TERCO - European Territorial Cooperation as a Factor of Growth, Jobs and Quality of Life Workshop Session1: Progress on New Territorial Evidence 30th November 2011, Kraków Department of Planning and Regional Developement University of Thessaly, School of EngineeringUniversity of Thessaly

TERCO hypothesis and objectives TA2020: “Co-operation is key to fostering smart, inclusive and sustainable growth and territorial cohesion in the EU” TERCO main hypothesis: territorial cooperation (TC) is one of the factors underpinning the socio-economic development of territorial units. TERCO main objective is to assess the relationship between territorial cooperation (TC) and the socio-economic development of EU and neighbouring regions Subordinated objectives: 1. Estimate IMPACT of various types of TC On economic and social develop- ment as well as on Quality of life 2. Asses ADEQUACY of TC In terms of geographic areas, domains, scales, etc. 3. Identify key determinants of TC success Which factors decide whether co- operation brings integration and value added? 4. Establish good governance practices Formal vs day-to day practices Good governance and synergies between t programs, etc.

Key policy questions and types of TC 3 Main TYPES of Territorial Co-operation analysed in TERCO Twinning City Cross-border (incl. Interreg A) Transnational (incl. Interreg B) Interregional (incl. Interreg C) Trans- continental Other

How different territories cooperate? TA2020: “Territories with common potentials or challenges can collaborate in finding common solutions and utilise their territorial potential by sharing experience. Territories with complementary potentials, often neighbouring, can join forces and explore their comparative advantages together creating additional development potential” TERCO Case Studies evidence: Regions with common potentials (PL and Cz): Tourists potential of Sudety mountains -Exchanging experience (#1) and jointly implementing common actions (#4) - Joint promotion of Sudety as a tourist product Regions with common challenges (PL and DE): Oder river challenge -Sharing tools to tackle a common problem (#3) - Sharing equipment and know-how to deal with flood prevention, Regions with complementary potentials (GR and BL): health and social protection services - Solving jointly cross-border problems (#6) - Infrastructure, volunteer and national rescue teams, insurance vouchers

Co-operation of cities Aver. Nuber of TwinCities agreements per commune TA2020: “The cooperation and networking of cities could contribute to smart develop- ment of city regions at varying scales in the long run” - Database of TwinningCities which have not existed before - Typology of co-operating cities is built - Quantitative data complemented by qualitative

Domains of TC most developed now vs. Domains of TC most desirable in the future How adequate are domains/themes of TC?

Governance models

Infrastructure 8 What type of infrastructure should be supported via TC? Which type of TC should support infrastructure? New EU Member States Old EU Member States nonEU Member States Should TC include infrastructure investment?

 The best TC projects seem to be those which focus on solving a specific problem together and time of simple projects is coming to an end. Introduction of more functional approach to territory seems to be important for future TC.  In case of TC across external borders cultural cooperation and education are perceived by actors from all sectors as the most important domains.  TC programmes should neither be designed nor analysed in isolation from other strategies/programmes at a given (sub)region. External policies do matter.  Co-ordination matters if we think seriously about synergies. Governance models: a) depend on the specific situation, b) top-down approaches are unlikely to work when partners contribute large financial shares to the project.  Good practices: a) their number increases with the growing complexity of projects, (e.g. common database with compitibile procedures, regular stakeholder forums, common involvement in certification for quality labels, etc.)  Infrastructural investments: a) YES if have EU dimension, (e.g. missing link in transport network), b) New MS - physical infrastr; Old MS social infrastr, c) in short run small infrastructural project - long run importance of soft measures. Experience of the TERCO

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