b-solutions Objective 2:
putting solutions into practice
What is Objective 2?
b-solutions is about driving an evidence-based approach to solving legal and/or administrative border obstacles. Commissioning an expert report – the evidence- is the first stage, which constitutes the tool for the next stage of resolving the obstacle. This involves action, brokerage and consensus-building to embed a solution in practical and/or statutory terms.
Turning the recommendations of a b‑solutions report into concrete, actionable measures requires further work and support. To bridge this gap, b‑solutions provides additional assistance to help beneficiaries refine and operationalise the solutions identified in their expert report, while supporting engagement with key stakeholders at national, subnational and in some cases European levels, to achieve concrete outcomes centred on the border solution.
Examples of b-solutions cases which received Objective 2 support are showcased here.
Who is eligible to participate?
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Entities which have already received advice under b-solutions;
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Eligible entities with the authority to advance the implementation of a solution for a previous b-solutions’ case.
What does b-solutions next-stage implementation support look like?
The support package has three elements: mentoring, technical expert support, and a mini-grant to support the organisation of an event.
Mentoring
Mentoring and strategic support are at the heart of our overarching support for cases which continue towards implementation under Objective 2. This support is provided via AEBR b-solutions senior expert advisor, Ms Caitriona Mullan. The mentor accompanies the beneficiary in:
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developing the deliverables relevant for advancing the solution;
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identifying an expert whose skills match with the needs of the case;
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and ensuring that full ownership of the solution rests with the organisation.
It is important that the beneficiary is supported effectively to navigate the environment in which the solution needs to be taken forward.
Expert support for accelerating the solution
Each Objective 2 beneficiary can receive additional expert time from a professional whose profile and expertise match the specific needs of the case. The expert will provide strategic support and advice which will include producing key documents or information resources required to move the proposed solution(s) toward implementation. This deliverable, referred to as the Implementation Plan, may take different forms depending on the nature of the solution identified in the previous expert report. It can be:
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a legislative proposal;
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a bilateral agreement proposal between regional, territorial or national stakeholders;
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a joint cooperation protocol at institutional level or in a specialist area (e.g. emergency search and rescue; educational exchange agreement);
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specific user-facing guidelines (e.g. cross-border product labelling guidelines, information for cross-border students on recognition of qualifications etc.)
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or a proposal for a reviewed administrative procedure.
The expert will be contracted and paid by AEBR.
Mini-grant to organise an outreach event
In addition, each beneficiary may receive up to €3,000 in the form of a mini‑grant to organise an event, for example a workshop or roundtable, which is tailored to the requirements of its specific case. The event will take place at an appropriate point in the development process, depending on what is most useful to advancing the solution. Its aim is to present the Implementation Plan, promote the proposed solution(s), and bring together the relevant stakeholders and decision‑makers needed to advance its implementation.
How to participate?
If you are an eligible entity and interested in Objective 2 support, please reach out at b-solutions@aebr.eu and the b-solutions team will respond to explore a potential collaboration.
