Germany
Programmes summaries :
Operational programme Germany-Austria 2007-20131. Operational Programme "European Territorial
1.Cooperation" Germany/Bavaria– Austria 2007-2013 co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. The European Commission approved on 18 September 2007 a cross-border cooperation programme between Germany/Bavaria and Austria for the period 2007-2013. This programme involves Community support for the regions of Freyung-Grafenau and Passau as well as kreisfreie Stadt Passau (Niederbayern), Landkreise Rottal-Inn, Altötting, Traunstein, Berchtesgadener Land, Rosenheim, Miesbach, Bad Tölz-Wolfratshausen and Garmisch-Partenkirchen as well as die kreisfreie Stadt Rosenheim (Oberbayern), Ostallgäu, Oberallgäu and Lindau (Bodensee) as well as die kreisfreien Städte Kaufbeuren und Kempten (Allgäu) (Schwaben) in Germany and Innviertel and Mühlviertel (Land Oberösterreich), Pinzgau-Pongau as well as Salzburg and Umgebung (Land Salzburg), Außerfern, Tiroler Oberland, Innsbruck and Tiroler Unterland (Land Tirol); Rheintal-Bodensee and Bludenz-Bregenzerwald (Land Vorarlberg) in Austria along the German-Austrian border. Other regions of both countries can participate in the projects as adjacent areas receiving a maximum of 20% of the ERDF funding allocated to the programme.
The total budget of the programme is € 72.1 million and Community investment through the ERDF amounts to € 54.1 million.
3. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
The overall objective of the programme is to promote sustainable development and economic competitiveness of the German-Austrian border region through an integrated and cross-border approach to economic, social and environmental development in ways which involve and benefit local people and communities.
The programme area is characterised by GDP growth several times higher than the EU-25 average. Nevertheless, the socio-economic differences between the urban centres and rural areas are striking. There is a clear need to further develop common co-operation and communication structures.
4. The expected impact of the investment
The programme is intended to support entrepreneurship, innovation initiatives, and further development of the cross-border labour market as well as improving the attractiveness of the region.
5. Priorities:
The programme focuses on the following priorities for co-operation in the geographic area concerned:
1. Knowledge-based and competitive society through innovation and co-operation (€ 25 million). The aim of this priority is to 1) support entrepreneurship through a better framework for the economy 2) support innovation activity and cooperation in the regional and local tourism and leisure economy through development of new and better products, processes and services and 3) to further develop of cross-border labour market and strengthen human resources through qualification and life long learning.
2. More attractive living space through sustainable regional development (€ 26 million). The aim of this priority is to 1) develop cross-border space through networks and cooperation structures 2) preserve natural and cultural resources through environment and nature protection and 3) improve accessibility.
3. Technical Assistance (€ 3 million). The aim of this priority is to help the participating countries to implement the programme as effectively as possible and to communicate the projects.
6. Managing Authority: Amt der Oberösterreichischen Landesregierung
Germany- Operational Programme 2007-2013: Saarland
1. "ERDF Saarland Operational Programme 2007-2013" Programme involving participation by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the objective "Regional Competitiveness and Employment"
2. On 8 August 2007, the European Commission approved a regional development programme for the Saarland covering the period 2007-2013, the "ERDF Saarland Operational Programme - Regional Competitiveness and Employment 2007-2013". This programme constitutes Community support for the Saarland under the objective "Regional Competitiveness and Employment". The overall budget of the programme amounts to some EUR 529 million, and the Community assistance from the ERDF comes to approximately EUR 198 million (0.74 % of all the EU funding invested in Germany under the cohesion policy for 2007-2013).
3. Aims and objectives of EU investment
The primary goal of the programme is to improve regional competitiveness and employment in the Saarland. The objective is to strengthen and diversify the Saarland's economy, to enhance its competitiveness through innovation and make the region more appealing by improving the profile of its location and business environment.
The Saarland's development strategy for using ERDF funding reflects the objectives set out in Lisbon and Gothenburg. The ERDF programme for the Saarland is also designed to stimulate equal opportunities, to ensure non-discrimination and to boost sustainable and environmentally-friendly development.
The operational programme seeks to reinforce the enterprise base through growth-oriented measures, to stimulate structural change through knowledge-based business, innovation and development of specific strengths, and to support sustainable urban and regional development and the protection of resources.
4. The anticipated impact of the investment
Among other goals, the programme seeks to create more than 2 400 new jobs, to provide further qualifications for approximately 5 000 persons and to assist some 750 000 people as part of integrated urban development projects for sustainable development.
5. Priority axes
In order to achieve the main objectives of the programme as set out under point 4, the Saarland's ERDF operational programme for 2007-2013 is structured in terms of the following priority axes:
Priority axis 1: Promoting competitiveness through growth and entrepreneurial measures to reinforce the enterprise base
This priority axis entails boosting entrepreneurship by reinforcing the support given to start-ups and existing firms, so as to further stimulate action to tackle remaining structural distortions in the Saarland. This is part of the "Saarland Offensive for Start-ups“ and involves the use of the latest instruments of business funding and business services and measures to improve the business environment, such as cluster promotion, infrastructures tailored to the needs of the economy, or the promotion of eco-audits.
Priority axis 2: Stimulating structural change through knowledge-based business, innovation and development of specific strengths
The purpose of this priority axis is to gear the structure of the economy to knowledge-based areas by continuing targeted development of the competences found in firms and research and scientific facilities. This is effected, in particular, by reinforcing the innovation base of firms, promoting R&D capabilities and plans carried out by individual firms or in collaboration with other firms, and other forms of knowledge transfer. In addition, a testing ground provides the opportunity to try out new promotion concepts.
Priority axis 3: Sustainable urban and regional development and resources protection
This priority axis supports plans for sustainable urban development, development of tourism infrastructures by enhancing natural and cultural heritage to foster additional potential for growth, and projects on future sources of energy and resource protection.
Priority axis 4: Technical assistance
Funding has also been allocated for technical assistance for the implementation of the programme, including measures relating to the preparation, administration, supervision, assessment, information and monitoring of the operational programme.
6. Managing authority:
Ministry of Economic Affairs and Labour
Franz-Josef-Röder-Str. 17
D-66119 Saarbrücken
Programme planning / Department D/1
Stefan Lang
Tel: +49-681-501-4181
Fax: +49-681-501-4293
E-mail: referat.d1@wirtschaft.saarland.de
ERDF managing authority / Department A/6
Klaus Kosok
Tel: +49-681-501-1659
Fax: +49-681-501-1804
E-mail: referat.a6@wirtschaft.saarland.de
Internet: http://www.wirtschaft.saarland.de
"Operational Programme for Brandenburg 2007-2013"
1. Programme involving participation by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), under the "convergence" objective
2. On 7 September 2007, the European Commission approved the "European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (Convergence Objective) operational programme for Brandenburg for the period 2007 to 2013". This programme constitutes Community support for Brandenburg under the "convergence" objective. The overall budget of the programme comprises some EUR 2 billion, with EU assistance from the ERDF amounting to approximately EUR 1.498 billion (around 5 % all the EU funding from the Structural Fund to be invested in Germany in the period 2007-2013).
3. Aims and objectives of the EU investment
In accordance with the Lisbon Strategy, the primary goal of the support is to strengthen regional competitiveness and to create and secure permanent jobs through economic growth.
The Brandenburg ERDF programme 2007-2013 will help to strengthen the innovation capabilities of businesses and to further expand the technology and education infrastructure. Equal opportunities and environmental protection are also to be promoted and support given to sustainable urban development. Special attention is to be given to the challenge presented by demographic trends when implementing the support measures.
The operational programme seeks to enhance competitive and innovative capabilities, and particularly those of SMEs. Investment in research and development will contribute to raising the profile of Brandenburg as a business location.
4. The anticipated impact of the investment
Among other things, the programme aims to support some 150 technology-based new enterprises, to promote 650 projects on the rational use of energy and renewable energy sources, and to create around 7 500 jobs by stimulating productive investment. In addition, the programme plans to co-finance around 60 projects involving cooperation between science and business and to invest some EUR 40 million in information and communication technologies in the field of "e-government".
5. Priorities
In order to achieve the main objectives as set out under point 4, Brandenburg's ERDF Operational Programme 2007-2013 is structured around the following priorities:
Priority 1: Promoting investment and innovation processes in enterprises
The primary objective under this priority is to safeguard existing competitive enterprises and to create favourable conditions for their expansion, business start-ups and relocations. The strategic approach lies in combining financial assistance for investment in the development of modern plants and for technical and organisational innovations with the provision of advice for both existing firms and start-ups, thereby generating an integrated overall approach. The industrial assistance provided rests on two pillars: the growth programme for small and medium-sized businesses and the focus on business specialisations and specific areas of competence.
Priority 2: Developing infrastructure geared to innovation, technology and education
The priority concentrates on Brandenburg's development strategy in the field of science and education, targeting infrastructural support for growth, innovation and employment. Closely connected to this is the promotion of knowledge transfer to the economy and technological infrastructure to improve exploitation of the R&D potential for business development.
A further concern is investment in promoting the information society: this involves plans for education and training infrastructures and information and communications infrastructures in public administrations (e-government), in connection with developing businesses and human resources.
Priority 3: Business, tourism and transport infrastructures
The strategic objective under the third priority of the operational programme is to further develop and adapt the location and potential of the infrastructure in Brandenburg to generate growth and employment and sustainable economic development.
Promotion of infrastructure geared to the needs of the economy is aimed primarily at providing infrastructural support for industrial and commercial development. In the context of potential infrastructural factors, a key role is played by the promotion of transport infrastructure, whose regional structure and integration in transregional networks is not only a central prerequisite to improving competitiveness overall, but also a basic requirement for achieving a better concentration of overall (infrastructure) support, with regard to improved accessibility between growth centres.
Investment in tourism is set to improve quality standards and develop new, innovative and high-quality services in the tourist industry.
Priority 4: The environment and urban development
Promotion of the urban dimension under this priority is an across-the-board initiative expressly targeting the existing problems and potential of the inner cities and suburbs within urban areas, thereby continuing the integrated development approach of the Community initiative URBAN (the URBAN acquis). The 12-15 cities in Brandenburg eligible for funding under the operational programme must firstly submit sustainable, integrated urban development concepts as part of a competition procedure. The best concepts will then be selected by the Brandenburg Government and co-financed with ERDF funds.
With regard to the environment, the programme seeks to improve the framework conditions for environmental infrastructure that hitherto have stood in the way of economic development, growth and employment. Specific local promotion needs were identified as part of an analysis in the fields of drinking water supply and waste water disposal, waste management and residual waste disposal, in addition to protection from emissions and limiting of energy-related environmental pollution.
Priority 5: Technical assistance
Funding has also been allocated for technical assistance for the implementation of the programme, including measures relating to the preparation, administration, supervision, assessment, information and monitoring of the operational programme.
Moreover, it should also be possible to allocate part of the ERDF funds (EUR 5-10 million) to testing out new support methods and practices. These experimental possibilities are to serve as trials for projects and concepts, in order to select those that are successful to be implemented more widely in later years of the operational programme.
6. Managing authority:
Ministry of Economic Affairs for Brandenburg, Department 16
Ms Vera Viehrig
Heinrich-Mann-Allee 107,
14473 Potsdam
Tel.: + +49 331 866 1713
Fax: + +49 331 866 1590
E-mail: vera.viehrig@mw.brandenburg.de
Internet: http://www.eu-brandenburg.de/EFRE.125.0.html
Operational programme 2007-2013: Hessen
1. "Operational programme Hessen 2007-2013 ERDF" - Programme involving participation by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), under the "regional competitiveness and employment" objective.
2. On 25 July 2007, the European Commission approved a regional development programme for Hessen covering the period 2007-2013, entitled the "Operationelles Programm für die Förderung der regionalen Wettbewerbsfähigkeit und Beschäftigung in Hessen aus Mitteln des Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung (EFRE) 2007 bis 2013 [ERDF (Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective) operational programme for Hessen, 2007-2013]". This programme constitutes European Union funding for Hessen under the "regional competitiveness and employment" objective. The overall budget of the programme comprises some EUR 557 million, EU assistance from the ERDF amounting to approximately EUR 263 million (roughly 1.00 % of all the EU funding invested in Germany under cohesion policies over the period 2007-2013).
3. Aims and objectives of EU investment
The primary aim of the programme is to create and safeguard sustainable, competitive and well-paid jobs by enhancing the competitiveness of businesses in Hessen.
The ERDF programme for Hessen 2007-13 should help stimulate businesses' innovation capacity and improve the infrastructures required for business competitiveness. This should help achieve one of the goals of the Lisbon strategy, by enhancing competitiveness and employment in Hessen and in the wider economic area of the European Union as a whole.
The operational programme seeks to facilitate knowledge-based and innovation-led development in businesses, strengthen the enterprise base in Hessen by promoting business start-ups and growth, and reduce regional disparities by exploiting endogenous regional development potential.
4. The anticipated impact of the investment
Among other goals, the programme seeks to create or revitalise 1 500 training posts in 50 non-State vocational training establishments; promote 7 cluster initiatives and innovation-oriented cooperation networks; create or safeguard 1 050 full-time jobs by assisting 95 businesses with venture-capital and loan funds; and promote 8 700 business and business start-up advisory services.
5. Priority axes
In order to achieve the main objectives of the programme as set out under point 4, the ERDF operational programme for Hessen 2007-2013 is structured in terms of the following priority axes:
Priority axis 1: Innovation and knowledge-based economy
This priority axis calls for a sustained drive to use innovation to accelerate structural change in Hessen's economy. The innovation capacity of businesses should be improved by promoting application-friendly research and development (R&D) in R&D establishments, supporting technology transfer, clusters and innovation-oriented cooperation networks, encouraging business R&D in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and research cooperation between SMEs and universities, supporting innovation assistants and information and communication technology (ICT) in SMEs, investment in non-State vocational training establishments and in ICT equipment for vocational training schools, and by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energies.
Priority axis 2: Start-up development and promotion of business competitiveness and employment, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises
In order to improve regional competitiveness and employment, it is necessary to accelerate structural change in the economy by increasing the number of business start-ups and stepping up investment in business modernisation and growth. This should be achieved by supporting businesses using both tried and tested and new financial instruments such as loans and venture capital, and by offering advice and infrastructure support. Priority axis 2 therefore supports the following measures: a loan fund and venture-capital fund for business start-ups and SME growth, advice centres for SMEs and start-ups, business advisory and training services, the emergence of business incubators, regional business start-up initiatives, regional structural investment in the creation, expansion or extensive modernisation of businesses, investment in childcare facilities in businesses and universities, support for business start-ups and small enterprises to improve the local economy in selected urban redevelopment areas.
Priority axis 3: Expansion of specific development potential and reduction of regional disparities
The third priority axis is intended to support activities capable of identifying and mobilising specific endogenous regional development potential in order to reduce regional disparities in Hessen. This should take tangible form through the promotion of integrated regional development plans, regional management activities, regional marketing measures, the revitalisation of derelict industrial, military and transport facilities, regionally important and primarily inter-municipal infrastructures for the location and development of businesses, integrated sustainable urban development plans, expansion of the tourism infrastructure to open up additional regional sources of income and growth potential and to exploit the natural and cultural heritage for tourism purposes, and by encouraging efforts to link the Calden regional airport to the regional and inter-regional transport network.
Priority axis 4: Technical assistance
Funding has also been allocated for technical assistance in the implementation of the programme, including measures relating to the preparation, administration, supervision, assessment, information and monitoring of the operational programme.
Priority axes 1 to 3 can also promote European interregional co-operation projects. This involves support for exchange-of-experience and networking projects as well as pilot actions involving regional and local authorities, businesses, universities, economic development organisations, associations and other bodies from various European regions. Support can also be given to the compilation of inter-regional analyses.
It should also be possible to use some of the ERDF funding (up to 5%) in priority axes 1 to 3 to experiment with innovative support methods and practices. This opportunity to experiment should be used to improve the quality and effectiveness of the assistance offered and support regional innovation systems and strategies.
6. Administrative body:
Hessisches Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Verkehr und Landesentwicklung, Referat I 7
Dr. Reinhard Cuny
Kaiser-Friedrich-Ring 75
D-65185 Wiesbaden
Tel.: +49-611-815-2295
Fax: +49-611-815-2239
E-Mail: reinhard.cuny@hmwvl.hessen.de
Internet: www.efre-hessen.de
1. Operational Programme ERDF North Rhine-Westphalia
2. "Operational Programme ERDF North Rhine-Westphalia 2007-2013" under the Objective ‘Regional Competitiveness and Employment’ co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
3. On July 19 2007, the European Commission approved the regional development programme for the German Land of North Rhine-Westphalia for the period 2007-2013, the "Operational Programme ERDF North Rhine-Westphalia 2007-2013” under the “Regional Competitiveness and Employment” objective. The total budget of the programme is around EUR 2.57 billion and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to around EUR 1.28 billion (approximately 5% of the total EU money invested in Germany under Cohesion policy 2007-2013).
4. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
The overall objective of the programme is the improvement of the competitiveness and adaptability of the economy and the creation of employment. On the one hand, this shall be achieved by promoting innovation and by tapping the specific strengths in the whole region. On the other hand, structurally disadvantaged areas are to be specifically supported to attain convergence.
The strategic objectives of the Operational Programme are to strengthen the entrepreneurial basis, to promote innovation and the development of a knowledge-based economy and to support a sustainable urban and regional development. “Equal opportunity for women and men and non-discrimination” and “Sustainable and ecological-friendly development” are integrated as horizontal objectives.
5. The expected impact of the investment
The programme will ensure the creation of 80 000-100 000 new jobs, of which 32 000-44 000 will be created for women. The programme will also trigger a total investment of EUR 5 billion (which is almost four times the Community assistance).
6. Priority axes
The Programme is structured into the following priority axes:
Priority 1: Strengthening the entrepreneurial basis
This first priority supports business promotion by making it easier for start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to obtain financial supports (with special focus on innovative financing instruments like revolving funds), providing consultancy programmes for start-ups and SMEs and encouraging help networks and support services.
Priority 2: Innovation and knowledge-based economy
The second priority focuses on supporting innovation processes and improving the ability for innovation of businesses and of the regions of North Rhine-Westphalia. In this context, innovation is seen as a complex process that affects the whole society and involves renewal in the areas of technology, organisation, logistics, finance, human resources, marketing and design. Here, the transformation of new knowledge and new technologies into marketable products and services is of central importance. Therefore, the co-operation of partners from science and business in internationally competitive clusters and in regional networks with specific potentials is supported as well as Research and Development (R&D) activities. The idea is to improve the energy efficiency, technology transfer, pilot projects developing innovative services and to develop the technological and research infrastructure.
Priority 3: Sustainable urban and regional development
Developing a knowledge-based economy and improving entrepreneurial and innovative potential requires good location and investment qualities. With a view to improving such location factors in less favoured regions, the State Government has already spent some amounts on the modernisation of infrastructure and decontamination of derelict industrial sites. Nevertheless, there are still disadvantaged regions, cities and urban quarters where impetus from structural funding remains necessary. Therefore, structurally disadvantaged parts of North Rhine-Westphalia are supported in upgrading economy related infrastructures, improving the ecological situation and remediating brownfield sites. The second important element of the third priority axis is formed by the integrated development of less-favoured city areas building on the experience of the URBAN programme and the promotion of local economic development.
Technical assistance
Financial support is available for programme administration, monitoring, evaluation and control.
7. Managing Authority: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia
Contact details:
Mr. Martin Hennicke
Ministerium für Wirtschaft, Mittelstand und Energie
des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen
Referat 301
Haroldstr. 4
D-40213 Düsseldorf
Tel: +49 (0) 211 / 837-2646
Fax: +49 (0) 211 / 837-3334
Email: martin.hennicke@mwme.nrw.de
Internet:
http://www.ziel2-nrw.de
1. ERDF Operational Programme for Schleswig-Holstein
2. “ERDF Operational Programme for Schleswig-H olstein 2007–2013”
Programme involving the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) in connection with the Objective “Employment and Competitiveness”
3. On 5 July 2007 the European Commission adopted a regional development programme for Schleswig-Holstein covering the period 2007–2013, namely the “ERDF Operational Programme for Schleswig-Holstein 2007–2013”.
This programme includes Community support for Schleswig-Holstein linked to the Employment and Competitiveness objective. The total budget for the programme amounts to EUR 1 091 083 094 with the Community contribution from the ERDF accounting for EUR 373 888 769 (or approximately 1.41% of overall EU funding disbursed in Germany under the 2007–2013 Cohesion Policy.
4. Purpose and objective of EU investment
Raising regional competitiveness and employment levels is the overriding objective and central pillar of all ERDF measures in Schleswig-Holstein. This objective is pursued by setting six strategic objectives which take account of the horizontal objectives of environment and equal opportunities. These six strategic objectives resulted form the SWOT study and have been given form in the shape of specific objectives. This system of targets was converted into a structural programme with four priority axes in terms of content.
Strategic objective 1 — Improving the acquisition of knowledge and knowledge transfer, primarily from universities and non-university research establishments in tandem with greater knowledge utilisation to raise the innovative strength and speed of innovation in Schleswig-Holstein's economy.
Strategic objective 2 — Making Schleswig-Holstein's economy more dynamic (modernisation and expansion of companies' capital resources, targeting exports, establishment of new firms and the strengthening of human capital).
Strategic objective 3 — Consolidation of existing and developing structure clusters and networks as the motors of dynamic economic development and with the aim of boosting firms’ competitiveness.
Strategic objective 4 — Upgrading of facilities at regional locations.
Strategic objective 5 — Enhancing the role of the municipalities in support of social and economic change.
Strategic objective 6 — Developing the potential for boosting tourism and cultural activities.
5. The expected impact of the investment
The ERDF Operational Programme is intended to increase public and private R&D expenditure in terms of Schleswig-Holstein's GDP and bring it up to 3% by 2013. Support for the R&D activities under the programme is provided, in particular, by the projects targeting the promotion of skills centres, joint projects (scientific-economic) innovation support, technology and founder centres, scientific-economic networks, in-house innovation and regional cluster management. The aim is also to increase to 34% the percentage of employees in the knowledge-intensive sectors.
With a view to managing the structural change and increasing the competitiveness of the economy and consequently to securing and raising employment levels, it is of decisive importance that the economic and production structures are modernised and extended. Schleswig-Holstein’s economy is to be rendered more dynamic by modernising and extending the capital resources of entrepreneurial stock, by establishing new firms and by targeting exports. Gross capital investment in Schleswig-Holstein is to be raised to the average for Germany by 2013. Existing and developing cluster and network structures in Schleswig-Holstein are to be used to increase productivity further in the relevant sectors of Schleswig-Holstein’s economy.
The municipalities are to be given a greater role in support of social and economic change and as the centres for greater regional development This will include the large and medium-sized metropolitan areas in Schleswig-Holstein in their function as growth centres to generate above-average employment levels and become more relevant to Schleswig-Holstein’s population growth overall.
Tourism will target primarily the rural regions that are weak in terms of their infrastructure.
6. Priority axes
This system of priorities takes the form of a structural programme comprising four priority axes in terms of content.
Priority axis 1: Boosting knowledge and innovation
The aim of this first priority axis is to boost knowledge and innovation. The aim must be to promote technological change with short innovative cycles. The development and realisation of new ideas, knowledge and technologies to make marketable products and efficient processes is the central theme for scientific and economic development. The dovetailing of scientific and economic activity is a central element of this priority axis. Enhancing companies' ability to be innovative, promoting in-house innovation and developing human resources round off this axis in terms of its content. The aim is to establish the essential basis for more employment and regional competitiveness in Schleswig-Holstein.
Priority axis 2: Increasing firms' competitiveness and strengthening the entrepreneurial base
The aim of this second priority axis is to enhance the competitiveness of firms and strengthen the entrepreneurial base. In view of the increasing international distribution of labour and growing pressure in terms of competition and adaptation, this aspect is of enormous importance for undertakings in Schleswig-Holstein and for various other areas. The provision of capital for modernising and extending the entrepreneurial stock and promoting the founding of new firms are central elements for enhancing companies' competitiveness and strengthening the entrepreneurial base in Schleswig-Holstein.
Priority axis 3: Developing infrastructure conducive to business and measures for sustainable development
The aim of the third priority axis is to improve and develop infrastructure at locations in Schleswig-Holstein. This includes, in particular, the development of infrastructure geared to the needs of business and the realisation of measures targeting sustainable development where there is an industrial need. This setting of priorities has been determined by the quantitative and qualitative differences that exist in the business-supporting infrastructure that exists or has been developed. As a parallel measure to this priority axis, existing industrial infrastructures are to be secured and modernised and the conditions governing location and establishment criteria for firms are to be improved.
Priority axis 4: Developing specific regional potential
The aim of the fourth priority axis is the development of specific regional potential in Schleswig-Holstein. This setting of priorities has been determined by the regionally highly disparate strengths and weaknesses and the resultant specific opportunities and risks. This applies in particular to tourism and is concentrated in three of the structurally weak rural districts and strengthening tourism there will help to meet the new challenges facing tourism and cultural activities. The priority axis is also aimed at improving the quality of life and the sustainability of the municipalities in Schleswig-Holstein and help to secure the natural and cultural inheritance of Schleswig-Holstein for future generations and to exploit its inherent value in a sustainable way.
Priority axis 5: Technical assistance and specific programme for project-related studies/expert opinions
7. Administrative authority: Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Verkehr des Landes Schleswig-Holstein
Contact address:
Mr Rüdiger Balduhn
Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft und Verkehr des Landes Schleswig-Holstein
Düsternbrooker Weg 94
D-24105 Kiel
Tel: +49 431 988 4526
Fax: +49 431 988 6174526
Email: ruediger.balduhn@wimi.landsh.de
Internet: www.zukunftsprogramm.schleswig-holstein.de
1. Operational programme for Saxony
2. " Operational programme for Saxony 2007-2013 ERDF"
Programme involving participation by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), under the "convergence" objective.
3. On 5 July 2007, the European Commission approved a regional development programme for Saxony covering the period 2007-2013, entitled "Operationelle Programm des Freistaats Sachsen für den Europäischen Fonds für regionale Entwicklung (ERDF) im Ziel "Konvergenz" in der Förderperiode 2007-2013 [ERDF (Covergence Objective) operational programme for Saxony, 2007-2013]". This program constitutes European Union funding for Saxony under the "convergence" objective, including areas qualifying for transitional assistance ("phasing out")). The overall budget of the programme comprises some 4 124 million EUR, EU assistance from the ERDF amounting to approximately 3 091 million EUR (roughly 11,74 % of all the EU funding invested in Germany under cohesion policies over the period 2007-2013).
4. Aims and objectives of EU investment
The primary goal of the programme is the sustainable development of Saxony through an improvement in the prerequisites for environmentally friendly economic and employment growth. Safeguarding and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy in Saxony is a significant part of ERDF support, given a per capita GDP figure of only 73,54% of the EU-25 average over the years 2000-2002, shortcomings in the availability of capital and the intense international competition to attract companies. Over the 2007-2013 period, investment will focus more heavily on innovation.
Saxony's development strategy for using ERDF funding reflects the objectives set out at Lisbon and Göteborg. The ERDF programme for Saxony is also designed to stimulate equality of opportunity, to ensure non-discrimination and to boost durable urban development. Development measures will also take into account the challenges posed by demographic change.
The operational programme seeks to stimulate and support innovative forces within the economy and society, to modernise the education and training infrastructure, to enhance the competitive position of Saxony's economy, to expand the transport infrastructure to cope with the needs placed upon it and to improve the infrastructure of Saxony in terms of the quality it can offer as a location for enterprises.
5. The anticipated impact of the investment
Among other goals, the programme seeks to create 24 760 jobs (including 760 in the field of R&D) and to safeguard a further 26 570 (including 7 170 R&D jobs), to support 836 company led R&D projects and to assist 15 urban districts as part of an integrated urban development plan for durable development .
6. Priority axes
In order to achieve the main objectives of the programme as set out under 4., Saxony's ERDF operational programme for 2007-2013 is structured in terms of the following priority axes:
Priority axis 1: Strengthening innovation, science and research
This priority axis calls for the structures of the economy to focus on knowledge based fields through the development of the innovative skills of enterprises in Saxony and the expansion of research and science facilities. More specifically, this is to be achieved through the funding of single-company R&D projects, joint R&D projects, technology transfer, providing risk capital for new technology companies, applied research projects and infrastructure, university infrastructure, E-Business in SMEs and E-Government.
Priority axis 2: Improvements in education and training infrastructure
Against the background of the forecast demographic changes, the level of education of the population will play a key role in the economic development of Saxony. Priority axis 2 accordingly seeks to create the infrastructure preconditions for implementing innovative approaches to education in schools and other institutions, thus making a major contribution to enhancing the quality and effectiveness of schooling and vocational training systems. In this context, funding will be invested in the infrastructure of the Berufsakademie, in information and applications technology in schools, in centres for pedagogical training and in vocational training centres.
Priority axis 3: Enhancing the competitiveness of manufacturing industry
This priority axis calls for stimulation of the performance and productivity of the private sector and support for action undertaken by enterprises, thus contributing to alleviating the employment and growth problems encountered in Saxony. This is to be achieved by supporting single-enterprise investment and more business-oriented infrastructure as part of the joint federal government/Länder government responsibility "Improvement of the regional economic structure", by supporting business networks, by reducing interest rates for the loan programme to stimulate the formation and growth of companies, market access and greater energy efficiency in SMEs.
Priority axis 4: Improving the transport infrastructure
Good transport links are of fundamental importance for the long-term competitive position and attractiveness of a region. Following the eastward expansion of the EU, Saxony will be able to profit from its central location in Europe once the supra-regional traffic infrastructure has been properly developed and all part of Saxony are optimally linked to each other. Accordingly, Saxony intends to upgrade and rebuild all economic and important national roads and to stimulate environmentally friendly forms of transport.
Priority axis 5: Expansion and improvement of the infrastructure to permit durable economic growth
The infrastructural quality of Saxony as a location for enterprises is to be enhanced by stimulating durable urban development, revitalisation of former industrial sites and conversion zones, together with investment in environmental protection, in renewable forms of energy and in flood protection.
Priority axis 6: Technical assistance
Funding has also been allocated for technical assistance in the implementation of the programme, including measures relating to the preparation, administration, supervision, assessment, information and monitoring of the operational programme.
7. Administrative body:
Sächsisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft und Arbeit, Abteilung 1, Referat 15 - Verwaltungsbehörde Sachsen für den ERDF
Marion Nonnenberg
Wilhelm-Buck-Straße 2
D-01097 Dresden
Tel: +49-351-564-8150
Fax: +49-351-564-8109
E-Mail: marion.nonnenberg@smwa.sachsen.de
Internet:
http://www.smwa.sachsen.de/de/Foerderung/EU-Strukturfonds/EU-Strukturfonds_in_Sachsen/19206.html
1.Operational Programme ERDF Bremen
2. "Operational Programme ERDF Bremen 2007-2013"
Programme under the "Regional Competitiveness and Employment" objective co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
3. The European Commission approved on 5 July 2007 a regional development programme for the period 2007-2013, the "Operational Programme Bremen 2007-2013 ERDF". This programme involves Community support for Bremen within the framework of the "Regional Competitiveness and Employment" objective. The total budget of the programme is around EUR 322 million and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to EUR 142 million (approximately 0,54% of the total EU structural funds as fixed in the German NSRF for 2007-2013).
4. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
The overall objective of the programme is to further develop living and working conditions within the region and to strengthen competitiveness, sustainable growth and employment.
The Bundesland Bremen consists in two municipalities, Bremen and Bremerhaven at a distance of approximately 50 km. Both cities have a great importance for the regional job market and form at the same time the economics, science and training centre of the region. The city of Bremen extends along the river Weser on a surface of 327 km² and has approximately 545 000 inhabitants. The city of Bremerhaven extends on a surface of about 79 km² and has approximately 117 000 inhabitants. The operational programme shall promote competitiveness and employment; develop the innovative potential and promote sustainable urban and rural development. Through these objectives, Bremen will substantially contribute to the achievement of the Lisbon strategy objectives and Gothenburg's objectives of sustainability.
5. The expected impact of the investment
The programme aims inter alia at creating and maintaining up to 5000 jobs. Its indicative share of Lisbon-relevant categories of expenditure amounts to 69%.
6. Priority axes
Taking into account the strategic objectives of promoting equivalent living and working conditions throughout the region, and strengthening competitive structures, sustainable growth and employment, the Bremen 2007-2013 ERDF operational programme is structured into the following priority axes:
Priority 1: Promote growth, innovation and knowledge
The specific objective of this axis is the creation and consolidation of establishments for promoting technology and innovation. This is to be pursued through support of clusters and networks, innovative actions in tourism, support of research and competence centres and technology transfer, services for small and medium-sized enterprises, environmental research and measures of technical environmental protection.
Priority 2: Activate urban living spaces and markets
The objective is to develop the urban centres under the conditions of demography and globalisation. This is to be supported by revitalisation of conversion and fallow grounds, revaluation of urban and local areas with a particular need for economic, ecological and social development.
Priority 3: Technical assistance
There is also provision for technical assistance in order to implement the programme. Financial support is available covering administration, monitoring, evaluation and control.
7. Managing Authority:
Der Senator für Wirtschaft und Häfen
Contact details:
Carola Schneider
Der Senator für Wirtschaft und Häfen,
Referat 23 (EFRE-Verwaltungsbehörde)
Zweite Schlachtpforte 3
D – 28195 Bremen
Tel.: +49 421 361 8603
Fax: +49 421 361 8810
E-Mail: Carola.Schneider@wuh.BREMEN.de
Internet: http://www.efre-bremen.de
1. Operational Programme Bavaria
2. "Operational Programme Bavaria 2007-2013 ERDF"
Programme under the "Regional Competitiveness and Employment" objective co-funded by European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
3. The European Commission approved on June 26 2007 a regional development programme for Bavaria for the period 2007-2013, the "Operational Programme Bavaria 2007-2013 ERDF". This programme involves Community support for Bavaria within the framework of the "Regional Competitiveness and Employment" objective. The total budget is around EUR 1,767 million and the Community assistance through the ERDF amounts to around EUR 576 million (approximately 2.19% of the total EU structural funds available for Germany in 2007-2013).
4. The purpose and aim of the EU investment
The overall objective of the programme is to develop further living and working conditions within the region and to strengthen competitiveness, sustainable growth and employment, in particular in the border and structurally weaker areas.
With a GDP per capita at 137.9 % of EU average, Bavaria, a whole belongs to the regions well above the EU-average. However, in view of globalisation and significant changes within the EU internal market after the 2004 enlargement, Bavaria, a former EU external border region which also comprises large rural areas, needs to aim its support for continuous transition towards a knowledge-based economy and strengthening of its competitive structures through active participation on wider markets. The operational programme shall promote competitiveness and employment of small and medium-sized enterprises; develop the innovative potential; support certain infrastructures in the border area, and promote sustainable urban and rural development. Through these objectives, Bavaria will substantially contribute to the achievement of the Lisbon strategy objectives and the Gothenburg objectives of sustainability.
5. The expected impact of the investment
The programme aims inter alia at creating and/or maintaining up to 56,000 jobs, involving more than 2,400 small and medium-sized enterprises, and 236 newly-developed projects, products, processes or services. Its indicative share of Lisbon-relevant categories of expenditure amounts to 59%.
6. Priority axes
Taking into account the strategic objectives of promoting equivalent living and working conditions throughout the region, and strengthening competitive structures, sustainable growth and employment, the Bavarian 2007-2013 ERDF operational programme is structured into the following priority axes:
Priority 1: Innovation and knowledge-based economy
The specific objective of this priority axis is the creation and consolidation of establishments for promoting technology and innovation. This is to be pursued by supporting clusters and networks, innovative actions in tourism, by research and competence centres and technology transfer, services for small and medium-sized enterprises, environmental research and measures of technical protection in this last area.
Priority 2: Promotion of competitiveness and employment of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
This priority axis aims at stabilizing job supply and employment under the conditions of globalisation and technological progress. This shall be attained through financial instruments, aids for innovative investments, support of innovation and technology-oriented founders, and services for enterprises.
Priority 3: Sustainable urban development
The strategic objective of this priority axis is to develop certain urban centres and adjacent rural areas, taking into account conditions of demography and globalisation. This is to be supported by revitalisation of conversion and fallow grounds, revaluation of urban and local areas with a particular need for economic, ecological and social development.
Priority 4: Risk precaution and resource protection
This priority axis aims at sustainable development and preservation of natural resources with respect to climate-change. This shall be implemented through measures of flood protection and against snow-slips, actions attaching value to natural potentials, and support of rational energy production and consumption.
Priority 5: Sustainable economic development of the border areas
The strategic objective of this priority axis, which entails a special allocation to the Bavarian border areas, is to promote the potentials arising from Eastern enlargement for the border area with the Czech Republic. This shall be attained through infrastructures in tourism and soft support of tourism; and certain investments in transport infrastructure.
Priority 6: Technical assistance
There is also provision for technical assistance in order to implement the programme. Financial support is available covering administration, monitoring, evaluation and control.
7. Managing Authority: Bayerisches Staatsministerium für Wirtschaft, Infrastruktur, Verkehr und Technologie, Referat III/1
Dr. Klaus-Peter Lotze
Bayerisches StMWIVT
Referat III/1 (EU-Verwaltungsbehörde)
D- 80525 München
Tel: +49 89 2162 2286
Fax: +49 89 2162 3286
E-mail: Klaus-Peter.Lotze@stmwivt.bayern.de
Web: http://www.stmwivt.bayern.de/EFRE