1. Thematic platform 1 Competitiveness & Attractivness
St. Johann im Pongau, 28th and 29th of June 2007
Thematic platform 1 Competitiveness & Attractivness

2. Thematic Platform Priority 1 28th June 2007, St. Johann im Pongau
Transnational cooperation in the Alpine Space: New priorities for shared challenges Competitiveness and Attractiveness
Thematic Platform Priority 1
28th June 2007, St. Johann im Pongau

3. Possible activities in the Alpine Space
Actions supporting cluster generation
Projects to identify and strengthen the key economic branches
Pilot actions for technology transfer
Pilot initiatives for new cooperations between research centres and SMEs
To launch joint initiatives related to natural and/or cultural heritage
Promotion of integrated tourism systems
Facilitating the economic growth in peripheral areas by better access to the cultural heritage
Transnational focus

4. Possible activities in the Alpine Space
Cooperation through the development of productions chains based on regional products, crafts, knowledge or heritage in all sectors
Development of joint quality labels
Creation of tools for the improvement of living conditions and facilitation of economic growth in peripheral areas and areas affected by spatial disparities
Safeguarding access to social and cultural services
„demography“ – brain drain danger

5. Possible partners Local decision-makers
Economic actors (particular SMEs)
Educations, training and research centres
Non-governmental agencies
Tourism agencies
Public service providers
Local, regional and national decision-makers

6. Even more concrete…
A group of regions may establish and finance a permanent pool of transnational field-experts to advise on a particular regional development issue (e.g. SME incubators)
Spreading Benefit of Knowledge Economy
Sustainable Communities (network and knowledge exchange)
Sustainable Cities Together
Connecting rural and urban clusters
Strategic Sustainable Urban Greening at Regional Level
Renewing the city, monitoring and focusing on urban growth
A transnational network of medium-sized towns could develop and implement a joint territorial strategy to attract some functions
Developing Economic Clusters of Cultural Enterprises
Transnational Action Network for the Sustainable Management of European Polycentric City Regions
Interaction between Urban and Rural Development

7. requirements
The project has to have a „alpine“ touch and transnational perspective
The project should support sustainable economic growth without being profit-oriented
The project should not be in conflict with the competition law
The project should not be based on local activities (but can have pilot studies)
No major investments
At least 3 alpine countries (around 8 different partners)
Good partnership
Clear common strategy (project lifetime only 3 years)

8. benefit The transnational cooperation is a challenge BUT
Gives you new networking opportunities
Funding
European skills
More competence
Unique exchange of solutions and knowledge