An analysis of learning interactions in a cross-border network for sustainable urban neighbourhood development

Learning networks have the potential to support joint learning and collective innovation processes needed for sustainable urban development. However, systematic analyses of joint learning processes in such networks are often lacking. In this paper, the Interreg project SUN (Sustainable Urban Neighbourhoods) is taken as a case study to analyse learning interactions in a regional network for sustainable urban neighbourhood development in the Euregio Meuse-Rhine. The SUN project provides concerted public and private action, focussing on community engagement, cross-border cooperation, and collective innovation. In this context, joint learning implies the exchange and co-production of knowledge among a diverse group of actors. We first describe the learning network of SUN in terms of the actors involved, the learning activities and tools applied, and the types of knowledge exchanged and co-produced (technical, attitudinal, innovative). These features are further used to characterize a set of typical learning interactions that generated learning across four main knowledge boundaries (territorial, role-based, sectoral, and project boundaries). From this analysis, we identify main factors supporting the joint learning process, and discuss the general applicability and added value of the developed analytical framework. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.