REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

“Regions for Economic Change”

Michael Latsch

DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR REGIONAL POLICY

“Thematic coordination, innovation” Unit

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

What is ‘Regions for Economic Change’ (RfEC)?

• A new initiative, no new funding• Implementation through two major networking programmes:

interregional (INTERREG IVC), urban development (URBACT II)Core objectives:

• Addressing common issues together• Creating a stronger link between exchange of good practices

and mainstream funding programmes = capitalisation

Four key elements:• Thematic approach (30 themes)• Communication• Two-way bridge between networking and mainstream

programmes• ‘Fast track’ option (Commission support)

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

30 Themes covered across INTERREG IVC & Urbact II Programmes

• Attractive places to invest and work – adapting to a global economy, urban transport, sustainability issues;

• Knowledge and innovation for growth – RTDI, training researchers, ICT services and access;

• More and better jobs – innovation qualifications , entrepreneurial skills and supports, integrating migrants, youth and addressing demographic change;

• Territorial dimension – urban development, costal zones and the

benefits of the sea, preventing flood, rural diversification.

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

What is ‘Regions for Economic Change’?

Communication and DisseminationYearly conferences

RegioStars AwardsWebsite

Publications

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

2009 RfEC Conference: Networking for Results

• Discuss how European regional policy and its instruments can help regions to learn from one another and translate network outputs into action through mainstream policy and programmes

• 16 - 17 February 2009• http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/conferences/networking/

home_en.cfm• Conference and proceedings brochure

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

RegioStars 2009 & RegioStars 2010

• Objective: to identify good practices in regional development and to highlight original and innovative projects which could be attractive and inspiring to other regions

• 2009 RegioStars awarded on 16 February• http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/innovation/regiostars_en.htm

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

RegioStars 2009 & RegioStars 2010

• RegioStars 2010 categories:• CityStar themes

1. Innovative use of brownfield sites in an urban context

2. The Integration of migrants or marginalised groups in urban areas

• ICT Themes3. ICT applications for e-inclusion

4. ICT applications by or for SMEs

5. Broadband coverage in less developed regions or rural areas

• Information and Communication category6. Websites offering quality information and showing the

European added-value

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

Fast Track Networks

• As any other network, based on exchange:experience and ‘good practice’

• Capitalisation of knowledge already available:tools, methods, approaches, management skills, thematic knowledge

• Focus on action:translation of ‘good practices’ into mainstream policies and programmes (esp. EU-funded ones)

• Active involvement of the Managing Authorities (MAs) of the relevant Operational Programme(s)

• Concrete deliverables (Action Plans), practical implementation with an eye to sustainability beyond the life of the network

• Support of the Commission services: DG Regional Policy and other DGs.

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

Fast Track label

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

Geographic distribution of FTNs

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

Approval and labelling of FTNs

A process carried out in parallel to evaluation by JTS and financing decision of Committee. Assessment questions - available on the RfEC website – reflect the 4 objectives:

– Priority theme and relevance for Cohesion Policy – Wider coverage and exchange of experience – 2-way bridge – Transparency and communication

Labelling by Commission services => Financing decision by Monitoring Committee

REGIONAL POLICY

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Brussels 17 March 2009

Thank you for your attention!

Michael Latsch

DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR REGIONAL POLICY

“Thematic coordination, innovation” Unit

Regions for Economic Change

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/ecochange/index_en.cfm