1. Sharing Knowledge between regions
Mikel Landabaso Head of Unit, Thematic development, innovation Regional Policy Directorate General European Commission

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

3. 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.

4. 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!!)

5. 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

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

7. 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.

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

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

10. 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:
Good Practice exchange portal for eGovernment information and other projects (EU funded or not) with registered users and more than 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

11. 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
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

12. Regional Policy Directorate General European Commission
Thank You !!
Regional Policy Directorate General European Commission