When it comes to collaborative projects, great results don’t just come from meetings and reports—they come from connection. At the recent Interreg North Sea Region TakeUp Event on January 21st in Copenhagen, many Call 3 and 4 projects gathered to learn about better engaging their "Takers" and fostering successful partnerships. Among them was Cornelia Cordes, SHARE-North Squared project lead from the City of Bremen, who shared an inspiring approach: the concept of Summer Academies.
So, what’s a Summer Academy, and why does it matter?
The Missing Piece in Project Partnerships
Most partnerships follow a standard rhythm: two in-person meetings per year, packed with presentations, updates, public events, and excursions—essential but busy. Add to that the online meetings for updates and troubleshooting, and you’re left with little time for deeper collaboration or meaningful connection.
Cornelia compared this to a German saying from figure skating: "Das eine ist Pflicht, das andere die Kür!" Translation? The essentials (Pflicht) are like the required elements in a performance, but the magic (Kür) happens when you add creativity and artistry.
This is where the SHARE-North Squared Summer Academies shine.
What Exactly is a Summer Academy?
Picture this:
Three nights, four days in a shared venue in a peaceful rural setting.
No distractions, just a tight-knit group of partners focused on collaboration.
In-depth workshops, hands-on sessions, and time to explore “off-topic” ideas that don’t always fit into a traditional agenda.
Teambuilding activities and shared meals that strengthen relationships.
The goal? To create space for deeper understanding, better communication, and stronger teamwork—all while tackling project-related challenges in innovative ways.
Why Summer Academies Work
Cornelia highlighted the unique benefits of these gatherings:
Focus and Clarity
Away from the noise of daily life, partners can dive into key topics without distraction.
Stronger Connections
Shared meals, conversations, and even games build trust and camaraderie, making it easier to resolve conflicts or avoid them altogether.
Collaborative Magic
With hands-on workshops and discussions, partners get to truly understand each other's work, exchange ideas, and build on shared solutions.
Proof That It Works: The 2017 Success Story
A standout example of a Summer Academy’s impact is from 2017, where Autodelen.net and Taxistop (now Mpact) adopted the City of Bremen’s mobil.punkte strategy and successfully transferred it to Flanders and the Netherlands. This breakthrough came directly from the collaboration and brainstorming fostered during the Summer Academy.
The Takeaway
Summer Academies aren’t just another event on the calendar—they’re where the magic happens. By combining focus, creativity, and connection, they turn good partnerships into great ones.
As Cornelia put it, the success of SHARE-North Squared shows us the importance of balancing the Pflicht (essentials) with the Kür (creativity). Because when you take time to build real relationships, you create a foundation for long-term success.
So, the next time your team is stuck in the grind of mandatory meetings, consider adding a little freestyle. You might just find your project’s magic moment waiting in a countryside retreat. 🌟
Written by: Cornelia Cordes
Edited by: Steffie De Moor