SIXTH INTERNATIONAL METROPOLIS CONFERENCE

WORKSHOP 32: Combating social problems in urban areas

Wednesday, November 28, 2001
16:00 - 17:30


ORGANIZERS

Name: Dr J. van der Meer
Affiliation/Name of Institution: European Institute for Comparative Urban Research, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Mailing address: P.O.Box 1738, 3000 DR Rotterdam
Courier address: Burgemeester Oudlaan 50
Telephone number + 31 - 10 - 40 81186
Fax number: + 31 - 10 - 40 89153
E-mail address: vandermeer@few.eur.nl

Name: Dr A.G. Schouw, Knowledge Center Major Cities,
E-mail address: gerard.schouw@kcgsb.nl

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

The increasing flow of immigrants most often settles down in deprived areas of the metropolitan cities. Areas that are been threat by an accumulation of social problems and a concentration of distressed groups.

Goal of workshop: The increasing flow of immigrants most often settles down in deprived areas of the metropolitan cities. Areas that are been threat by an accumulation of social problems and a concentration of distressed groups. Combating social problems, such as social exclusion, is one of the most important but also one of the most difficult aims to realise for politicians and their policy advisers.

The researchers of the European Institute for Comparative Urban Research (EURICUR) have defined a theoretical framework for an effective social policy. According to EURICUR the success of local social strategies depends on the way the policy process is been organised ("organising capacity" ). Important elements that need to be taken into account within the organisation of the policy process are vision, strategic networks, leadership, political and societal support, and communication.

The goal of this workshop is to exchange international views and experiences with local strategies to combat social problems in urban areas. According to the EURICUR's theoretical framework the success of local social strategies depends on the way the policy process is been organised ("organising capacity"). Important elements that need to be taken into account within the organisation of the policy process are vision, strategic networks, leadership, political and societal support, and communication.
The workshop will be focused on: 1) deepening the theoretical knowledge 2) generating practical knowledge and tools by which cities strengthen their "organising capacity

Policy relevance and topics for discussion. One of the great challenges of urban governments is to combat social problems within the depressed areas and provide the immigrants with the necessary conditions for a good integration.

Topics for discussion will be:
what social strategies do urban actors develop in response to social problems ?; and
how are they implemented to contribute in an effective and efficient way to an economic and social revitalisation of depressed areas?'

How are policy-makers, researchers and NGO's involved in workshop: The workshop is based upon the recent international comparative investigation "social challenges and organising capacity in cities" by Professor Leo van den Berg, Dr Jan van der Meer and Drs Peter M.J. Pol.

Mr J. Van der Meer will give a short presentation on the theoretical framework of "organising capacity".

In this international comparative investigation social strategies of eight European cities have been analysed. More than 90 representatives of municipalities, urban districts, NGO's active in social field, (social) housing corporations and others have been interviewed.

After the presentation of dr Van der Meer two representatives of the municipality Rotterdam and Antwerp will explore on the practical experience with organising capacity within their cities.

How will international comparisons be introduced into the discussion: International comparison is ensured as the research is based on an international comparative investigation between eight European cities. Two European cities will participate in the workshop.

Discussion of best practices is ensured by the participation of two municipalities who will explore on their experience with organising capacities within their cities.

DURATION: one session of 1,5 hours

PARTICIPANTS
1. Researchers:
Name: Dr J. van der Meer
Institutional Affiliation: European Institute for Comparative Urban Research, Erasmus University Rotterdam
Country: The Netherlands

2. Policy-makers Representative of the Municipality of Rotterdam
Name: Mw E.U. Poot, ICE
Institutional Affiliation: Programme manager Bureau Integrated Area Approach
Urban Development and Public Housing Service
Country: The Netherlands

3. Policy-makers Representative of the Municipality of Antwerp
Name: Mr J. Goorden
Institutional Affiliation Director of City Development Company Antwerp
Country: Belgium

Panel chairman:
Name: Dr G. Schouw
Institutional Affiliation: Director of Knowledge Center Mayor Cities
Country: The Netherlands