOWLEDGE AND innovation

Solutions we offer

Knowledge and analysis:

Diagnostics, studies, applied research, and forward-looking analysis of international trends.

Training and capacity building:

Training programs, workshops, and tools to strengthen institutional and technical capacities.

Exchange and learning across territories:

Peer-to-peer learning spaces, experience-sharing, and collective knowledge building.