Thematic Network on Migrants and Minorities
in European Cities
Thematic Network on Migrants and Minorities in European Cities |
|
Work Programme
Introduction
Project title
Network objectives
Network methodology
Milestones
Roles of participants
Work planning
Deliverables
Complementary projects
Conclusion
1.1 This document sets out the work programme for the Thematic Network on Migrants and Minorities in European Cities (funded by the European Commission, DGXII-TSER, from 1997). It specifies the objectives of the network, the way it will proceed, the role of participants and the expected output. Members of the network can be found in the linked
Appendix A.2.1 The full title for the project is Thematic Network on Migrants and Minorities in European Cities but it will be known by the abbreviation MigCities Network.
3.1 The network has the following five objectives:
to draw together what is known on the social integration and social exclusion of migrants and minorities in European cities from previous research through supporting five ‘state-of-the-art’ scientific meetings
to disseminate this information through books, articles and other means
to extend the existing network, thereby helping to establish a stronger research base through newsletters and in other ways
to relate existing research findings to policy priorities
to support the development of further research proposals
3.2 These objectives will be pursued at a European level and will be initiated by members of the network from eight member states.
4.1 The main methodology used by the network will be scientific
‘state-of-the-art’ meetings and associated literature reviews. These meetings
will cover the following topics:
Globalisation and social exclusion: the impact on migrants and minorities in European cities
This meeting brought together leading experts on the economic, spatial
and social impact of global economic changes as they impact upon urban labour and housing
markets. The meeting was held in the U.K. in May/June 1997. A book of papers from this
meeting will appear in 1999.
The dynamics of social integration and social exclusion at the neighbourhood level
The purpose of this meeting was to consider what is known about the
effects of macro-level transformations at the local level. It provided an overview of the
analyses so far prepared at the neighbourhood level and assessed their impact
comparatively using the network cities as case studies and other examples. The meeting was
held in Ličge in November 1997.
Comparative research on migrants in cities: data availability and data needs
This meeting examined the data needs for studies of migrants and minorities in cities.
It provided an overview of the current position but also focused on new measures of social
integration and social exclusion. The meeting was held in Milan in November 1998.
Migrants, minorities and the issue of the 'second generation'
The purpose of this meeting will be to assess the particular position of young people
from vulnerable minorities, particularly those of migrant origin. It will examine the
research evidence on the factors leading to educational and career success on both sides
of the Atlantic.
Migrants in cities: new directions in economic and social policy
This meeting will focus on the policy strategies which are needed to overcome problems of social exclusion in cities. It will be held in partnership with policy-makers and will draw on the expertise and experience of member state governments.
4.2 The methodological devices used in these meetings will be twofold:
Critical summaries and evaluations of research findings from known experts
Separate reviews of the research literature as a whole
In both cases, the papers will be prepared in advance of the meeting and circulated to all participants.
Each meeting will have 40-60 participants and will last 2 1/2 days (five sessions). The participants will be drawn from three main categories:
leading scientific opinion from all EU member states with a small number of external (i.e. non-European experts)
representatives of official agencies at the local (city), national and European level (eg. Eurocities, CEC etc)
representatives of migrant organisations, particularly those with a research and policy focus (eg Migrants Forum et al)
5.1 These meetings will form the main milestones of the programme. Their timing will be at the following stages of the programme:
Month 12
Month 18
Month 24
Month 30
Month 36
These timings will be adjusted by small amounts to ensure adequate organisation and appropriate accommodation.
6.1 Participating members of the network will collaborate in the organisation of these international meetings. The prime responsibility, however, will fall on national teams working either independently or in collaboration with another network partner. The responsibilities are as follows:
| Meeting 1 | Netherlands and United Kingdom (Utrecht), May 97 |
| Meeting 2 | France and Belgium (Liege), Nov. 97 |
| Meeting 3 | Italy (Milan), Nov. 98 |
| Meeting 4 | Spain and Portugal (Lisbon), Nov. 99 |
| Meeting 5 | Germany (Köln), April 2000 |
The locations after the name of the partner indications the location for the meeting. The exact venue is determined by the availability of appropriate conference accommodation.
7.1 The work planning for all the activities of the MigCities Network will be the responsibility of the core group. This group will consist of at least one member of the national teams. It will be co-ordinated and managed by the co-ordinating partner. The core group will meet every four months in one of the main urban locations participating in the programme.
7.2 Network communications were aided originally by a MigCities Supplement to the Merger newsletter which was published three times per annum. Continued information on the MigCities Network will be available in the NEMES newsletter run by the co-ordinating partner.
8.1 The main deliverables from the meetings will be a series of edited volumes (five in total). These books will be published in both paperback and hardback editions.
8.2 An additional volume drawing together the overall findings from the network will also be produced. The production of this volume will be the responsibility of the co-ordinating partner.
8.3 Where opportunities arise the activities of the MigCities Network will also be reflected in special issues of the co-ordinating partner’s academic journal, Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies.
9.1 The MigCities Network will be initiating proposals for small additional projects linked to this work programme. The following three proposals will be prepared:
An inventory of local policy initiatives
The development of a database of statistical information on participating cities
A MigCities observatory detailing the economic, housing, educational and other aspects affecting the social integration or social exclusion of migants in European Cities.
9.2 In addition links will continue to be built with the
Metropolis Project which has been co-ordinated by a joint Canadian-US management team, but which is currently expanding its activities and management base in Europe. Co-operation and joint activities with this project will be sought wherever possible.10.1 This work programme describes the activities of a thematic network which will run for three years. At the end of that time, the network will have generated a substantial volume of information and will also support research development and effective communications between researchers with an interest in this field in European member states.