1. Inter-regional co-operation The territorial dimension Ian Hill EU Policy and Development Officer Cumbria County Council

2. Where are we?

3. Why Transnational co-operation? It supports regional development objectives An opportunity to reflect on ones own experience To see and incorporate best practice from other European regions Opportunities for staff training of high quality and value The unforeseen outcomes – such as student exchanges, trade links, future project ideas

4. A strategy for territorial co-operation Territorial development strategy Innovation, R&D Higher education Regional & spatial development Interreg Erasmus, Leonardo FP6, Interreg

5. Connecting territorial development and territorial co-operation Maximise use of electronic information – newsletters, websites, e-forums Territorial co-operation working group – actors from public, private and NGO sectors to share ideas and disseminate information Emphasising the territorial benefits to co- operation

6. Case Study 1: TOWER Interreg IIIc RFO 5 regions, 10-14 projects 4 themes: Strategies for sustainable growth Technology transfer Competitive & knowledge- based entrepreneurship; Sustainable SMEs. Total 4.8m

7. Case Study 2: CRIPREDE Sixth Framework for R&D; Regions of Knowledge theme Improving R&D and innovation in regions – policies and tools Strong research component – what works and why? Total budget 500,000

8. Added value of inter-regional co-operation; some examples Training and capacity building of professionals Evidence base for policy making – learning from best practice in EU Education co-operation (university exchanges etc.) Trade links

9. The important messages Link co-operation to regional development objectives Build experience now for the next programme period (2007-13) Find partners that share objectives (even if their characteristics are different) Find ways to develop pilot actions (e.g. Leonardo, Socrates…)