Co-operation between the European Commission and the OECD LEED Programme

Co-operation between the European Commission (DG Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunties) and the LEED Programme has been strengthened over the past two years. Both organisations share some important views in the field of employment and social affairs. Their work and methods are complementary, and this represents a great asset on which both organisations should draw to achieve better results in the future. It is of high importance in this context to put in common the efforts devoted by OECD and the EU to inform people and display information.

• Skills Upgrading for the Low-Qualified
• The Local Integration of Immigrants into the Labour Market  
• The Non-profit Sector 
• Labour Market Policy and Local Governance 

These actions represent an opportunity to strengthen the synergy between the European Commission and the OECD.  A certain number of joint activities such as publications and seminars are under development. 

For more information on European Commission latest activities in the area of Local Employment Development please click here, and visit the DG EMPL local development webpages.

LEED Publications

• Skills Upgrading for the Low Qualified (July 2006) 
• Business Clusters: Promoting Enterprise in Central and Eastern Europe (August 2005)
• Entrepreneurship: A Catalyst for Urban Regeneration (January 2005)
• New Forms of Governance for Economic Development (November 2004)

DG Employment Events & Publications

• "The Interaction between Local Employment Development and Corporate Social Responsibility", January 2009
  In this study, Local Employment Development (LED), is understood as actions aiming at improving the local economy and the local labour market. CSR is the integration of social and environmental concerns into the business operations of companies and in their interaction with their stakeholders on a voluntary basis, i.e. activities that go beyond compliance with legal obligations. The study focuses on companies’ activities which aim at achieving a benefit for the enterprises’ employees, the market (i.e. clients, suppliers, business partners etc.) and/or the physical environment in local communities. The report summarizes  the findings of the national analyses as well as the more specific issues covered in the 25 case studies. On this basis, it draws a series of conclusions and puts forward policy recommendations (Executive Summary).
• Linking Local Actors Website
  The Linking Local Actors project started in January 2006. It provides the means for networking and close cooperation between the Commission and local economic and employment development actors.
• "Promoting Benchmarking within Local Employment Development", January 2006
  The European Commission launched this project at the end of 2004 in order to provide an overview of the use of benchmarking within local employment development (LED) and to promote its use, 'Benchmarking' being understood as the process of setting standards and learning from others.  A key element was a conference (September 2005) on the subject, which followed a period of research and analysis into the concept of benchmarking and its practical application.  A background paper has now been published (in EN & FR) along with a summary leaflet available in all 20 EU languages.
• "Local Employment Development in the EU and the US: promoting successful policies and practices" Brussels, 13-14 June 2005
  In this conference experts and policy makers from the EU and the US came together to discuss employment policy issues of common interest.  Participants were able to engage in dialogue on their respective approaches to and experiences with local employment development. The conference report, the agenda, copies of most of the presentations, and some photos are available. For more information, please contact Ms. Francesca Froy.
• "Practical Handbook on Developing Local Employment Strategies"
  In April 2005 the European Commission published a series of handbooks providing a practical tool for those involved in local employment development.  They indicate the best approaches for designing, developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating successful local strategies and activities. There are 16 handbooks: one for each of the 15 Member States that were EU members prior to May 2004 (in own language and in English); and a general one for New Member States and Candidate Countries (in English).  Each handbook has a common first part, followed by country-specific chapters.