How to increase PR of sites?

What can be done to increase co-operation and engagement within an organisation in which the associates are based in multiple sites?

• I'm currently interning in a global investment bank, working in the technology division in the EMEA region. To date, I've noticed that there is a lack of meaningful, sustained interaction between the regional sites (i.e. Madrid, Milan, Istanbul, Zurich and so on) and the London offices (which are viewed as a mecca in terms of all things technological within the firm outside of the US). By this I mean not enough effort being made to engage the associates in regional sites. All things appear to be done in isolation within the EMEA region, with the US being the source of innovation, London implementing the innovation with help from the US and the regional sites following suit. But the transition from London to the EMEA regional sites is not as seamless as expected, perhaps due to a lack of subject matter experts on site or the language barriers - the associates in region appear to be distanced from the action in London and the US. Is there anything that could be done to increase co-operation and engagement between regional sites and London? I'm quite interested in hearing what is being done in other firms. What initiatives could get the ball rolling?

• Answer:

  I had to deal with precisely this issue for many years. Several things can be done for more effective communications over large distances. First, establish a regular cycle of web based virtual meetings/reviews to monitor progress and issues. Second, regular phone calls with key folks is important to establish rapport and trust. Lastly, make it a point to actually visit the dispersed sites several times a year to physically meet and interact with key folks  to better gauge status. It will also help "cement" relationships and trust.