NPP concepts and communications Kirsti Mijnhijmer 21 August 2008 – Copenhagen, Denmark European Union European Regional Development Fund

NPP Concepts Strategic concepts Innovative outputs of relevance for whole area Physical product or social capital and expertise Informs policy development Triple Helix Partnerships Cooperation between business, higher education and the public sector Core concepts Added value Transnational all projects if applicable strategic projects

NPP Concepts Strategic concepts Innovative outputs of relevance for whole area Physical product or social capital and expertise Informs policy development Triple Helix Partnerships Cooperation between business, higher education and the public sector Core concepts Added value Transnational all projects if applicable strategic projects

NPP Core concepts : Added Value NPP definition: All projects must make a distinctive contribution and add value by working together to produce a new product/service that has a transnational or transregional character. Projects must develop concrete, tangible and innovative products or services: Transnational character Functionality Viability Methods of added value: Knowledge transfer Innovation Organisational learning

NPP Core concepts : Transnationality The NPP wants to ensure transnationality at all stages of project development. The partnership should be balanced. Mandatory: projects must involve a minimum of 3 partner countries one partner must be from an EU Member State Each project must address at least 3 of the 4 transnationality criteria: Joint development Joint implementation Joint staffing Joint financing In addition: Joint strategy for disseminating project results Transnational impact; project outcomes are implemented in different parts of the programme area

NPP Horizontal Principles: Equal Opportunities The horizontal principles must be incorporated in every project and at all stages Equal Opportunities: the prevention and elimination of discrimination between people on grounds of gender, marital status, cultural and social background, disabilities, age, sexual orientation, language or other personal attributes, such as religious beliefs or political opinions. Projects must describe how they have incorporated equal opportunities Projects must choose whether they are neutral or positive and justify this choice. For higher ranking, a project needs to demonstrate a contribution towards furthering equal opportunities in a broad context. Equal opportunities is not just about gender!

NPP Horizontal Principles: Sustainable Development Sustainable Development: Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is not just about the environment! It encompasses economic, social and ecological aspects. Projects must describe how they have incorporated sustainable development into the design of the project. Projects must choose whether they are neutral or positive and justify this choice. For higher ranking, a project needs to create a foundation for long-term sustainability and bring about beneficial economic, social and ecological impacts.

Alignment with European and Domestic Strategies NPP alignment with other strategies: The NPP priorities are guided by the Lisbon and Gothenburg Agendas. The NPP aims to complement and contribute to development strategies in the programme partner countries. Lisbon Agenda: making Europe “the most dynamic and competitive knowledge- based economy in the world” by Gothenburg Agenda: EU recognises “that in the long term, economic growth, social cohesion and environmental protection must go hand in hand”. Domestic strategies: relevant national, regional and local development plans and strategies. Projects must demonstrate how they contribute to these strategies.

NPP Concepts Strategic concepts Innovative outputs of relevance for whole area Physical product or social capital and expertise Informs policy development Triple Helix Partnerships Cooperation between business, higher education and the public sector Core concepts Added value Transnational all projects if applicable strategic projects

Triple Helix Partnerships Triple helix: The three different spheres of business, higher education and public institutions working together on new tasks and in new fields. These three spheres together, and not only by themselves, make it possible to obtain an enhanced outcome from the cooperation and invested capital, in the form of innovative new products and solutions. These partnerships are considered key to securing innovative solutions to many of the issues facing the NPP area. Triple helix partnerships are encouraged when appropriate. Two different models: partnership and context Community aspect: ensuring that end beneficiaries are located within the communities of the Northern Periphery.

NPP Concepts Strategic concepts Innovative outputs of relevance for whole area Physical product or social capital and expertise Informs policy development Triple Helix Partnerships Cooperation between business, higher education and the public sector Core concepts Added value Transnational all projects if applicable strategic projects

Strategic Concepts Strategic Projects: Projects that make a strategic contribution towards achieving the objectives and vision of the programme Features: Innovative outputs of relevance to whole programme area with a focus on peripheral regions Beneficial impact in terms of a physical product or social capital and expertise Involves cooperation at transnational, national, regional and local level to inform policy development Strategic calls: Strategic themes will be identified for each priority by the Monitoring Committee Specific calls will be held for strategic projects

Communication Projects have a role to play in the NPP communication strategy Projects form link between programme and citizens in area Projects produce tangible outcomes that impact citizens Responsibilities: Applicants must provide information on internal and external communication in the application form Projects must comply with EU information & publicity requirements Projects are required to follow NPP information & publicity requirements: Set of mandatory communication tools Budget for attendance at NPP information and training events Projects must report on communication efforts through indicators (activity + final report) NPP will provide guidance through Programme Manual, website, information and training seminars.

Communication Strategy Internal communication: consider the information flow, how you involve associated partners/stakeholders, decision making structure External communication: make a logical connection between your project aim  communication objectives  target groups  communication measures Plan for the entire project lifetime and budget accordingly. Expected outcomes of a successful communication strategy: Raised awareness with the general public Better project implementation and therefore better achievement of project objectives Better internal communication between project partners and better management Attracting more match funding and outside investments from participating organisations and other stakeholders More political support and support from citizens to ensure a longer lasting impact of the project and more future support. Communication is not just a burden or an expense; it can add value

Publicity Requirements – European Commission European Information & publicity requirements for projects: Commission Regulation No 1828/2006, Articles 8 and 9 and Annex 1 Requirements: Lead Partners are responsible for informing the public and partnership about assistance received from ERDF All information and publicity measures must include: The European flag (emblem) and a reference to the European Union A reference to the fund: “European Regional Development Fund” Programme statement: “Innovatively investing in Europe’s Northern Periphery for a sustainable and prosperous future” Small promotional objects only need to have the EU flag There are specific requirements for investments in infrastructure and construction operations or the purchase of a physical object exceeding €500,000 Failure to comply can lead to grant cuts!

Publicity Requirements – NPP Programme logo To be included on all publications together with EU flag Visual Guidelines Mandatory communication tools within first 6 months: Project website Project logo Promotional material for conferences, seminars, exhibitions, etc. Project presentation in PowerPoint format outlining the project’s objectives Completion of a brief project case study based on an NPP template Submission of small collection of photos relevant to the project Expected attendance at joint activities such as: Lead Partner and partner seminars One thematic seminar One additional training seminar

Publicity Requirements – Graphical Elements Example of correct use of the mandatory graphical elements: NPP is working on downloadable picture formats. Innovatively investing in Europe’s Northern Periphery for a sustainable and prosperous future

For more information Regional Contact Points Programme Secretariat Documents: Programme Manual “Part 1: How to Apply” (Operational Programme) Programme website:

Thank you for listening!