Pascal responds to the growing international demand from cities, regional governments and other clients for expertise which can be quickly mobilised to support initiatives related to place, enhancing social cohesion and learning as well as innovation and development. There is internationally a renewed policy and scholarly interest in these issues and Pascal aims to connect the growing community of practitioners and scholars.

Pascal grew out of the OECD led international conferences on learning cities and regions and the Advisory Board included two members from the OECD in its initial five years, while the Chair is the former Director of CERI, OECD.

Pascal is currently made up of a number of regional governments and universities from around the globe. Initially commencing in Australia and Europe Pascal is now expanding into North America and Asia – see membership of the Advisory Board which sets the strategic agenda for Pascal.

Those involved include 

• Policy-makers: for access to up to date policy development and implementation knowledge from around the globe
• Academics: for opportunities for cross disciplinary research and access to the latest theories and academic debates
• Researchers and Evaluators: for access to monitoring/evaluation instruments, published findings and indicators of success and failure
• Senior managers: for access to international learnings as well as access to management information including eg project costs; accessing funding sources; tender specifications.

• Real time access to international best practice – what works, what doesn’t and why?
• Opportunities to exchange ideas and learnings
• Significantly reduced transaction costs in accessing best practice relevant international information and expertise
• Able to help shape the Pascal international policy development and research agenda.

Individuals enjoy access to Pascal website resources without cost.
Pascal maintains a Register of Associates identified by invitation.
There are two membership options:

• National, Regional and Local Public Authorities
• Universities

Participation and membership from the voluntary sector and from business welcome.

UK Glasgow office -  Mike Osborne -  m.osborne@educ.gla.ac.uk

Australian Pascal office - Bruce Wilson - bruce.wilson@rmit.edu.au

Australian Pascal office - Mary Serafim -  mary.serafim@rmit.edu.au

Secretary General - j.tibbitt@educ.gla.ac.uk