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Conference "Research and Innovation - an Opportunity for Convergence Regions” Warsaw, 13 February 2006. “Greek e xperiences in using Structural funds for regional development”. Issues addressed. Lessons learned by : the management of the Structural Funds
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Conference "Research and Innovation - an Opportunity for Convergence Regions” Warsaw, 13 February 2006 “Greek experiences in using Structural funds for regional development”
Issues addressed • Lessons learned by : • the management of the Structural Funds • The way that these funds were used for research and innovation purposes The experience of 25 years of Greek membership in 12 minutes !
Historical review of CSF, in Greece • 1st CSF: 1989-1993 • 7,2 bil. ECU • Sectoral OP+13 Regional OP • Natural Gas • Electricity • Major road network • Telecommunications • Research and Technology • Industrial Areas • Railways • Agricultural Structures • 13 Regional OP • 2nd CSF :1994-1999 • 14 bil. ECU • Sectoral OP+13 Regional OP • Roads, Ports and Airports, • Rail Transport, • Telecommunications • Energy • Natural Gas • Urban Development • Healthcare and Welfare • Environmental Protection • Industry and Services • Research and Technology • Tourism-Culture • Agriculture and Fishery • Human Resource • Employment • 13 Regional OP • 3rd CSF : 2000-2006 • 22,7 bil. euros • Sectoral OP+13 Regional OP • Training and initial Professional instruction • Employment &Professional training • Roads, Ports, Urban Development • Rail Transport, Airports, Transports • Competitiveness • Agricultural Development • Fishery • Environment • Culture • Health and welfare • Information Society • 13 Regional OP
The Greek approach 1. Main initial target: Infrastructure Transport, schools, hospitals etc, ex.: highways, Athens metro Results • Life quality improvement • Athens became a metropolis of high quality European standards • High economic growth (4,7%) • New investments expected in future 2. Evolution of Greek national priorities "Lisbonised" priorities This is reflected : • in the revision of the current 3rd CSF and • the planning of the future 4th CSF
Research and Innovation through CSFs 1st CSF (1989-1993) Target: Infrastructure • establishment of a first integrated and country-wide network of Science and Technology parks. • 7 Parks and Incubators established by Universities and other public research institutes Successful cases: • Foundation for Research and Technology–Hellas (FORTH) in Crete • Centre for Research and Technology Hellas (CERTH) in Thessaloniki 2nd CSF (1994-1999) A broader approach of R&D • infrastructure projects • new targets, such as : • bringing labs and companies closer for innovative products • investing in technology transfer projects • investing in human resources
Research and Innovation through CSFs 3rd CSF (2000-2006) Lisbon (2000) and Barcelona (2002) targets • Creation of the appropriate environment for new technologies and for the promotion of innovation and entrepreneurship. • Anew Operational Programme dedicated to “Competitiveness” with priorities to: • involvement of the private sector • involvement of companies • cooperation and scientists' mobility projects • improvement of the entrepreneurial environment • technological research and innovation investment in knowledge-intensive sectors.
Lessons learned Problems • too many scattered projects • immaturity, inconsistency and low quality of projects • weaknesses in implementation bodies • a lack of procedures and legal frame • the absence of the private sector • bureaucracy • a huge number of beneficiaries Problems for R&D and Innovation in regions • Too little investment by Regional Operational Programmes to relevant priorities • limited experience of the regional administrations • poor understanding of the great importance of such activities for a region
Lessons-Best Practices for R&D and Innovation in Regions • “Training" of regional authorities / making them aware of the benefits • Final beneficiaries : better prepared • Dissemination of results and evaluation of the spill-over impact at all levels of economic activity • Introduction of quantitative targets in regional R&D and innovation policies • More support for SMEs (backbone of the Greek economy) • Fostering of public-private partnerships (right legal framework)
Lessons-Best Practices for R&D and Innovation in Regions (cont) • A successful example / a good practice funded by 3rd CSF: programme ELEFTHO for private actors in S&T Parks and Incubators. • Particular emphasis on creating regional Innovation Poles spread evenly around the country. • 2 examples in the area of Thessaloniki • Innovation Zone and Innovation Pole of Thessaloniki Aim: to involve Universities, research centers, and other knowledge parties of the area Thessaloniki : international center of innovation • Technopolis Project, to promote ICT 6 social and educational bodies 71 information-technology companies and individuals
Conclusion Let’s not “skimp on” investment in research and innovation. These are strong economic drivers. “In today’s European environment the winner is the one who has the biggest dynamic in innovation and a dominant position in the market”