Policy learning is understood as a collaborative, iterative and reflective process where policymakers and other decision-makers engage with evidence, share experiences, and discuss shared topics of interest and challenges.

In contrast to policy borrowing, which often involves the direct replication of solutions from one system to another, policy learning encourages:

• • A deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms behind reforms.
• • Consideration of local cultural, institutional and systemic factors.
• • Mutual exchange and co-construction of knowledge across countries.

 

How we support policy learning

European Schoolnet facilitates policy learning with the objective of improving and advancing Europe's education systems. Our work focuses on critically examining what works, for whom, and under what conditions – ensuring that insights are meaningfully adapted to local contexts and needs.

Our approach is rooted in supporting ministries of education and key stakeholders in making evidence-informed decisions that are aligned with their national, regional or local priorities, and are responsive to European and global developments in education.

We aim to create an enabling environment where policymakers from different countries can benefit from:

 

Knowledge brokering

We support evidence-informed policymaking by gathering, analysing and disseminating knowledge about educational reforms and practices. This includes:

• • Mapping policy reforms and strategies across member countries through the ‘Agile Collection of Information' process, focusing on emerging topics and challenges in education.
• • Case studies on system-level innovation and change.
• • Study visits offering in-depth understanding of national and local strategies.
• • Perspective papers summarising key research on innovation in education and translating it into concrete ideas for policy action – bridging the gap between knowledge creation (research) and knowledge use (decision-making or practice), and ensuring that evidence leads to real impact.

 

Policy exchange and peer learning

We facilitate ongoing dialogue and peer learning among policymakers through:

• • Annual reports capturing emerging policy priorities of member countries (reserved for European Schoolnet members only).
• • Cross-country dialogues organised as part of the European Schoolnet standing working groups, or as ad hoc exchanges on important policy topics.
• • The European Schoolnet EMINENT annual conference, focused each year on a key policy theme.

 

Policy intelligence

• • The European Schoolnet monthly Policy Newsletter, sharing updates on activities across the organisation's focus areas – including new publications, events, project insights and resources for policy and decision-making.
• • The Policy Learning Alert, a monthly digest shared with European Schoolnet members, highlighting the latest news shaping education – including new national policies and reforms, international policy resources, and research evidence (reserved for European Schoolnet members only)
• • Podcast episodes featuring expert insights into policy issues, challenges and innovations.

 

Fostering synergies

We coordinate and participate in strategic projects and initiatives that advance policy learning in education, through:

• • Projects producing policy recommendations grounded in research and field evidence.
• • Targeted technical assistance tailored to the specific needs of individual education authorities.
• • Expert support, leveraging European Schoolnet's network to address critical policy challenges.