Baert

Thierry

Baert

Validated Lead Expert

Generic Skills

B.1. Understanding of integrated and sustainable urban development:

With the exception of the two first years, my whole professional life has been devoted to integrated and sustainable urban and regional development. As a urban developer ( "aménageur") first , as a estate developer then, and finally as a planner and "urbanist". I had thus to design, plan, implement and monitor different urban development projets, the majority of which were integrating various fields of intervention: physical, economic, social,... They were all located in urban regeneration areas, and especially in deprived neighbourhoods. I had also to help to design and implement urban development strategies at local and/or metropolitan scales, including the creation and management of new governance instruments.

B.2. Understanding of exchange and learning processes at transnational level:

Since the idle of the '90 I've been involved in many exchanges at European level. I chaired the Economic development and urban regeneration committee (EDURC) of the Eurocities network (1998-2000) and its WG on metropolitan governance ( 2010-2012) I designed and managed ( lead partner) several exchange projects under the INTERREG and URBACT programmes , including the "working party on urban regeneration in NW Europe" (6 cities from 4 MS), the "URBACT Culture" network (16 cities from 10 MS) and the "Joining forces" WG ( 8 cities from 8 MS). I was invited to take part in various expertise missions by the OECD, and in several initiatives by the EU Commission ( Cities of tomorrow, Rurban, ,...).

B.3. Proficiency in English:

I've been involved for two decades in many European projects, networks and expertise missions, the majority of which were only using - spoken and written - English. Some others were bilingual: English-French or Italian-English. I also had the opportunity to lead some projects and networks including English native speakers and I took part in some purely British conferences and other events, this including speeches for a public audience. I'm also teaching in English for a master degree developed within the Lille university.

Expertise for the design and delivery of transnational exchange and learning activities:

Summary Expertise for the design and delivery of transnational exchange and learning activities:

I’ve developed a large experience in designing, setting up and managing transnational exchange and learning activities. Lead partner in several European city networks (under the INTERREG and URBACT programmes). Chair of working groups and committees within the Eurocities network. Expertise on urban and regional development for the OECD. Participation in various missions, exchange seminars or other events for Member states agencies, the EU Commission, etc.

Thematic expertise:

Theme / Policy:

Urban Strategic Planning

Summary Thematic expertise:

I've been managing (or directly involved in) the production of strategic planning instruments in Lille and its cross border metropolitan region for the last 25 years. In parallel, I had the opportunity to be involved or to develop exchange activities with a wide range of other European cities, on issues directly related with strategic planning such as urban regeneration, metropolitan governance, ... I was also asked to take part in several expertise mission on these issues in other European countries and regions.

Theme / Policy:

Integrated Urban Renewal

Summary Thematic expertise:

I've been directly involved in the production of urban regeneration strategies and instruments in Lille and its cross border metropolitan region for the last 25 years. In parallel, I had the opportunity to be involved or to develop exchange activities with a wide range of other European cities, on issues directly related with urban regeneration, including the role Culture can play in such processes. I add that I've been living for 15 years in the poorest municipality in France (Roubaix) and one of the most innovative in urban policies design and implementation. I always tried to be active in the local community.

Theme / Policy:

Local Governance