From January 21st to 23rd, the EPIC-UP consortium gathered in Brescia, Italy, for a follow-up meeting and field visits hosted by the project partner ADL Zavidovic. The agenda included key discussions on upcoming project activities and insightful field visits to explore success stories of migrant integration in Brescia.
The project partners have initiated internal training sessions to establish the Communities of Practice (CoPs). These online sessions are equipping CoP leaders with the principles, methods, and tools needed to successfully run CoPs and conduct social experiments to test innovative solutions. As part of this process, CoP leaders are mapping stakeholders and devising engagement strategies to foster collaboration and drive impact.
Identification of good practices in migrant integration
Another critical milestone for the project has been the identification of good practices in the integration of migrants and refugees. This initiative provides a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of existing approaches, focusing primarily on the consortium’s territories while also considering broader contexts.
This activity will have a fully practical-oriented approach since it will lead not only to a research outcome, but, most importantly, it will culminate in a taxonomized database of good practices. This resource will serve as a foundation for CoP workshops, inspiring co-created solutions and fostering more effective integration strategies.
Migration in Brescia
Brescia is an Italian city in the province of Lombardy that holds the status as one of the engines of the national economy. Because of a large demand for labour force in various industries, Brescia has been increasingly affected by a significant rise of the migrant population.
Brescia’s large migrant population represents a valuable opportunity for the city. After nearly 40 years of significant migrant presence, this multicultural dynamic has become a normalised aspect of urban life. Given this diversity, local services must be designed to address the varied needs of the community, with a focus on fostering inclusivity and participation. Particular attention should be given to integrating and empowering new citizens through targeted, inclusive initiatives.
The EPIC-UP project is actively supporting Brescia in developing participative approaches to design new integration services through the establishment of a Community of Practice. By bringing together stakeholders, sharing good practices, and fostering collaboration, the project aims to identify the needs and create sustainable pathways for migrant integration.