Organisational learning and development in the programmes
RAY LEARN Conference
The RAY Network hosted the RAY LEARN Conference from 17-19 November 2025 in the European Youth Centre in Budapest.
The conference brought together 40 participants, beneficiary organisations of the RAY LEARN research as well as national researchers and National Agency colleagues from the countries involved in the RAY LEARN research project.
The event was designed to celebrate, reward and expand participant’s involvement in the study. Furthermore, it provided a space for beneficiaries to network with each other at the same time as they interact with, and increase their benefit, from the project findings to date.
CONTEXT
>> The RAY LEARN Conference was co-hosted by the National Agencies of the European Youth Programmes from Finland (host), Belgium (Flemish Community), France, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Sweden (co-hosts). The RAY Network Coordination at the Finnish National Agency lead and coordinated the preparation process and the implementation of the seminar in cooperation with the RAY transnational research team as well as the facilitation team.
>> More about the RAY LEARN research HERE.
Programme and outcomes
The first day was dedicated to the official opening, setting the stage as well as networking and socializing.
On the second day we dived into the concept and definitions of organisational learning as well as the preliminary key insights from the RAY LEARN research. Participants had plenty of opportunities to engage and reflect on the findings. In the afternoon, challenges, solutions and practices in the context of organisational learning, with and through the European youth programmes and beyond, were discussed in smaller thematic groups (so-called inside-looking sessions).
The third day was dedicated to outward- and forward-looking. Participants explored structural context and external factors of and for organisational learning. Furthermore, national groups exchanged on how the youth programmes can (and cannot) support organisational learning. There was also space for individual reflection.
In the evening, we visited the Budapest Bike Maffia and contributed to one of their projects, ‘the Vitamin Commando’. We were grateful to be able to support the organisation by helping to make sandwiches for people in need.
WHAT’S NEXT
>> The RAY LEARN research is continuing with two more rounds of focus groups. The final transnational RAY LEARN research report will by ready by summer!
>> Interested in the RAY LEARN research? Check out the findings on the first phase of case studies HERE & watch the next episode of our Youth Research Dialogues on 10 December, dedicated to organisational learning and development with key insights from the RAY LEARN project (more infos HERE).