We are pleased to share a summary of the Community meetings held across all active REGIO Peer2Peer Communities during summer months. A special thank you to all participants for your dedication, especially during the summer months. For those unable to attend, this update will help you catch up on the key developments, discussions, and next steps from each Community. 

These meetings marked a significant step in re-launching the REGIO Peer2Peer Communities following the transition to the new contract - PwC. We aimed to reconnect with Community Champions and Members and introduce the new team of Community Managers who will be working closely with you over the coming months and years. 

Each of the ten active REGIO Peer2Peer Communities now has a dedicated team of two Community Managers (senior and junior) who support the work of Community Champions in organizing activities and facilitating collaboration. Our Community Managers have been carefully selected to match the backgrounds of the Communities they serve, ensuring they understand Community needs and can respond effectively. 

Together with the Community Champions, we revisited the successes, challenges, and priorities of each Community. Your feedback is invaluable, and we are committed to integrating it as we develop the REGIO Peer2Peer Communities framework further. 

Gathering Ideas for future Topics 

One of the primary goals of these meetings was to gather your ideas for future discussions and collaborations. With over thirty insightful topic suggestions, we are now in the process of prioritizing and turning them into detailed agendas for upcoming sessions. Your contributions have been essential in shaping what comes next. 

We hear your voices and we will continue to listen to what you have to say. In that spirit we will publish surveys and organise meeting to gather your ideas and feedback. Follow us on Futurium and social media to stay up to date. 

A Diverse and Engaged Group of Participants 

Our REGIO Peer2Peer Communities continue to grow with new members signing up almost every day. Nearly 400 people participated in the recent meetings, representing a diverse range of expertise and nationalities. Romania, Poland, Italy, Hungary, Greece, Spain, and Portugal had especially strong representation, with over 20 Members in attendance from each country.  

Key Findings and Takeaways 

Here are the major insights from the meetings, which will guide our work moving forward:  

1. No two communities are the same – There are significant differences between communities when it comes to the numbers of members, their interests, levels of engagement or “maturity” of the group. We will make sure to adjust our approach to the specific needs of each Community. 
2. Regular Engagement – Consistent meetings lead to better participation and more dynamic discussions. A mix of online and in-person sessions is key to maintaining engagement and continuity. 
3. Communication Tools – Improved communication, especially through platforms like Microsoft Teams, helps sustain dialogue. Tools like Mentimeter and Mural enhance interaction, though technical challenges remain a focus. 
4. Boosting Participation – To increase engagement, suggestions included using breakout rooms and interactive sessions, along with sharing success stories and involving external experts. 
5. Practical Guidance – Communities that deliver tangible outputs, like policy briefs and best practice guides, report higher engagement. Real-world examples in areas like public procurement and state aid are especially valued. 
6. Cross-Community Collaboration – Sharing insights across Communities fosters comprehensive solutions. Collaboration on topics such as ACB Roadmaps and digital cohesion has been highly beneficial.  

What’s Next? New Topics and Upcoming Meetings 

Our Communities operate with a flexible, bottom-up approach, allowing Members to propose and prioritize topics within the Peer2Peer framework. This ensures that discussions remain relevant and aligned with Members’ interests and needs. After gathering many thoughtful suggestions, we are carefully prioritizing them for future meetings. 

Some exciting upcoming topics include: 

• Youth Participation: Exploring strategies to engage young people in civic activities and decision-making processes. 
• Digital Tools for Citizen Engagement: Discussing the latest digital tools to enhance citizen participation. 
• Eco-industrial parks and their benefits to regional circular economy: Exploring best practices in planning, forming and benefiting from eco-industrial parks on a local and regional level. 
• Promoting Cultures of Participation: Identifying best practices and strategies to foster a culture of participation within public organizations. 
• Performance-based Schemes: Learning from the Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and applying lessons under the ERDF/CF. 

We are committed to creating an environment where every Member can contribute to the development of our thematic framework. If you have ideas or topics you’d like to see discussed, please reach out to your Community Managers or Community Champions. You can also contact us directly at gbl_regio_p2p@pwc.com. Your input is crucial in shaping the direction of our Communities. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our Communities.