September 2018 - April 2019, BGI Consulting carried out the evaluation of the implementation progress of the Specific Objective under Priority Axis 8 aimed at improving local employability and enhancing social integration of communities, by making use of relationship among local communities, businesses, and local governments. The evaluation was commissioned by the Ministry of the Interior of the Republic of Lithuania. It was aimed at assessing the relevance of investments under selected Specific Objective, identifying areas to be improved in the management of this Specific Objective and investment perspectives, as well as assessing institutional capacities and performance of urban local action groups (LAGs). The object of the evaluation consists of the measures implemented under the aforementioned Specific Objective aimed at development, implementation and management of local development strategies.

 

The evaluation was conducted, its findings and recommendations were developed on the basis of the community-led local development (CLLD) principles, primarily bottom-up approach to the implementation of local development policy, taking into account local needs and opportunities, as well as social and cultural peculiarities. Evaluators were of the opinion that the development and implementation of local development strategies should be entrusted to LAGs, representing community interests, while local development strategies should respond to local needs and apply innovative development tools. Evaluation encompassed determination of the impact of local development strategies on the social and economic development of urban areas and regions, as well as capacities and skills of LAGs and their role in the communities.

 

While carrying out the evaluation, various methods were employed, including analysis of secondary sources, legislation, monitoring data related to the implementation of local development projects and official statistical data, surveys (of representatives from LAGs, Regional Development Boards’ secretariats, municipal administrations and local development project promoters), interviews (with representatives from competent authorities, urban LAGs and organizations implementing local development projects) and case studies (of local development projects aimed at reducing social exclusion implemented in Šiauliai city and local development projects aimed at promoting local employment and entrepreneurship implemented in Mažeikiai town).

 

On the basis of the evaluation, it was concluded that urban LAGs were successful in performing their functions and ensuring the implementation of local development strategies, however they lack financial resources required for ensuring quality operation of their organizations and maintaining qualified staff. Selection and implementation processes of local development projects created additional administrative burden on their applicants and project promoters. Some local development projects were rather standard and encompassed conventional services, thus, not providing opportunities for offering thematically and qualitatively new services to the communities. This shortcoming was partially compensated by the involvement of volunteers in implementing local development projects. It has positively contributed to strengthening community ties and promoting self-help, and has allowed to offer alternative services to the communities.

 

Final evaluation report, inter alia, includes recommendations regarding possible changes in the role of LAGs and strengthening of their capacities, as well as areas to be improved in the management of local development strategies’ implementation.