The LEADER forum
An independent and voluntary association
of all LEADER regions in Austria
LEADER is participatory regional development serving rural communities, the private sector and civil society. In this context, participation means co-design and co-funding. LEADER offers the greatest thematic scope in the field of regional development, as project selection is carried out by the Local Action Group. This form of regional self-determination is unique to LEADER. All 83 Austrian LEADER regions cooperate voluntarily and independently within the LEADER forum. At the heart of this is a central communication and working body that specifically drives the further development and strengthening of the regions and the LEADER approach.
- Network & co-operate: We promote exchange and cooperation between LEADER regions and relevant networks, organisations and decision-makers.
- Tackling challenges: We identify hurdles in LEADER/CLLD implementation, name them clearly and drive forward targeted improvements.
- Co-design & implement: We are actively involved in committees, meetings and working groups at national and international level in order to develop practical solutions for the regions.
- Sharing experience & creating synergies: We strengthen the transfer of knowledge between the regions, initiate co-operations and represent overarching interests with vigour.
The association is supported by the Chairman Wolfgang Berger represent the organisation externally. Each province (except Vienna) sends two representatives to the Board, which means that the Board consists of 16 people.