Development of a Network of Learning Cities & the Learning Cities Index - Dumfries, March 27, 2013

Dr Jin Yang (UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning [UIL]) led this seminar at the Dumfries University of Glasgow Crichton Campus in the CR&DALL Seminar Series 2012/13 with Peter Kearns and Dr Roberta Piazza (University of Catania) as respondents.

Dr Yang outlined the context in which UIL was developing the Global Learning City Network (GLCN) with the Index being created to support the network of cities.  He said that the Index was seen as a checklist to assist cities in their development.  He compared the Index with the Human Development Index which operated with four indices only, including gross national product per capita. 

Some 78 indicators have been development for the Index with comments now sought with a view to reducing the number of indicators.  Copies of the draft indicators were given to the participants in the seminar with a request for comments on the relevance and feasibility of every indicator.

Peter Kearns’ presentation commented on the PIE experience in developing a network of learning cities, and the conceptual work undertaken in PIE (PASCAL International Exchanges) to develop more holistic and integrated approached to learning cities with the EcCoWell project.  He also discussed the value of integrating networks within cities and gave examples of developments in Cork and Taipei.

Dr Piazza then provided an overview of the experience in the Puglia region of developing a learning region under the PURE (PASCAL Universities and Regional Engagement) program.

It is noted that the Crichton Institute, venue for this seminar, is a collaboration between five academic partners working together on priority themes:

• Rural economy and skills development
• Community development and place-making
• Impacts of demographic change
• Influencing policy and practice.

Peter Kearns

Co-director, PASCAL International Exchanges