1. Which call to apply to (1)? Regions of Knowledge (REGIONS-2009-1): ° at least 3 RDCs from 3 countries (minimum 9 partners) coordinator: either a regional authority or a fully fledged RRDC (with legal entity) ° budget per project -> 1 to 3 Mio. € ° alignment of thematic priorities with the “Lead Markets Initiative” ° mentoring as compulsory activity ° 2-step approach : –from analysis to JAP –accompanying the implementation of the JAP [Internationalization activities allowed] budget: 16.1 Mio. €

2. Research Entity Business entity (e.g. SME) Regional Research–Driven Cluster Regional Authority Other Actors (e.g. TTOs, consultants) What is a “Regional Research-Driven Cluster”? Coordinator !!!

3. What means ‘lead markets initiative’ ? e-Health: telemedicine, personalised health systems and services Sustainable construction: improved energy efficiency, application of new materials and more sustainable production processes Protective textiles: intelligent personal clothing and equipment Bio-based products: non-food products derived from biomass, including renewable materials Recycling: technologies, and processes of waste products of cars and electrical/ electronic waste Renewable Energies: ind, solar, biomass, biogas, geothermal, wave, tidal, hydropower 2008 not yet 2009

4. 2009 thematics ? Enhancing the sustainable use of natural resources and of the natural and man-made environment, covering four themes: –Water management, –Forest management –Soil and land management –Waste management … in support of the Lead Markets Initiative

5. Analysis, development and implementation of research agendas output: inventory of RTD offer and demand and regional strategy for research-based economic development Mentoring of regions with a less developed research profile for capacity building (compulsory) output: analysis of complementarities with potential other partners Initiatives to improve integration: definition of joint action plans, together with business plans – following SWOT analysis and definition of RTD needs output: analysis (incl. SWOT) from an economic and R&D perspective and JAP with financing plan 2009 activities eligible for funding (1)

6. Measures towards the implementation of the JAP output: indicators for the measures foreseen International Cooperation activities (optional) output: analysis of complementarities with potential other partners Dissemination activities Beware: neither the implementation of the JAP nor any research can be funded under Regions 2009 activities eligible for funding (2)

7. Two objectives for all European regions: Produce research strategies that contribute to regional economic development regional ‘research-driven clusters’ through the development (NOT creation) of regional ‘research-driven clusters’ NEVER forget the OBJECTIVES ! Strengthen their capacity for investing in RTD and carrying out research activities

8. expected outcomes Improve links between research actors, business community and local authorities Foster transnational / cross-border cooperation Enhance mutual learning and exchanges of experience and best practices between regional actors TARGET on OUTCOMES

9. expected impact Regional economic growth and competitiveness through the definition of strategies integrating research Response to the needs of regional business communities Mobilisation of local, national and community funds (including SF) to implement defined regional action plans in support of regional economic development Increase in and more effective investment in R&D Inclusion of more regions into the ERA REFLECT on IMPACT