The work of the Centre for Cross Border Studies has been significant in the cross-border region of The Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This article highlights the Centre’s innovative character by examining its most recent project “Cross-Border: Enacting cooperation”, which not only promises to enhance cooperation among its implementing partners, but will also offer valuable resources for wider adoption in cross-border initiatives. Leading up to the discussions on the BRIDGEU in the EU parliament, efforts like the CBenACT serve to highlight the increased interest for tools and mechanisms that will bring cross-border regions together more effectively.

WHAT

The CBenACT project's mission is to foster effective cross-border cooperation by equipping stakeholder participants with the necessary skills, embedding a cross-border approach in organizational culture, and promoting mutual understanding of pivotal issues. Launched in June 2023, the Cross-Border Action for Community Transformation (CBenACT) project stands outs as an example of innovative collaboration, uniting organizations from both sides of the Irish border. 

The project is driven by a trio of fundamental objectives, each contributing to the integrated development of cross-border cooperation:

1.    Training in Skills for Cross-Border Projects:
Central to CBenACT's vision is its commitment to strengthen participants' capacity for successful cross-border initiatives. By providing targeted training and skill development, the project ensures that participants from various organisations possess the expertise needed to deliver cross-border projects, ultimately leading to the realization of meaningful benefits for communities on both sides of the border.
2.    Integrating Cross-Border Cooperation into Organizational DNA:
CBenACT pioneers an innovative approach by seeking to position cross-border cooperation at the heart of participating organizations' missions, converting it to an indispensable component of organizational activities. By doing so, CBenACT aims to foster a dedicated commitment to cross-border endeavors, enhancing their impact and reach.
3.    Enhancing Mutual Understanding and Awareness:
In its pursuit for sustainable cross-border collaboration, CBenACT emphasizes the importance of mutual understanding. By shedding light on the issues and challenges faced by communities on both sides of the border, the project aims to promote empathy, shared interests, and harmonious relations. Through addressing challenges that can potentially impact cross-border mobility and relationships, CBenACT seeks to lay the groundwork for lasting cooperation.

Additionally, the project includes activities that focus on the cross-border sharing of resources and skills such as the delivery of training for women in non-traditional skills (e.g., plumbing, carpentry, tiling, electrics), in STEM/STEAM, as well as climate action as areas with great potential for cross border cooperation. 

Finally, it is important to note that it will also produce an online repository of training material for the development of cross-border cooperation projects that will be available on the CCBS website for use by other organizations beyond the lifetime of this project.

WHO

The CBenACT project is a collaboration between the Centre for Cross Border Studies (Armagh), Creative Spark (Dundalk) and Women’s Tec (Newry).

WHERE

HOW 

This Project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland’s Communities in Partnership Programme (£104,979).

RESULTS

The CBenACT project has ignited interest among participants and stakeholders alike. While the initial partners are set to experience the direct benefits of enhanced cross-border collaboration, the ripple effects are anticipated to extend far beyond those. The project's outputs, including educational materials and strategies, will be made widely available for organisations in the cross-border region. This resource sharing is poised to empower numerous other organizations and communities to embark on their own successful cross-border journeys, amplifying the positive impact of cross-border cooperation. Thus, this project is an exemplar of impactful cross-border cooperation, that seeks to multiply cross-border efforts by changing mindsets, organizational DNA and providing relevant material, setting the stage for other regions to follow and adapt to. 

Take a closer look at the project here and stay connected with the Center for Cross Border Studies and Futurium for further updates on this project.