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James Davies 21 st February 2014. North East LEP European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020. Why Europe is important. Face similar economic, social and environmental context Strong business links to rest of Europe – nearest and easiest market to access
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James Davies 21st February 2014 North East LEP European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-2020
Why Europe is important • Face similar economic, social and environmental context • Strong business links to rest of Europe – nearest and easiest market to access • European Union accounts for c. 50% of value of good exports (North East and UK) • 41% of exporters trade with EU (36% for UK)
Part of the Agenda for Growth • Local Enterprise Partnerships asked to prepare Strategic Economic Plans to set the framework for economic development in local areas • North East LEP currently out for consultation on draft Strategic Economic Plan (closes 25th February) • European Structural and Investment Funds are a key resource to deliver these, but not the only fund
European Structural and Investment Funds Strategy • LEPs were requested to develop a European Structural and Investment Funds Strategy responding to allocation • Draft submitted in October 2013 followed by consultation. Strategy to Government in January 2013
Priorities for ESIF Strategy The North East LEP European Structural and Investment Funds Strategy identifies 5 priorities: • Innovation • SME Business Growth • Low Carbon Growth • Employability and Social Inclusion • Skills
Engaging with the programme • How the programme will be delivered is currently being developed with further guidance due • Proposal is for a range of approaches to be used. • Opt-in programmes (SFA/DWP/Big Lottery) • Specific calls for projects • Open calls for projects • Projects not limited to LEP boundaries and collaboration/consortia are encouraged to engage wider range of, and smaller, organisations.
Links to Transnational Programmes • LEP role focused on Structural and Investment Funds but importance of integration between elements is highlighted in strategy • Importance of links across different funding streams wider than just European funding • Opportunities to wrap-around programmes – learn from others and share best practice
Next Steps • Negotiation by UK Government of LEP strategies (March/April 2014) • UK Programme and Partnership Agreement reached (c. April 2014) • Move to implementation and shadow arrangements to start developing projects. • First calls for projects to go out late 2014