Sharing Knowledge between regions Mikel Landabaso Head of Unit, Thematic development, innovation Regional Policy Directorate General European Commission http://ec.europa.eu./comm/regional_policy

TOPICS Regions for Economic Change (RfEC)? Objective of the ‘Fast Track Network’ (FTN)? Other tools for sharing knowledge among Regions

What is ‘Regions for Economic Change’ (RfEC)? An initiative, funding, but not additional Implementation through two major networking programmes: interregional (INTERREG IVC) and urban development (URBACT II) cooperation Core objectives: Addressing common issues together and Creating a stronger link between exchange of good practices and mainstream funding programmes = capitalisation Communication (2006) 675 of 8/11/2006 Four key elements: Thematic approach (30 themes) Communication Two-way bridge between networking and mainstream programmes ‘Fast track’ option (Commission support) Tapping into the resources and the wealth of information, knowledge, skills and ideas developed in the networking activities in order to feed the Operational Programmes Also, maximising the chances of valuable projects to access funding sources (not necessarily only EU, but also local, regional, national…) This exercise – not easy – has been welcomed by cities involved, which had a chance to collectively tackle these issues.

What is ‘Regions for Economic Change’ (RfEC)? Example: Communication (and dissemination…) Yearly conferences Publications Website RegioStars Awards This specific aspect taken as others are to be presented later on (in this and other presentations), and are therefore more visible Importance of Communication and dissemination of ideas, experiences, best practices Visibility of the work (both in the interest of the Commission and, most importantly, of the practitioners on the field doing the work!!)

What is a ‘Fast Track Network’ (FTN)? As any other network, based on exchange: experience and ‘good practice’ Capitalisation of knowledge already available: tools, methods, approaches, management skills, thematic knowledge… Focus on action: translation of ‘good practices’ into mainstream policies and programmes (esp. EU-funded ones) Active involvement of the Managing Authorities (MAs) of the relevant Operational Programme(s) Concrete deliverables (Action Plans), practical implementation with an eye to sustainability beyond the life of the network Support of the Commission services: DG Regional Policy and other DGs. Good practice: Controversial definition… In general: result-oriented approach (efficiency and effectiveness) – tools and methodologies which have given proven results (experience); practical and implementable (with adaptation to local conditions, of course) Capitalisation details: Capitalisation activities consist of the collection, analysis, dissemination and transfer of good practices in the policy area in question. Capitalisation Projects are cities’ networking projects which focus specifically on the transfer of urban development good practices into mainstream policies or EU Structural Funds programmes (i.e. Convergence, Regional Competitiveness and Employment, and other European Territorial Cooperation programmes) of the cities participating in the project or represented in the partnership. Nota bene: learning process for the Commission as much as for the cities involved

Fast tracks create networks of regions... ...and build contacts with Managing Authorities and regional stakeholders, creating local ownership of good practice & political commitment

Managing Authorities are associated in the networks. Managing Authorities are often not aware of resources invested in networks: should be seen more strategically and exploited.

Action Plans are developped during the project, for each region,and identify how the learning, good practice can be implemented

And regions are supported in their efforts to implement Action Plans within the relevant OPs. With Commission support in different stages.

The Commission’s role Guidance Support Visibility Involvement of all relevant Commission departments Contribution to peer review in networks Make links to managing authorities, other projects, other programmes, etc. Support Administrative back-up & network animation Visibility Dissemination RFEC Conferences Website Regiostars… Case studies & searchable database Website: ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/interregional/ecochange/index_en ePractice portal: www.epractice.eu Good Practice exchange portal for eGovernment information and other projects (EU funded or not) with 14.000 registered users and more than 50.000 visitors per month You can post an add in the blog, publish PIKE news and events Possibility to create a PIKE Community in ePractice – great visibility for the project + allowing regions throughout Europe to follow up your work Possibility to use the portal facilities to organise PIKE good practice exchange workshops eGovernment website and newsletter: ec.europa.eu/egovernment Information on EC eGovernment activities, projects, studies, funding programmes and policies Can be used by PIKE to ensure dissemination of the project activities : just send it to Juan.Gonzalez-Mellizo@ec.europa.eu

Regio Stars Awards 2010 3 ICT Categories: ICT applications for e-inclusion ICT applications by or for SMEs Broadband coverage in less developed regions or rural areas http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/innovation/regiostars_en.htm CityStar themes 1. Innovative use of brownfield sites in an urban context 2. The integration of migrants or marginalised groups in urban areas ICT Themes 3. ICT applications for e-inclusion 4. ICT applications by or for SMEs 5. Broadband coverage in less developed regions or rural areas Information and Communication category 6. Websites offering quality information and showing the European added-value

Regional Policy Directorate General European Commission Thank You !! Regional Policy Directorate General European Commission http://ec.europa.eu./comm/regional_policy