Sweden
Programmes summaries :
Operational Programme 2007-13: "West Sweden"
1. Operational Programme “Regional Structural Funds Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment in West Sweden” – Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 16 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for West Sweden region for the 2007-13 period. The Operational Programme falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework and has a total budget of around €165 million. Community investment through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €64 million, which represents approximately 3.4% of the total EU investment earmarked for Sweden under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
The main goal of the Regional Operational Programme for West Sweden is to improve economic growth by creating new business operations and entrepreneurship. This goal will also create new jobs and facilitate sustainable urban development. The Programme seeks to:
- enhance knowledge-based innovations
- overcome problems in certain urban areas
- create coherence between urban and regional objectives.
4. Expected impact of investments
The Operational Programme will lay the foundation to create 3500 new jobs and encourage the creation of 1300 new businesses. About 4750 business enterprises have confirmed their participation in activities that generate economic growth. The Programme will introduce at least 20 investment projects that improve the attractiveness of lacklustre urban areas.
5. Priorities
The following priority axes represent the structure of the Operational Programme “Regional Structural Funds Programme for West Sweden region”:
- entrepreneurship and innovative business
- cooperation initiatives and innovative environments
- sustainable urban development.
Priority 1: Entrepreneurship and innovative business [approximately 43.6% of total funding]
- Specific objectives of this priority include:
- enhancing an entrepreneurial culture of potential entrepreneurs
- dissemination of ideas and inventions
- business operations
- business growth
- access to capital.
Priority 2: Cooperation initiatives and innovative environments [approximately 38.2% of total funding]
The main goals of this priority are to enhance networks and clusters and to strengthen the development of innovation and competence.
Priority 3: Sustainable urban development [approximately 15.6% of total funding]
The activities under this priority aim to regenerate problematic urban areas. Urban renewal will contribute to the coherence and integration of those urban areas in the whole region.
Priority 4: Technical assistance [approximately 3.1% of total funding]
The Programme will employ technical assistance during its implementation. The assistance will include administration, monitoring, evaluation and control support.
6. Managing Authority: NUTEK (Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth)
Contact details:
PO-BOX 3034
SE-831 03 Östersund
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 681 91 00
Website: www.nutek.se
Operational Programme 2007-13: "Stockholm 2007-2013"
1. Operational Programme "Regional Structural Funds Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment in Stockholm 2007-2013" - Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 16 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the region of Stockholm in Sweden for the 2007-13 period. The Operational Programme falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework and has a total budget of around €94 million. Community assistance through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €38 million, which represents approximately 2.0% of the total EU investment for Sweden under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
The overall objective of the Operational Programme is to strengthen the international competitiveness of the Stockholm region. It will focus mainly on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and increased cooperation between the industrial sector, the research sector and the public sector. The Programme will support also entrepreneurship, stimulate innovation and increase the integration of immigrants.
The Programme aims to create 300 new businesses and 1300 new jobs for men and women. Another 3150 business will participate in defined project areas. The Programme will focus on improving knowledge development, increasing export and stimulating effective energy use. In addition, entrepreneurship and business development are focal points of the Operational Programme. Another important aspect is to improve accessibility in the region.
4. Expected impact of investments
The Programme is expected to create 1300 new jobs and 300 new businesses. Some 400 businesses will participate in the development of (international) markets, product development or lowering energy consumption. Another 250 companies will cooperate with the aim to boost innovation, 250 companies will participate in projects on entrepreneurship and 45 cooperative business networks will be started. In addition, 2500 businesses will receive start-up advice and 100 companies will receive risk capital support. All projects should include at least 40% women as participants.
5. Priorities
The Regional Operational Programme for Stockholm is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: Development of innovative environments in the urban area [approximately 40.0% of total funding]
The aim of the priority is to assist in knowledge development, commercialization of goods and services internally and for export, make use of the competence of the whole population, support energy and resource effectiveness. Clusters and innovation systems will be promoted and meeting places created for supporting innovation and development through advice and counselling and provision of risk capital. The prevention of discrimination is also an important issue.
Priority 2: Business development [approximately 32.0% of total funding]
The aim of the priority is to provide information, training and counselling for SMEs and entrepreneurs, as well financial engineering and access to capital. In this context, both JEREMIE and JESSICA are seen as interesting possibilities. Another objective is to strengthen the co-operation between academy and industry.
Priority 3: Accessibility [approximately 24.0% of total funding]
The aim is to improve the accessibility of the larger Stockholm region, assure housing and transportation to meet the population growth, improve co-operation with regions beyond the Stockholm region and improve co-ordination between different types of public and goods transportation.
Priority 4: Technical assistance [approximately 4.0% of total funding]
The aim is to support the management, monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme, and the associated communication and publicity activities.
6. Managing authority: NUTEK (Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth)
Contact details:
PO-Box 3034
SE-831 03 Östersund
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 681 91 00
Website: http://www.nutek.se
Operational programme 2007-13: "Småland and the Islands 2007-13"
1. Operational Programme "Regional Structural Funds Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment in Småland and the Islands 2007-13" - Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 9 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the region Småland and the Islands (Jönköping, Kronoberg, Kalmar and Gotland) in Sweden for the 2007-13 period. The Operational Programme falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework and has a total budget of around €168 million. Community assistance through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €67 million, which represents approximately 3.6% of the total EU investment earmarked for Sweden under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
In the context of environmental protection, the Operational Programme aims to make use of the region's resources and thereby contribute to sustainable economic growth, development and competitiveness. This will allow the region to increase its adaptability and its capacity to meet future challenges. Furthermore, the Programme foresees actions for interregional cooperation.
The programme seeks to create 1200 new businesses and 4200 new jobs and to create a well-coordinated system for public transports in the region. The main aim of the support is, however, to invest in measures that:
- increase access to employment, recreational activities, education, information and communication technology (ICT) and innovation
- renew the business sector in the region by providing measures for clusters and networks.
4. Expected impact of investments
The Programme is expected to create 4200 new jobs and 1200 new businesses, divided equally between men and women. There will be 20 innovative research and development (R&D) projects for cooperation between industry, research institutions and the public sector. Another 10 projects will promote entrepreneurship, while 100 companies will participate in product development projects. In addition, 100 companies will work together on market enlargement and 56 projects will receive risk capital support. The Operational Programme aims to create five new transport and communications solutions to reduce commuting time and to increase cooperation between different modes of transport.
5. Priorities
The Regional Operational Programme for Småland and the Islands is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: Accessibility [approximately 32.0% of total funding]
The purpose of this priority is to strengthen regional competitiveness by developing a programme area with a well-developed reliable infrastructure in order to achieve regional enlargement and strengthening with a minimum conceivable impact on the environment and on equal terms for men and women. The aim is to help achieve efficient communications (travel and infrastructure) for the business community and residents, taking into account the programme’s horizontal criteria, with the goal of expanding the business sector by reducing the number of labour market regions. Another aim is to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions per inhabitant by sectors through initiatives aimed at inter-modal solutions for passenger and freight traffic as well as initiatives related to the development and stimulation of new IT services and applications.
Priority 2: Innovation and entrepreneurship [approximately 64.0% of total funding]
This priority includes measures in the areas “Innovative environments and processes” and “Entrepreneurship”. The measures focus on renewal of the business sector and motivating people to start enterprises. The aim is to strengthen local and regional competitiveness by developing a programme area with competitive enterprises and strong entrepreneurship, to produce sustainable growth. The regional structural fund programme therefore wants to stimulate initiatives in which firms interact with the purpose of strengthening their competitiveness, supported by the public sector and universities/R&D.
Priority 3: Technical assistance [approximately 4.0% of total funding]
The aim is to support the management, monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme, and the associated communication and publicity activities.
6. Managing authority: NUTEK (Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth)
Contact details:
PO-Box 3034
SE-831 03 Östersund
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 681 91 00
Website: http://www.nutek.se
Operational Programme 2007-13: "Skåne-Blekinge"
1. Operational programme “Regional Structural Funds Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment in Skåne-Blekinge” – Programme under the Regional Competitiveness Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 16 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the region of Skåne-Blekinge in Sweden for the 2007-13 period. The Operational Programme falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework and has a total budget of around €141 million. Community investment through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €70 million, which represents approximately 3.7% of the total EU investment earmarked for Sweden under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
The main goal of the Regional Operational Programme for Skåne-Blekinge 2007-13 is to create more business operations, increase business expertise and knowledge-based innovations. The programme aims to increase accessibility, to enhance the use of information and communication technology (ICT), and to utilize the urban areas for potential economic growth.
4. Expected impact of investments
The programme expects to deliver 1900 new jobs and 500 new business operations. Moreover, the Programme will organize 65 systems to facilitate business innovation. The Programme will focus on ICT solutions to create 55 new ICT-related services.
5. Priorities
Specific objectives of the Regional Structural Funds Programme for Skåne-Blekinge include:
- innovation and renewal
- accessibility
- special urban measures.
Priority 1: Innovation and renewal [approximately 46.0% of total funding]
The objective of this priority is to boost innovation by creating more business operations, by increasing employment, and by strengthening innovative structures. These objectives will include clusters to improve the region’s international competitiveness.
Priority 2: Accessibility [approximately 25.0% of total funding]
This priority aims to improve the region’s intra-regional, national and international accessibility. Enhanced accessibility will strengthen competitiveness and contribute to sustainable regional development.
Priority 3: Special urban measures [approximately 25% of total funding]
This priority will take special urban measures to reinforce sustainable development that enhance economic growth in the whole region.
Priority 4: Technical assistance [approximately 4% of total funding]
The priority will use technical assistance to implement the Programme. Technical assistance will include administration, monitoring, evaluation and control.
6. Managing authority: NUTEK (Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth)
Contact details:
PO-Box 3034
SE-831 03 Östersund
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 681 91 00
Website: http://www.nutek.se
Operational programme 2007-13: "North Mid-Sweden 2007-2013"
1. Operational Programme "Regional Structural Funds Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment in North Mid-Sweden 2007-2013" - Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 14 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the region of Norra Mellansverige (Värmland, Dalarna and Gävleborg) in Sweden for the 2007-13 period. The Operational Programme falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework and has a total budget of around €390 million. Community assistance through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €195 million, which represents approximately 10.3% of the total EU investment earmarked for Sweden under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
The Operational Programme aims to create 3000 new businesses and 6000 new jobs, and to increase the employment rate from 77.9% to 79% for men, and from 73.5% to 75% for women; utilising 2004 baselines.
The Programme will focus on networks and clusters and will thus strengthen innovation and renewal. Likewise, the Programme will support small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) and environments that stimulate development and competencies. The Programme will implement measures to strengthen connections to important transport networks, such as railways and harbours. Similarly, the Programme will increase access to information and communication technologies (ICT) for SMEs. Furthermore, the Programme will anticipate action toward further inter-regional cooperation.
4. Expected impact of investments
The Programme expects to create 6000 new jobs and 3000 new businesses of which at least women will hold 40%, respectively. The Program will facilitate 50 projects of cooperation between industry and research institutions and 40 projects for renewable energy while the Programme will sponsor 30 projects that involve SME's that wish to sell products or services internationally. The Programme will support 20 projects in the context of “regional enlargement” and 25 other projects to improve cooperation between different transport modes and new transport solution development. The Programme will also facilitate an increase in broadband coverage from 70–90% to 99% of the population.
5. Priorities
The following priorities represent the structure of the Regional Operational Programme for North Mid-Sweden:
Priority 1: Business development [approximately 67.8% of total funding]
The overall objective of this priority is increased competitiveness, increased dynamism and increased employment in the business sector. Other objectives of the priority are a growing service sector, improved collaboration between academy and business, a knowledge-driven growth, increased internationalisation among SMEs and investments in renewable energy.
Priority 2: Accessibility [approximately 28.2% of total funding]
The overall goal of this priority is to create a more competitive social structure for mobility and access with the utilisation of new technology that shortens and spans distances. Other objectives include the creation of a well developed broadband network, increased co-operation between transport types and increased accessibility/regional expansion.
Priority 3: Technical assistance [approximately 4.0% of total funding]
The aim is to support the management, monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme, and the associated communication and publicity activities.
6. Managing authority: NUTEK (Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth)
Contact details:
PO-Box 3034
SE-831 03 Östersund
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 681 91 00
Website: http://www.nutek.se
Operational programme 2007-13: "North Sweden 2007-2013"
1. Operational Programme "Regional Structural Funds Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment in North Sweden for 2007-2013" - Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 16 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the region of Övre Norrland (Norrbotten and Västerbotten) in Sweden for the 2007-13 period. The Operational Programme falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework and has a total budget of around €485 million. Community assistance through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €243 million, which represents approximately 12.9% of the total EU investment for Sweden under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
The overall purpose of the Operational Programme is to contribute to a long-term sustainable economic growth by strengthening regional competitiveness and reinforcing the region's position as an innovative and successful area within Europe. The Programme aims to create 3000 new businesses and 8000 new jobs for men and women. It will focus on improving the conditions for entrepreneurship, new businesses, innovation and will also develop a long-term sustainable transport system and IT-infrastructure. An important aspect of the Programme is to improve living conditions and attractiveness of the region. Furthermore, the Programme foresees actions for interregional cooperation.
4. Expected impact of investments
The Programme is expected to create 8000 new jobs and 3000 new businesses. Some 400 companies will participate in international cooperation and 15 projects will safeguard the environment and cultural heritage. Interventions will work also for a sustainable transport system for goods and people. Cold climate testing and space exploration are other areas expected to grow, together with the use of bio-fuel and other environmental techniques. The Programme provides for 50 projects connecting industry, research institutes and the public sector.
5. Priorities
The Regional Operational Programme for North Sweden is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: Innovation and renewal [approximately 73.0% of total funding]
The stimulation of entrepreneurship and business creation together with co-operation between the academia, industry and the public sector are at the heart of the priority which has four sub-priorities.
1. Entrepreneurship and creation of new businesses. The emphasis will be on creating the right conditions for creativity, innovation and new businesses. A well functioning credit market is a prerequisite with possibilities for loan and equity financing.
2. Innovative environment. The emphasis is to build on earlier success in cooperation between academia, industry and the public sector particular directed toward small and medium enterprises.
3. International co-operation. Co-operation with international partners to benefit researchers and SMEs.
4. Regional attractiveness. The emphasis is on development of activities based on nature, culture and cultural heritage.
Priority 2: Accessibility [approximately 23.0% of total funding]
The long term goal is to develop a sustainable transport system and a sustainable IT infrastructure. Key objectives are accessibility of work opportunities, services and culture. There are three sub-priorities.
1. Co-operation between different modes of transport. For the region to be attractive there is a need of effective and environmentally sound transport systems and inter-modal transport solutions and terminals as well as finding new transport solutions with effective chains using different kinds of transport types.
2. Regional enlargement. The objective is to develop safe and effective passenger transport systems which can increase the acceptable commuting distance. Large railway projects along the coast are a high priority.
3. Information and Communication technology – ICT. The objective is to secure a long term sustainable IT-infrastructure with good accessibility by providing competition neutral communication networks.
Priority 3: Technical assistance [approximately 4.0% of total funding]
The aim is to support the management, monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme, and the associated communication and publicity activities.
6. Managing authority: NUTEK (Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth)
Contact details:
PO-Box 3034
SE-831 03 Östersund
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 681 91 00
Website: http://www.nutek.se
Operational programme 2007-13: "Mid-North Sweden 2007-2013"
1. Operational Programme "Regional Structural Funds Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment for Mid-North Sweden 2007-2013" - Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 9 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the region of Mellersta Norrland (Jämtland and Västernorrland) in Sweden for the 2007-13 period. The Operational Programme falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework and has a budget of around €353 million. Community investment through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €177 million, which represents approximately 9.3% of the total EU investment in Sweden under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
The main goal of the Regional Operational Programme is to create 1400 new businesses per year, of which women will own 40%, as well as to create 4500 new jobs for both men and women. The Programme will establish ten (10) new strategic networks among businesses, and between businesses and research institutions. The Programme will focus on the renewal of industry, energy and the development of environmentally friendly projects. Another important aspect of the Programme is its focus on improving accessibility and the attractiveness of the region. Furthermore, the Programme anticipates action toward further interregional cooperation.
4. Expected impact of investments
The Operational Programme will create 1400 new businesses and 5000 new jobs per year (with a minimum of 40% reserved for women). The Programme also anticipates that investments in the research and development (R&D) sector will double and that renewable energy production will double. The Programme will also provide support, financial or otherwise, to about 5000 businesses. The Programme will also work toward increasing by 5% the number of people who can reach the regional centre within 45 minutes. The Programme also works toward increasing by 5% the number of households that can access broadband networks. Toward these ends, the Programme will implement 5 new transport and communication solutions.
5. Priorities
The following priority represents the structure of the Operational Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment for Mid-North Sweden:
Priority 1: Renewal of industry, energy and environment-driven development [approximately 73.9% of total funding]
The focus of this priority is put on innovation and knowledge industry, energy and environment as areas for support and growth. Branch specific initiatives are foreseen in growth areas such as energy, environmental technology and tourism. Provision of risk capital is another support area.
Priority 2: Accessibility and attractiveness [approximately 22.1% of total funding]
The aim of this priority is to contribute to unconventional goods and public transport solutions, a network of roads with sufficient quality, support for transfer of goods from road transport to railway, continued development of IT and broadband to areas which are not yet covered. Another objective is to increase the region's attractiveness by building on the availability for mountain, archipelago or small town living and by creating meeting places, cultural events and give support to in-migration, especially of foreign born.
Priority 3: Technical assistance [approximately 4.0% of total funding]
The aim is to support the management, monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme, and the associated communication and publicity activities.
6. Managing authority: NUTEK (Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth)
Contact details:
PO-Box 3034
SE-831 03 Östersund
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 681 91 00
Website: http://www.nutek.se
Operational programme 2007-13: "East Mid-Sweden 2007-2013"
1. Operational Programme "Regional Structural Funds Programme for Regional Competitiveness and Employment in East Mid-Sweden 2007-2013" - Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
2. Overview
On 16 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the region of Östra Mellansverige (Uppsala, Södermanland, Örebro, Västmanland and Östergötlandà) in Sweden for the 2007-13 period. The Operational Programme falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework and has a total budget of around €229 million. Community investment through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €81 million, which represents approximately 4.3% of the total EU investment for Sweden under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
3. Aim and purpose of the programme
The overall purpose of the Operational Programme is to expand the economy by increasing enterprises accessibility, encouraging business development, and growing the employment base. Furthermore, the Programme addresses urban issues in Örebro, Västerås, Eskilstuna, Uppsala, Linköping and Norrköping, as well as actions for inter-regional cooperation.
The Programme focuses on networks and clusters and strengthens innovation and renewal. The Programme supports environments that stimulate development and competencies. In addition, the Programme seeks to support entrepreneurial culture by sharing ideas and inventions and by creating favourable conditions for accessibility to capital. The Programme also foresees measures to increase the number of commuters by 8% and to connect cities further to broadband networks.
4. Expected impact of investments
The programme will create 2000 new businesses and 4000 new jobs, of which women will hold, at least, 40% and immigrants 15%. In addition, the Programme will create 25 new competence centres. The Programme will contribute to an 8% increase in those commuting to work. Therefore, the Programme will introduce a common ticket system for public transport. Likewise, the Programme will connect an additional 30 municipalities to high-speed fibre optic broadband and provide another 80 municipalities with a local fibre optic network.
5. Priorities
The following priorities represent the structure of the Regional Operational Programme for East Mid-Sweden:
Priority 1: Innovative environments [approximately 28.8% of total funding]
The purpose of this priority is to boost innovation in existing companies, stimulate the growth of new companies and attract expertise, capital and companies to the region. The priority is to nurture established and embryonic innovative environments. By developing infrastructure for innovation and skills supply, the initiatives will contribute to increased commercialisation of research results and to developing new products and services.
Priority 2: Entrepreneurship [approximately 48.0% of total funding]
The objective of this priority is to create more new viable companies and more growing companies which together will boost the region’s national and international competitiveness. The priority contains measures for supply of capital and makes reference to JEREMIE. The purpose of the priority is to implement activities which will improve the commercial climate, create a positive view of enterprise, seek to increase the number of new business start-ups, work with operations in the form of funding instruments/the provision of capital to companies, and provide support in the form of expertise to men and women and companies in both the private and the public sector to transform product/business ideas into commercial products.
Priority 3: Accessibility [approximately 19.2% of total funding]
This priority is focused on improving links between transport and infrastructure, developing cooperation between different means of transport and ensuring businesses have access to a robust broadband network. The programme is to help to achieve coordinated public transport in the functional, polycentric region, i.e. public transport with uniform, shared systems for ticketing, fares and transport information. The programme will also help to ensure access to a functional, robust and future-proof IT infrastructure for businesses.
Priority 3: Technical assistance [approximately 4.0% of total funding]
The aim is to support the management, monitoring and evaluation of the operational programme, and the associated communication and publicity activities.
6. Managing authority: NUTEK (Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth)
Contact details:
PO-Box 3034
SE-831 03 Östersund
Sweden
Telephone: +46 8 681 91 00
Website: http://www.nutek.se