A comparative analysis of EU funding and policy support structures : Report to Scotland Europa (Scottish Enterprise)

The study involved a comparative assessment of support structures for attracting EU funding in Finland, Sweden, Ireland, Emilia Romagna (Italy), and Nordrhein Westfalen (Germany). Against a backdrop of declining receipts for Scotland from EU Structural Funds, the question is whether Scotland could better exploit some of the other sources of EU funding, notably: the EU Framework Programme for Research and Development (FP); the Competitiveness and Innovation Programme (CIP); the Lifelong Learning Programme (LLP); Trans-European Networks (TEN-T and TEN-E); and the Community Initiative, formerly known as Interreg, which in 2007-13 is part of the new Territorial Cooperation Objective

Finland's ITIs - The six city strategy delivering open and smart services in partnership

This article reviews how Finland is implementing its sustainable urban development (SUD) strategy in 2014-20 as a part of ERDF Regulation Article 7 requirements, through the use of an Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) called the ‘Six City Strategy’. The article provides a detailed analysis of the Six City Strategy, describing its development, implementation and progress, and distilling some elements of good practice and lessons learned from this unique city network approach

European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland Post 2020

Despite Brexit debates, the cycle of programme planning and delivery carries on in Scotland. Scotland has been, and continues to be, a valued partner in a number of European Territorial Cooperation programmes. In terms of planning for the future, Brexit and on-going debates on the EU regulations, proposed programme geographies and funding mean there are significant ‘unknowns’. However, there are equally important ‘knowns’ and past experience to use as an initial basis for planning. On Brexit: 1. The new European Territorial Cooperation Regulations proposed by the European Commission’s DG Regio make provision for UK participation as a third country, if by that time it has left the EU. 2. Third country participation is a routine part of Interreg and other European Cooperation Programmes, especially for Programmes in which Scotland currently participates. On the post-2020 programmes: 1. The broad areas of intervention proposed in the draft ETC regulations are unlikely to change substantially in the final draft. 2. Programme geographies are not yet agreed. But, European Commission plans for major changes have been challenged, and in the past Programme areas have only ever increased. A likely scenario would be, therefore, limited change. On Scottish engagement: 1. Good experience and engagement with past programmes and projects means there is a strong commitment to on-going participation in Interreg in Scotland. 2. Scottish partners, and their expertise, are valued by collaboration partners and programmes. Working on this basis, this report presents the findings of a series of Scottish Government workshops and a conference on opportunities for Future of European Territorial Cooperation. The report highlights the particular value attached to European Territorial Cooperation in Scotland, provides clear indications of thematic and territorial areas of interest for the post 2020 period, and illustrates the potential for territorial cooperation and interest in maintaining cooperation going forward

Case-based Impact Evaluation of the Interact Programme 2014-2020

The Interact programme has a distinct role in reinforcing the effectiveness of cohesion policy by promoting exchange of experience and best practice in relation to the implementation of cooperation programmes and actions. For the 2014-2020 period Interact’s overall objective is broken down into three programme-specific objectives to inprove: i) the management and control capacity of Interreg programmes; ii) Interreg capacity in capturing and communicating programme results; and iii) cooperation management capacity to implement innovative approaches.The Impact Evaluation of the Interact programme assesses the effect of Interact’s services on Interreg programmes and other relevant stakeholders, particularly macro-regional strategy actors. It aims to answer “How has Interact contributed to supporting Interreg programmes, and in the case of macro-regional strategies other relevant stakeholders, and to improving/changing practices?” The evaluation is based on case studies of five specific Interact projects. The evaluation finds sound evidence that the five Interact projects generated immediate results, in terms of changed practices in programme authorities and cultures (‘mindsets’) and improved systems and tools. Further, the case studies also demonstrate that Interact has an impact on programmes that goes beyond capacity building. There is sound evidence that the selected services have tangible effects on the efficiency and effectiveness of programme delivery, on programmes’ resilience to change, and also on the programmes’ stakeholders, in particular applicants/beneficiaries

European Examples : Sweden, Denmark and the Netherlands

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Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland cross-border territorial cooperation programme 2007–2013 : development of a joint strategic approach on behalf of Scottish partners

Describes the Ireland, Northern Ireland and Western Scotland cross-border territorial cooperation programme 2007–2013

Cross programme collaboration between regional territorial cooperation programmes

There are increased pressures to improve linkages between European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) programmes. This article identifies three models that can assist more collaborative approaches. It goes on to draw practical lessons on issues around the establishment of such mechanisms. The article draws on the authors’ experiences in relation to formulating and consulting on proposals for a collaborative mechanism in the Euro-Arctic region. Regional territorial cooperation is considered an important driver for development in the Arctic and adjacent northern European regions and is supported by European Arctic States and the European Union. Experience from the Arctic demonstrates the added value of regional collaboration. However, formalised cooperation and collaboration need to be highly tailored to specific regional needs and conditions. The development of formal mechanisms needs to build trust and acceptance among the key stakeholders

Implementing Innovation : Smarter & Greener Actions

R&I plays an important role in mitigating the impact of ‘crisis’ situations, contributing to economic growth, and delivering green and digital transitions. Cohesion Policy, especially the Smart Specialisation approach, provides a key instrument for delivering place-based innovation that reflects the strengths and assets of the regions, and addressing the innovation divide in Europe. While innovative actions have been a key priority under Cohesion Policy in the past, the 2021-27 programme period represents a higher level of ambition with a focus on: (1) market-orientation of R&I activities to produce higher value added and futureoriented activities; (2) applied research and the uptake of new technologies, particularly in relation to societal challenges; and, (3) diffusion of knowledge, technologies and innovation, with a specific focus on the development of skills. The Policy Objectives (POs), especially PO1 and PO2, and their respective Specific Objectives (SOs) provide a common framework of possible innovative actions for all Member States and regions. However, the choice of investment types varies depending on the level of regional prosperity and maturity of innovation. The Smart Specialisation approach has informed how R&I has been supported under Cohesion Policy since the 2014-20 programme period. The Smart Specialisation approach to strategy development implies an inclusive process of stakeholder engagement to drive a prioritisation process based on territorial strengths and competitive advantage. While IQ-Net programmes are implemented in a range of different contexts and hence adopt varied approaches, they have identified several key lessons from 2014-20, especially around the need for: sound governance models to ensure embeddedness; the challenges of ensuring broad stakeholder representation, the need for effective prioritisation; the importance of collaboration and cooperation; capacity issues and the importance of monitoring and results dissemination. In terms of delivering Smart Specialisation and innovation in the IQ-Net programmes, there is a large degree of continuity from 2014-20. At the same time, the approaches have been evolving and maturing, taking into account lessons learned. Novel elements include new and strengthened initiatives around clusters and cooperation