Networks of Local Action Groups in Rural Areas - The Example of the EU Initiative Broads and Rivers LEADER+

The Community Initiative LEADER provides funding for rural areas and local actors and seeks to establish links between actions for the development of the rural economy. It aims to implement integrated, effective and sustainable strategies for rural development. This dissertation will elaborate a concept for the "Broads and Rivers" Local Action Group (LAG) in Norfolk, England, in order to be prepared for the next financial perspective of the European Union and its future funding programmes. This will be based on an analysis of the current administration regarding its efficiency and impact on the area. Although the dissertation is based on this particular local LEADER+ case study, the fundamentals and the recommendations are not necessarily specific to this area and may be implemented in other rural areas across the European Union. The dissertation will demonstrate how the complex network of the LAG and its members was originally implemented and will analyse how it functions on a day to day basis. The basis for research and the given examples of the dissertation result from the role of the author as statutory representative of the Broads National Park Authority.