Cooperation between local action groups. Comparison of networks created by organisations from the Lubuskie and Małopolskie Voivodeships

Local action groups (LAGs) can realize so-called cooperation projects and create networks of cooperation within the framework of the projects with other organisations of the kind. The article includes comparison of networks created by LAGs from the Lubuskie and Małopolskie Voivodeships. The aim was to find out differences and similarities between them. A few questions were posed: 1. Are the ratios of the LAGs from the Małopolskie and Lubuskie Voivodeships which realise cooperation projects to the total numbers of LAGs in those regions similar? 2. What motivated LAGs to take up cooperation, was it only financial goals or other goals as well (such as exchange of experiences or mutual assistance), which might prove that the LAGs are ready to create non-instrumental social networks? 3. What determined the number of cooperating LAGs and composition of the networks? 4. What is the subject of cooperation between local action groups? The research was conducted in 2012 with the method of case study. Two study techniques were used in it: content analysis and free-form interview. It was proved that there are similarities but also significant differences between networks of cooperation of LAGs. Organisations from Małopolska were characterised with greater openness to social contacts with entities unknown to them and more often took up cooperation with organisations from other voivodeships and countries, which may indicate a higher level of social capital they have.