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Developing the NWE knowledge-based economy: scope of Priority 1. Rationale for transnational cooperation in NWE. Strengths of the NWE. high economic performance (GDP/per capita) critical mass in terms of high density of population and economic activities
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Developing the NWE knowledge-based economy: scope of Priority 1
Rationale for transnational cooperation in NWE Strengths of the NWE • high economic performance (GDP/per capita) • critical mass in terms of high density of population and economic activities • home to important financial and decision-making headquarters • high levels of employment • good provision of universities and research institutes • highly educated people • good transport connections • HOWEVER…
Rationale for transnational cooperation in NWE Weaknesses of the NWE • regional disparities in economic performance and growth (metropolitan versus rural areas) • innovation and knowledge-economy sectors mainly concentrated in and around urban areas • regional disparities in R&D expenditure and employment • comparatively low levels of R&D investment and employment • NEED FOR ACTION!
Three Objectives for Innovation Priority 1: Developing the NWE knowledge-based economy by capitalising on our capacity for innovation • Objective 1.1: to promote greater entrepreneurship and facilitate the translation of knowledge into products, processes and services that strengthen the NWE competitiveness • Objective 1.2: to develop new and strengthen existing growth clusters and networks by building on the endogenous potentials of NWE cities and regions • Objective 1.3: to use and improve territorial cooperation in order to strengthen the institutional and territorial framework for innovation and the transfer of knowledge within NWE
ERDF budget of Priority 1 Over EUR 60 million still available!
Budget allocated to date No projects funded under Objective 3 yet!
Projects approved to date – examples “niche” projects – focused on a specialised group or market • ECCE INNOVATION – cultural industries • ENEVATE – innovation on electric and hybrid vehicles • FASILIS – transnational voucher scheme in the health sector • FOOD2MARKET – food cluster for innovation • REGAIN – eco-efficient buildings in industrial and business parks • SIGNATURE – security sector cluster infrastructure
Projects approved to date – examples Transnational project outputs • common product or strategy useable over NWE, e.g. voucher scheme (FASILIS) • new technology piloted by enterprises in all partner areas, e.g. focused on inter-business networking, publicity & marketing (COLLABOR8) • network of demonstration centres, e.g. investments focus on practical demonstrations of eco-materials (CAPEM) • transnational training programme, e.g. on ICT technology transfer (FITT) • Tangible and/or with a clear long-term impact
Composing partnerships… Who might be the target partners? • Final beneficiaries (companies) or intermediaries? • Chamber of Commerce • Regional Development Agencies • Research Institutes and Universities • Enterprise Agencies
Composing partnerships… Who might be the target partners? • Private organisations can participate under conditions: • they constitute a legal body • they act as non-profit making organisations in the context of the project (real costs) • they provide project outputs free of charge • the grant would not distort competition in the European market
Composing partnerships… State Aid Broad definition (covers any measure involving a transfer of state resources which (threatens to) distorts competition by favouring certain undertakings as so far as it affects trade between Member States) Exceptions (Compatible State Aid, De minimis and GBER) ExampleA IVB NWE project proposes to design and conceptualise an intelligent transport system for containers to be used in commercial ports. The Lead Partner will detain the ownership and property rights for a tool that will later be commercially exploited.
Composing partnerships… State Aid New guidance note in the Project handbook for Call 7 New procedure put in place in our Programme If you believe that your project may contain State Aid, it is essential that you contact the JTS or other Programme authorities at an early stage in project development.
INTERREG NWE NWE Annual Event 6-7 December 2010 Manchester Topic: INNOVATION!