Learning Transnational Learning

Systems of innovation that are conducted within national borders can preserve inefficient solutions and prevent development. This has led to a feeling that transnational learning strategies are more and more desirable.

In practice, the field of transnational learning has been dominated by various policy-making institutions, such as the OECD and European Union, working through different types of policy instruments and programs such as structural funds, open methods of coordination, as well as international research institutions and networks set up by cooperating national governments working on comparative analysis, benchmarking and indicators.

This book lays out a set of methods which can further enhance the experience of transnational learning, starting from the sociological ideas promoted by Charles Sabel of learning through monitoring, and by Marie Laure Djelic and others of the “translation” of experiences between different countries. Case studies and examples are collected from three fields: industrial development, tourism and local government.

Åge Mariussen is Botnia-Atlantica Institute leader at the University of Vaasa, Finland and Senior Researcher at the Nordland Research Institute, University of Nordland, Norway

Seija Virkkala is Professor of Regional Studies in the Faculty of Philosophy at the University of Vaasa, Finland.