Weaving Regional Learning Ecosystems: a conceptual framework and tool for government leaders and policymakers

Abstract

This article describes the outcome of a first, conceptual stage in a global project led by NetEduProject and UNESCO. The goal is to design a tool targeting government leaders and policymakers that would weave together Regional Learning Ecosystems. A tentative grounded ecosystem approach and tool concept is developed from a literature review, comparison of current stakeholders maps, case studies and through global workshops and collective good practices analysis. Through an initial collaboration between the concept tool development team and a prototyping process being carried out in Ghana, this new approach led to the creation of the first digital version tool. The tool is intended to be inherently flexible and evolutive while also offering structure to broaden the decision-making space. And so, it is the overall aim to support government leaders and policymakers in weaving together, alongside, and in partnership with others the learning processes across their country—from schools to workplaces - so the tool motivate and assist leaders in building relationships that will have a lasting impact on organizations, regional economies and communities. In other words, the overall purpose of creating spaces is to shift people's awareness and expand what they already know—but don't necessarily see as relevant or connected. This lens change has the potential to seed positive interdependencies, mobilize diverse stakeholders from multiple sectors and disciplines beyond traditional educational systems and strengthen communities.