Seminar in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland 13 -16th of October 2004 At the Lappia Conference Centre

Seminar in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland on 13 – 15th of October 2004 At the Lappia Conference Centre

COMPETITIVE REGIONSShaping Best Practice II

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PREFACE

This book contains summary descriptions of projects being nominated for the seminar “Competitive Regions – Shaping Best Practices II” which is taking place in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland, on 13-15 October 2004. The seminar is organised by the Regional Council of Lapland in collaboration with the Finnish Ministry of Interior and the European Commission. The seminar will build on the success of the first best practice seminar which was held in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, UK, in October 2003. It aims at promoting exchange of experience and dissemination of best practice between authorities involved in the implementation of Objective 1 and Objective 2 Structural Fund programmes in Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Sweden and the UK. Implementing authorities from all other Member States have also been invited to attend the seminar. The strategic goal of the Lisbon and Gothenburg European Councils will make up the framework of the seminar: The EU should become the most competitive and dynamic knowledge-based economy in the world, capable of sustainable economic growth with more and better jobs and greater social inclusion. The seminar programme includes project presentations, expert presentations, project excursions, and discussions on the following three sub-themes:

- Competitiveness - Sustainable development (economic, social and ecological) - Co-operation and competitiveness

More information about the event is available at the following websites:

- http://www.lapinliitto.fi/bestpractice - http://europa.eu.int/comm/regional_policy/index_en.htm

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TABLE OF CONTENT (The projects marked “ ► “ will be presented during the seminar)

COMPETITIVENESS

North Jutland, Denmark ► North Jutland Export Programme 11

Lower Saxony, Germany

Design and development of a skiroller 12 Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

Probiodrug AG, Halle 13 Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

Q-Cells AG, Thalheim 14 Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

► icubic AG, Magdeburg 15 Central Finland

TEHO-project 16 North Karelia, Finland

The Finnish Stone Centre Programme 17 Rauma, Western Finland

Joint Treatment: Treatment of Sewage Generated by the Forestry Industry and Municipalities 18

Softum, Western Finland

Softum business centre networking and development project 19 Turku, Finland

Varsta, Business environment at the department of life sciences at Turku Polytechnic 20

Southern and Eastern Region, Ireland

E-Commerce and Communication 21 Sweden

Increase competitiveness of SMEs 22 County of Jämtland, Sweden

An interactive institute for research 23 North Sweden

► The North Sweden Soil Remediation Centre (MCN) 24 Region of South Forest Counties, Sweden

► ETOUR – the European Tourism Research Institute 25 Västra, Sweden

K-Kau - The Swedish house of form 26 London, United Kingdom

► Ethnic Minority Business Support Network 27 North East England, United Kingdom

The Knowledge House – Access to research and innovation 28

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East of Scotland, United Kingdom

Development of Niche Markets in East of Scotland 29 South of Scotland, United Kingdom

Ettrick Riverside Business Factory 30 Western Scotland, United Kingdom

Profit from product development 31 Wales, United Kingdom

Opportunity Wales – Information about eCommerce for businesses 32

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Bavaria, Germany ► Action Plan for Nuremberg’s South side 35

Berlin, Germany

Social City - Integrative management for economic, social and ecological development in multi-problem neighbourhoods in Berlin 36

Bremen, Germany

The Bremen Seed Programme for academic start-ups 37 Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany

Centre for Fuel Cell Technology 38 Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Multimar Wattforum - Information Centre of the National Park Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea 39

Finland

Sustainable future for the Hämeenlinna region 40 East Finland

Honouring the built heritage in North Karelia 41 Kuopio, Finland

Success factors for the horse industry 42 Lapland, Finland

Nature paths and recreational constructions 43 Northern Central Finland

► Development of a Bioenergy Network 44 North Ostrobothnia, Finland

Environmental management in Kierikki stone age village 45 Turku, Finland

Linkki - Community-based project development in East Turku 46 City of Vantaa, Finland

Living cityspace 47 Dalsland, Sweden

Next Generation - Young entrepreneurs for the region 48 Göta Kanal, Sweden

Enterpirse development for the region 49

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Luleå, Sweden

Establishment of research in environmental and quality management 50 Norra Norrland, Sweden

Lapland Fishing 51 Norrbotten, Sweden

Developing a centre of film production in northern Europe 52 Cornwall, United Kingdom

Combined Universities in Cornwall 53 Netherleigh, United Kingdom

Signal Business Growth Initiative 54 North East England, United Kingdom

Sandhills Green Recycling Centre 55 Scotland, United Kingdom

The 7stanes – a mountain bike and infrastructure project 56 Western Scotland, United Kingdom

Lifelong learning for families in St Stephen's Enterprise Centre 57 CO-OPERATION+COMPETITIVENESS

Ireland ► Managing the Evolution of the Programmes in Advanced Technologies 61

Oulu Region, Finland ► Centre of Expertise Programme implementing the Multipolis Network Project 62

Ylivieska Sub-region, Finland

Development Programme of Contract Manufacturing 63 Northern Sweden

Developing the tourism industry in Boden 64 Region of South Forest Counties, Sweden

National Winter Sport Centre 65 Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

► Creggan Enterprises Ltd – Jobs in an old factory 66 South of Scotland, United Kingdom

Crichton Regeneration Project 67

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COMPETITIVENESS

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COMPETITIVENESS North Jutland, Denmark

► North Jutland Export Programme

The project The North Jutland Export Programme was established in the year 2000, when the County of North Jutland set up a working group whose task it was to develop an export programme. The working group consisted of representatives from the Danish Trade Council, Nordjysk Eksportklub, Aalborg University, trade promotion officers, Erhvervscenter Nordjylland and the County of North Jutland – i.e. those bodies that had the greatest knowledge with regard to export. The programme runs until the end of 2004, and to date 145 enterprises have had an application processed, of which 123 have received a grant. Enterprises can use the grant to purchase external expenses such as consultant hours and the consultant’s travelling and accommodation expenses. The consultant can, for example, prepare market analyses, draw up an export strategy, and provide advice on organisational development, etc., depending on what the enterprise in question actually needs. The County of Jutland’s trade promotion office (EC-Nord) looks after the practical aspects of the programme, including drawing up a comprehensive analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the enterprises concerned. The application can be completed within about 2 weeks, which is a significant reduction of the review time in relation to other EU applications. The context The programme became a reality because the University had prepared a comprehensive analysis that concluded that there was unexploited export potential in North Jutland corresponding to between EUR 0.54 billion and EUR 0.67 billion (DKK 4-5 billion) per year. Outcome The Steering Committee’s goal for the programme was that within a year of completion of the project each participating enterprise should have increased its export turnover by EUR 0.135 million (DKK 1 million) and have taken on one new employee. Aalborg University, which was responsible for the continuous evaluation of the programme, has compiled the enterprises’ own expectations with regard to the effect of the project one year after completion. The result is that 123 enterprises expect a total increase in employment of 354 employees

and an annual increase in export turnover of some EUR 56.9 (DKK 421 million) – i.e. considerably higher than the Steering Committee’s goal. Perspectives The programme has been very successful, and as a result, the County of North Jutland has decided to launch a new Export Programme for another 100 enterprises. Self-assessment “The non-traditional aspect is reflected by the fact that the programme has been drawn up as an extensive collaboration between both central government authorities (Danish Trade Council, Aalborg University, the National Agency for Enterprise and Housing) and regional authorities. (...) The Export Programme demonstrates the high level of flexibility in the way in which ERDF funds can be used – at project level, regional level, and not least from central government.” Total costs : EUR 2.876 million (DKK 21 million) EU funding : EUR 0.98 million (DKK 7.2 million) Contact : Gitte Madsen Niels Bohrs Vej 30 DK-9220 Aalborg Øst Phone. +45 96 35 11 27 Fax: +45 98 15 40 29 e-mail: gm@nja.dk

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COMPETITIVENESS+SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Lower Saxony, Germany

Design and development of a skiroller The project Ski-rollers is a modern training equipment for cross-country skiing athlets during summertime. This equipment should ideally give the athlet the feeling and the feedback by using it like the ski in wintertime. Today's skirollers made from aluminium are not flexible enough to simulate the deformation behaviour of the cross-country skis on snow. In this project a skiroller system is under development which adapts the loading/deformation behaviour by using composites in a special way. This project shows in a perfect way from the idea via the design and calculation steps till the real prototype production regarding sustainability of the process by using closed processing loops. The context In the Harz area a training centre is located for biathlon and cross-country skiing which needs very good equipment with high performance for the national and international competition. The Technical University of Clausthal is dealing very intensively with new materials – in this case with modern composites for advanced applications. The transfer of the knowledge gained at the university must be translated directly in the region into SME's who are able to transfer this technology into new fields of application. Outcome With the development of the design and production of a high loaded composite structure it is planned to improve the competitiveness of the local industry in advanced applications. The modelling and simulation of the structure and the manufacturing process can improve the "time to market" dramatically. The training and education of employees will improve the knowledge of people in this region and will reduce unemployment as well as the risk that working places will be transferred to foreign countries. The idea of the application of composites can be transferred to different end use areas like automotive/transportation industry.

Perspectives This project has the potential to strengthen the competitiveness of the institute in the area of composite applications. Thus it will improve the attractiveness of the institute to be a partner in national and international research projects. The successful transfer of the technology will enable the industrial partner to meet the requirements for the future in different end use areas. At least the application and further development of manufacturing simulation will strengthen the position of the Technical University of Clausthal in this region dramatically. Self-assessment “It is shown that the application of composites can fulfil different requirements in a multifunctional structure, processed in one step. This development has to be seen as a nucleus for the transfer and the implementation in industry for new and exiting applications in the future.” Total costs : 674,177 EUR EU funding : 311,841 EUR Contact: Prof. Dr.-Ing. Gerhard Ziegmann Agricolastraße 6 D-38678 Clausthal-Zellerfeld Phone: +49 5323-722090 Fax: +49 5323-722324 e-mail: ziegmann@puk.tu-clausthal.de

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COMPETITIVENESS+SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

Probiodrug AG, Halle The project Probiodrug was founded in 1997 as limited liability company (GmbH) and transformed in 1999 into a public limited company (AG). Probiodrug is a biopharmaceutical R&D company focussing drug discovery and development based on target evaluation. Main focus is on Dipeptidyl Peptidase IV (DP IV) with preclinical and clinical programs for treating diabetes, anxiety, multiple scleroses and autoimmune disorders. The context There is high demand to identify new effective drugs for treating diabetes. Probiodrug discovered a unique and promising approach and possesses staff and know-how to realise it. High yield return expected through strong patent position in order to final continuous R&D activities. Outcome and a lead product developed to clinical phase IIb, which allows the company to get settled as a significant mover in global and growing market of anti-diabetic products. Perspectives Probiodrug will finish studies and realise a licence deal with DP IV lead candidate, plans to give non-exclusive licences and is advancing further compounds into preclinic and clinic phases, so PBD will be established as drug discovery and development company in Saxony-Anhalt.

Self-assessment “PBD has an excellent board of scientific directors, well-qualified and motivated staff, good R&D pipeline, so they have been able to build up a dominating IP Position and some product candidates for creating permanent company value.” Total costs: EUR 2.711 million EU funding: EUR 0.533 million Contact : Probiodrug AG Dr. Konrad Glund Weinbergweg 22 D-06120 Halle/Saale Phone +49 345 5559900 Fax: +49 345 5559901 e-mail: konrad.glund@probiodrug.de

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COMPETITIVENESS+SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

Q-Cells AG, Thalheim The project Q-Cells AG (public limited company), Bitterfeld, was founded 1999 to become a substantial and independent producer of poly- and monocrystalline solar cells. Q-Cells is dedicated to develop and produce high performance solar cells and is today technology pace setter in this respective industry. Total investment in this first round was about EUR 15 Mio. The initial market entry was through the first 12 MWp facility for the production of high-performance polycrystalline solar cells. The context The market for renewable energy was (and is today) small, rapidly growing and will become a major market for the future. Q-Cells was set up as an independent producer focused on these markets. From the very beginning it was Q-Cells strategy to become the biggest independent producer of mmc by developing an advanced technology basis. Outcome Over the last three years, Q-Cells has impressed with its sustainable and successful expansion and ranks as one of the fastest-growing companies in Europe. Since its inception in 1999, Q-Cells has quickly established a leading position on the burgeoning global solar energy market thanks to its leading edge manufacturing technologies. Within a period of only three years, Q-Cells has established itself among the world’s top ten cell manufacturers. Q-Cells started with four people has today 220 employees, at the end of 2004 the number will be about 300. Perspectives The company plans to remain on its steady expansion course. In February 2004, Apax Partners – one of the world´s leading private equity investment groups - was investing a total amount of 10 million Euro in Q-Cells. This growth financing investment will lend additional momentum to a leading company in the booming photovoltaic segment. The capital now being placed at the disposal of Q-Cells is to flow into the expansion of production capacities in Germany, the further development of new cell generations and its foreign marketing organization.

Self-assessment “Q-Cells has succeeded in devising complex, highly technological processes in industrial solar cell production in a very short timeframe, with a very high production yield and extremely powerful cells (more than 16 % efficiency). Unlike many of its competitors operating as integrated suppliers on the market, Q-Cells concentrates exclusively on the production of high-performance cells. This strong focus enables the company to respond more flexibly to the needs of its module manufacturer customers.” Total costs: EUR 7.311 million EU funding: EUR 2.727 million Contact : Q-Cells AG Guardianstraße 16 D-06766 Thalheim Phone: +49 3494 – 66 86 0 Fax: +49 3494 – 66 86 10 e-mail: a.milner@q-cells.com

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COMPETITIVENESS+SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

► icubic AG, Magdeburg

The project The icubic AG (public limited company) was founded 1999 in Magdeburg, East Germany. The company aims at providing integrated and innovative IT solutions, which are based on a modular software architecture. With the possibility of pricing bonds in nearly real-time speed, the solution could offer a sustainable growth of the deal-flow volume for the clients, by using maximum spreads. The context This specialised innovative IT solution could serve market needs, which are looking for a stable software tool for pricing and trading bonds on the capital market. This is an enormous cost factor, in a business which is highly “speed driven”. need capital. icubic products enable its clients in the financial industry to increase the efficiency, profitability and quality for their investment banking business. Outcome icubic is a positive example how such development programs allow innovative companies to write a success story. icubic AG shows a sustainable growth rate and will go on increasing the number of employees. In 1999 they started within a team of 7; now they reach a number of 48. Most of the stuff members were required in the Its business is already profitable. Perspectives Increase number of clients, enter to further markets, improve and develop new solutions, increase the number of jobs offered in a structurally underdeveloped region with a high unemployment rate.

Self-assessment “The main reason for success was the diligent analysis and targeting of existing market needs for a high performance soft ware tool in the trading business throughout the world and its subsequent realisation by a qualified and highly motivated team of experts.” Total costs : EUR 1.47 million EU funding : EUR 0.647 million Contact : icubic Mittenstraße 10 Phone: +49 391-59809-0 Fax: +49 391-59809-99 e-mail: c.heimbucher@icubic.de

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COMPETITIVENESS Central Finland

TEHO-project The project The TEHO project aims to enhance information technology utilisation in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through comprehensive information systems (IS) development. The project is directed to SMEs in Central Finland (Objective 1 -area). It is carried out between September 2001 and Deceber 2004 by the Information Technology Research Institute (ITRI) of the University of Jyväskylä . The project consists of two parts: development projects (15 projects) and seminars (2 seminars), the focus being on the development projects. A development project can be described as a IS planning project for a small or medium-sized company. The aim of the seminars is to discuss and spread information on the possibilities of IT use in SMEs. The seminar topics are chosen by taking participating companies' preferences into account. The context The importance of information systems in SMEs has been increasing rapidly in the recent years. Well-functioning information systems (IS) can have a crucial role in SMEs’ businesses. Especially in northern part of Central Finland, the majority of companies can be categorised as micro or small companies and just those are the ones that seldom have enough resources (money or personnel) allocated to IS planning and information management. Outcome According to the companies’ feedback they have got a comprehensive outlook on the state of and development ideas for information management, they have been able to choose more suitable IT solutions which, in turn, have made it possible to work more efficiently. Further more the project has provided the company with visions of external IT experts. The smeISP-methodology (small and medium-sized enterprise oriented Information Systems Planning methodology) used in development projects was also developed further. A publication (in Finnish) is due at the end of the TEHO-project.

Perspectives The project has made it possible to do several company-specific projects and work in co-operation with companies and regional authorities. These actors have become aware of the usefulness of this type of project. This in turn has opened possibilities for new projects. Self-assessment “The project has also proved the importance and need for information systems planning methodologies suitable for SMEs. The project has had an great impact on developing and introducing a new methodology by ITRI for IS planning in SMEs.” Total costs: EUR 0.42 million Contact Jarkko Närvänen Information Technology Research Institute rsity of Jyväskylä Agora, P.O. Box 35, FIN-40014 Jyväskylä Phone: +358 14 260 2598 Fax: +358 14 260 2544 e-mail: jarkko.narvanen@titu.jyu.fi

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COMPETITIVENESS North Karelia, Finland

The Finnish Stone Centre Programme

The project The aim of the project is to create a network-based centre of expertise to stone sector in North Karelia. The primary aim of the Stone Centre is the further development of the stone processing sector, the generation of new, small- scale stone sector enterprises and the development of support structures for those enterprises. The aim include the mutual networking of these companies as well as encouraging the companies to work in closer co-operation with the educational and research institutions in the sector. These measures are in keeping with the provincial strategy devised by the Regional Council of North Karelia. The Context The natural stone industry is a traditional, international sector of industry. Both the production and the use on natural stone have doubled in the past fifteen years. The fact that natural stone is an ecological product known for its good processing properties is the basis on which the growing use and the increasing range of new applications for natural stone have been founded. In practical terms, co-operation between Finnish research, training and production experts in natural stone sector can be characterised as being haphazard and loosely networked. The competitiveness oh the Finnish natural stone industry is currently based, and will in the future be even more dependent on, the high level on practical skills and expertise on production technology, which can be achieved through research and training founded on the needs of companies. Outcome The project • produced a new knowledge centre to stone

sector in North Karelia • produced a new unique tourist attraction to the

area • created new small innovative enterprises to the

area • created new networks and innovation to stone

sector

Perspectives By the year 2006, the Finnish Stone Centre will be a nationally recognised centre of expertise in the development of research, training, environmental awareness and corporate activities related to the natural stone industry. The Finnish Stone Centre will be a well-connected and networked entity that acts as a national and international transmitter of natural stone-related information and know-how both in Finland and Europe. Total Costs : EUR 6.3 million EU Funding : EUR 1.96 million Contact : Ilkka Nykänen Kuhnustantie 10, FIN-83900 Juuka Phone: +358 50-5185736 ilkka.nykanen@kivikeskus.com www.kivikeskus.com

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COMPETITIVENESS+SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Rauma, Western Finland

Joint Treatment : Treatment of Sewage Generated by the Forestry Industry and Municipalities

The project The Environmental Permits Office of Western Finland issued new permits for releasing effluent into the sea to the town of Rauma and to the forestry industry, which surrounds the town. The Environmental Centre made funding decisions concerning the project in 2000 and 2001. The technical implementation of joint treatment is relatively simple. The screening and sand separation of waste water takes place at the town's sewage treatment plant, after which it is pumped through a new connecting sewer to the industrial treatment plant. Building work on a new connecting sewer and alterations to the town’s treatment plant started in October 2001, and the work was completed in 2002. The five-year treatment trial involves intense monitoring of the sea. Particular interest is focused on the effects of diminishing nitrogen levels on the algae in the sea. The context The joint treatment project follows the tightening of treatment regulations, particularly with regard to the removal of nitrogen. Organising the joint treatment of sewage created by Rauma’s forestry industry and municipalities was made easier by the fact that communal sewage arriving at the town’s treatment plant contains levels of nutrients, such as phosphor and nitrogen, that are almost identical to the levels found in industrial sewage once nutrients have been added to it to enable it to be treated. Outcome Monitoring and research of joint treatment will continue. Joint treatment has so far proved to be successful. The project’s initial goal of reducing nitrogen levels seems set to be realised.

Perspectives Monitoring and research of joint treatment will continue. The joint treatment method is transferable and can be utilised elsewhere. Self-assessment “The project has so far reached its goals well. The project has tried methods that are transferable and can be implemented elsewhere. The project is topical considering the tightening rules concerning the treatment of sewage.” Total costs: EUR 0.898 million EU funding: EUR 0.245 million Contact : Seppo Heikintalo Town of Rauma FIN-26101 Rauma, Finland Phone: +358 2 834 4620 Fax: +358 2 834 3630 e-mail: seppo.heikintalo@rauma.fi

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COMPETITIVENESS Softum, Western Finland

Softum business centre networking and development project

The project The objectives of the project are reached through networking and developing the Softum business centre and it’s companies. The project manager is responsible for the managing and marketing of the business centre. A separate concept called “networking start” for enterprises has been developed, including all the basic services a starting company needs to success in business. These services includes e.g. efficient working environment, incubator services, branch offices, joint projects and marketing, imago and credibility benefits and the services of the project manager to develop the companies. The context The area is under a heavy change in economical circumstances. The Softum business centre for IT- and media companies is a strategic instrument to create new companies and jobs in the area. Outcome New companies are established, new positions for employees and a new IT business centre concept is established.

Perspectives Softum will be developed to be a well prepared working environment for companies working in IT and media businesses. New companies and new jobs will be created to establish even more efficient working environment in Softum. Self-assessment “The project has reached it’s objectives and fulfilled the strategic goal of the Lisbon and Gothenburg European Councils. The project has developed a new and innovative concept to establish new companies.” Total costs : EUR 0.284 million EU funding : EUR 0.102 million Contact : Esko Koikkalainen PL 69 FIN-35801 Mänttä, Finland Phone: +358 40 738 2334 Fax: +358 3 488 8500 e-mail: esko.koikkalainen@mw-kehitys.com

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COMPETITIVENESS Turku, Finland

Varsta, Business environment at the department of life sciences at Turku Polytechnic

The project VARSTA is a business environment at the department of Life Sciences at Turku Polytechnic. VARSTA enables teaching in a business orientated education and learning environment. Project started in January 2000 and was completed in December 2002. The context Life Sciences at Turku Polytechnic belong to BioTurku concept which is a concentration of expertise. BioTurku has 120 professors, 600 researches, 4,200 students in the field, 60 enterprises and 3,000 jobs. To double its operative volume needs the chain from basic research to production plants to be complete. VARSTA completes that chain from two point of view, it helps educating of more business oriented graduates and eases the bottleneck of laboratory premises. Outcome The project makes efficient use of the learning environment and co-operation, develops students’ professional competencies, improves the operative environment for businesses and makes more efficient use of premises and equipment. Perspectives Varsta at the department of Life Sciences continues and co-operation model will be used also in the department of Technology and Economy.

Self-assessment “VARSTA’s success is based on a simultaneous need-based solution of factors. Acquiring outside financing played a vital role in start-up. All the parties are committed to the project, which has been possible because the project benefits them. (...) The project has created an efficient comprehensive operation concept. It has recognised the needs of enterprises correctly and established a practise to match them.” Total costs : EUR 0.352 million EU funding : EUR 0.07 million Contact : Jani Pelkonen Lemminkäisenkatu 30 Turku, Finland Phone: +358 10 5536 326 Fax: +358 10 5536 323 e-mail: jani.pelkonen@turkuamk.fi

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COMPETITIVENESS Southern and Eastern Region, Ireland

E-Commerce and Communication The project Under this Measure, support from public funds is being provided to overcome identified gaps in advanced telecommunications infrastructure, maximise the utility of shared infrastructure and drive demand for new services and activities so as to facilitate the more even distribution of benefits of the emerging new digital economy across the Region and to contribute to economic and social cohesion in the Information Society. In 2002 the Irish Government set itself a target that Ireland should be in the top 10 of OECD Countries for broadband connecting within 5 years. In pursuit of this objective a twin-track approach has been adopted. The first involves the provision of the physical infrastructure throughout the Country. Secondly, once the basic infrastructure is in place there is a need to ensure that broadband services are available at a price which is attractive to consumers. In other words there is a need to ensure that there is a high level of competitiveness in the marketplace. This measure is concerned with actual delivery of the necessary infrastructure throughout the Region. The context The widespread availability of high-speed affordable, flat-rate, always-on internet access, referred to as “broadband”, is central to the development of Ireland as a knowledge and information society. The availability of broadband will enable individuals and communities to take advantage of the internet and enhanced communications links and associated economic and social benefits. Broadband services will reduce the peripherality of many communities in Ireland and lead to improved employment opportunities, enhance the sustainability of those communities and create a more positive environment for investment. Outcome At end-2003, half way through the implementation of the measure, EUR 22 million has been spent t which accounts for 87% of O.P. profile. Through this investment the Region has been provided with a good backbone infrastructure operated by three competitors. In addition there has been an extensive upgrade of local phone exchanges to encourage digital subscriber lines (DSC) to be provided. By mid Summer Metropolitan Area

Networks (MANS) will have been developed in 19 cities and town in the region, with 840 km of fibre optic cable laid. This work has permitted an additional 240,000 households and 36,000 businesses to have potential access to broadband infrastructure. Perspectives The perspectives for the future are very encouraging. By the end of the current programming period all towns within the region with a population of 1,500 or larger will be provided with modern advanced telecommunications infrastructure. In addition under the measure there is also the possibility for smaller communities to come together with a service provider to provide satellite and wire-less broadband services in local communities. This will ensure that all of the region will have the potential to connect to broadband networks. Ultimately the level of usage (broadband penetration) will be influenced by issues of cost and reliability. Self-assessment “The project reflects flexibility in delivery mechanisms and a responsiveness to adapt based on changed circumstances in the market place. It also demonstrates the strength of the public and private sectors working together in partnership to achieve common goals.” Total costs : EUR 87.56 million EU funding : EUR 43.78 million Contact : Stephen Blair Director Southern and Eastern Regional Assembly Assembly House O’Connell Street Waterford City Ireland Phone: +353 51 860700 Fax: +353 51 879887 e-mail: sblair@seregassembly.ie

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COMPETITIVENESS Sweden

Increase competitiveness of SMEs

The project The project VPUC is a long term venture to maintain and increase competitiveness among the SMEs in the region and in the business of developing and manufacturing tools- and dies for industrial forming processes as well as SMEs developing and producing components using industrial tools. This will be achieved through increased cooperation in an industry network, competence- and technology development through joint RTD-activities and the establishing of a centre of excellence in order to serve as a long term support for SME:s in the region and in the business as mentioned above. The context The market structure in the Swedish tool and die industry is changing rapidly. Historically, Swedish suppliers of tools and dies have been dominating the domestic market. However, during the latest 10 to 15 years the competition from foreign countries such as Japan, Spain, Portugal, Germany has been increasing drastically. During the last five years the competition has been shifting to low cost countries such as the Baltic States, Eastern Europe and Asia. On a market worth approximately 10 million euro Swedish suppliers are down to 30 % market share (Source: Pressoform 1999). The industrial trend towards concentration on core business and out sourcing has meant that suppliers have to step up along the product realization chain. Suppliers today are required to function as a partner in their customer’s product development process rather than just delivering components. Companies are striving to keep the number of suppliers down which means that the suppliers have to bee able to process larger projects. The project VPUC was initiated by a consortium of Swedish SMEs in the tool and die industry as a way to meet these changes and to strengthen competitiveness in the Swedish tool and die industry in order to keep and increase the market shares. Outcome The build up of the Industry Network (Consortium) gathering 40 companies. The establishing of a Centre of excellence, Svensk Verktygsteknik AB in Luleå employing 6 persons. The recruiting of further 3 persons is under processing. Continuous RTD activities increasing competitiveness among the participating companies in the region

Perspectives There is one and a half year left of the project period and so far the perspectives of almost full success of the project seems fairly good. We will continue to work in accordance to the project plan. Parallel to the activities in the VPUC-project we are building the base for the future business of the Center of excellence, Svensk Verktygsteknik AB. The role of Svensk Verktygsteknik will be to maintain the industry network and to support the members in the development of successful businesses. Self-assessment “The reason for the success is the large involvement from the participating companies wich has lead to the establishing of a powerful industry network serving as a base for cooperation and optimization of resources in order to obtain maximum competitiveness. The success lies also in the establishment of a Centre of excellence that is presently supporting SME:s in RTD-activities and will continue to support SME:s in the region after the project VPUC is finished.” Total costs : EUR 2.5 million (SEK 21.3 million) EU funding : EUR 1.06 million (SEK 9 million) Contact : Lars Sandberg Svensk Verktygsteknik, Aurorum 8 S-977 75 Luleå, Sweden Phone: +46 920 759 10 Fax: +46 920 759 55 e-mail: lars@svenskverktygsteknik.com

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COMPETITIVENESS County of Jämtland, Sweden

An interactive institute for research The project As part of the overall mission of the Interactive Institute we established a research studio in the village Åre in the County of Jämtland, Sweden. This new studio is researching trends and tendencies across a broad spectrum of society, technology, culture, and business. A multi-disciplinary group of researchers develops methods and tools to identify, analyse and visualise trends. The research is carried out in close collaboration with established research institutions, private companies and public organisations. The context There are few research organisations that focus on developing tools and methods for the study of trends and creation of models for understanding the future. Our research and results connect the local region to global markets by providing methods, tools, and processes. We have a proactive involvement with regional based enterprises bringing together global connections as way to develop opportunities for the future of the region. Outcome Sense will looked at as a hub of competence for trend research on a national and international level. The regional area will have a neutral resource for understanding trends that effect its development. Sense will apply developed methods and tools together with interested parties in the region. Perspectives The studio is still in its primary phase of development, the project is intended to be finalised in August 2005. The future of establishing a sustainable research institution looks very promising and the interest shown from both regional and international partners indicates that the ambition set will be met.

Self-assessment “The multi-discipline research model has the ability to reach out to a multitude of actors in society; academia, art, business and public sector and to enhance knowledge transfer and to create an arena combining theory and practice.” Total costs : EUR 2.11 million EU funding : EUR 1.04 million Contact : Annica Westerlund Managing Authority County administration board Jämtlands län SE-83186 Östersund Sweden Phone: +46 63146143 Mobil: 070-289 0016 Fax: +46 63146260 e-Mail: annica.westerlund@z.lst.se web: www.mal1.nu

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COMPETITIVENESS+SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT North Sweden

The North Sweden Soil Remediation Centre (MCN) The Project The North Sweden Soil Remediation Centre (MCN) was formed in 2001 in order to co-ordinate research groups, enterprises and authorities aiming at the development of competence and techniques in the field of risk assessment and remediation. MCN is a research project in interaction with private companies and authorities in order to develop and implement techniques for risk assessment and remediation of industrially contaminated areas. The research is conducted at four institutes and universities in Umeå and Luleå in Northern Sweden. Co-financing external members comprise 12 companies together with local, regional, and national authorities including the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Currently, about 29,000 polluted land object have been identified in a national inventory. MCN aims at integrating activities and research to develop a knowledge network for environmental risk assessment and remediation. The context Polluted land from industrial activities in the last century has been recognised as a major hazard to the environment. Prioritising based on scientifically sound risk assessments are therefore of vital importance to a sustainable solution of the problem Outcome MCN has resulted in a functioning network where the members exchange information and experience with each other. Exchange of information and contact building is supported via the organisation of two annual meetings targeted at all members, workshops for researchers, short courses, monthly newsletters, other common information material and two websites.

Perspectives The interaction in MCN is proving to serve its members by increasing the competitiveness of companies, research institutes and increasing the quality of work in authorities, all in the end to the benefit of environmental quality. A future MCN should continue to focus on a limited geographic region, perhaps expanded across national borders, i.e Barents Region, Botnia Region etc. Self-assessment ”MCN has created interaction between research groups, authorities and companies enabling rapid and scientifically sound implementation of environmental technologies.“ Total costs: EUR 71.84 million EU funding: EUR 22.36 million Contact Thomas Liljedahl Umeå University, Environmental Chemistry SE-90187 Umeå, Sweden Phone: +46 90 7865464 Fax: +46 90 12 8133 e-mail: thomas.liljedahl@chem.umu.se

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COMPETITIVENESS Region of South Forest Counties, Sweden

► ETOUR – the European Tourism Research Institute

The project ETOUR has an interdisciplinary approach with ”tourist destination development” as its research profile. Destination development is about developing places and regions into attractive visit areas for domestic and international travellers. An important part in this process is the development of co-operation networks between companies, authorities and organisations engaged in the tourism industry. Identification of factors that influence growth and development in the tourism industry is another important task. Besides academic research, ETOUR is also carrying analytical tasks that immediately respond to the needs expressed by the tourism industry. This field of activity is of relatively recent date and has come into operation as part of a long-term survival strategy for the institute also after Structural Fund financing ceases. This activity also creates a more flexible and complete knowledge base in relation to the tourism industry. The context The tourism industry has been recognised for its strong growth potential also in rural and peripheral areas. In order for the Swedish tourism industry to grow, tourism enterprises, organisations and authorities must have access to the appropriate knowledge when making decisions and developing the business. ETOUR was set up by an agreement between the Mid Sweden University, The Swedish Tourist Authority and the Swedish Travel and Tourist Industry Federation, RTS (Its members represent enterprises and organisations operating in the travel and tourist trade sector in Sweden.) Outcome The interim report showed in December 2003 that during the first 23 months 50 different research projects were started. Thirteen persons have been working in projects as doctoral candidates. Transfer of knowledge can be exemplified by 150 seminars presenting research results for tourism industry representatives. ETOUR has also produced 50 publications during the same period. All of the projects within ETOUR have contacts with business, authorities and organisations within the industry. ETOUR's newsletter has 3,000 subscribers.

Perspectives All throughout the completion of this ETOUR project period is preparing the organisation for a life also after the current project period, which expires by the end of September 2004. In many respects the many of the difficulties of establishing a new research centre have been solved. The institute is in place as part of the Mid-Sweden University and is located in the new campus area in Östersund. As part of the next university of Sweden and with its location close to other research environments involved in local and regional development, working life issues and economic growth in general, the pre-conditions for the future ETOUR seem very positive. It can be added that ETOUR is now a well known brand name within tourism research in Sweden and its neighbouring countries in particular. Self-assessment “ETOUR is an example on how Structural Fund financing can be used to support R&D and innovation transfer to SMEs within the tourism industry. In doing this it helps releasing the assumed growth potential of the tourism industry also in rural and peripheral areas where other branches of industry seems less promising. By producing and transferring knowledge to the many SMEs of this industry ETOUR has contributed to the readiness of this industry to take on future development tasks, including increased competition in global travel and tourism industry.” Total costs : EUR 8.42 million EU funding : EUR 4.2 million Contact : Annica Westerlund Managing Authority County administration board Jämtlands län SE-83186 Östersund Sweden Phone: +46 63146143 Fax: +46 63146260 e-Mail: annica.westerlund@z.lst.se web: www.mal1.nu, www.etour.se

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COMPETITIVENESS+ SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT+COOPERATION

Västra, Sweden

K-Kau - The Swedish house of form

The project The Swedish house of form will do the following activities between 2004-2006: To guide, at least seven companies within our region through the design process (from product idea out to the market); strengthen the connection between design and culinary arts through activities directed at companies in the business of culinary arts; carry out seminars on sustainability, gender, and integration in connection to design-product development; complete the design research library, material library and our collection of three-dimensional objects; develop activities and services that the industry demands; develop an international network with design institutions in Europe and elsewhere; complete the new building for the Swedish house of form. The context The Swedish house of form is one major part in the transition of the municipality of Hällefors. Going from a society based on steel to a modern society based on design and meal. This process started in the early 1990’s to give Hällefors an infrastructure which will support a knowledge-based economy. Outcome New jobs: 40; preserved jobs: 50; new companies: 10; companies in research and development projects: 7,: companies participating in sustainability projects: 12; companies in network projects: 19.

Perspectives It looks very positive. We have already created a strong network in Sweden and internationally. We have acquired most of the objects and the library that will constitute the infrastructure of the house. The exterior of the house is finished and we are moving along as planned. We have already founded a foundation which will be in charge of the actual activities that will take place in the house. The founders are the two major design organisations. The foundations board members represent the design community, industry, labour union, and universities. Self-assessment “Step by step we have showed that we reach our objectives and make them real. We believe that we can inspire, as a good example, others to make the impossible possible. We have already done that.” Total costs : EUR 2.232 million EU funding : EUR 0.786 million Contact : Lars Wieselgren Box 90, SE-71221 Hällefors, Sweden Phone: +46 591 64 362 Fax: +46 591 64 354 e-mail: lars.wieselgren@hellefors.se

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COMPETITIVENESS London, United Kingdom

► Ethnic Minority Business Support Network

The project The project aims at establishing an Ethnic Minority Business Support Network in Newham, London, to provide a range of specialist support services for both new and existing ethnic-minority-owned SME’s with a view to increasing the number of ethnic minority start-ups and the survival rates and growth of existing SME’s. The services concerns specialist business counselling and support services to potential new and existing ethnic minority SME’s in business planning, marketing, technology applications and innovation and exporting (including to countries of origin). New learning opportunities will be offered through the network including business start up training, financial management, marketing, business applications of Information Communication Technology. This will be customised to SME needs, and will include the delivery of online business information/learning packages in the workplace via the hub. Economic “clusters” around key sectors will be developed, as well as local purchasing networks and opportunities for collaboration of local SME’s in supplier networks. The context Research indicates that ethnic minority owned businesses are twice as likely to fail within the first year of operation then those owned by the white population. The LDA Economic Development Strategy concludes that ‘business support advice needs to be appropriately and sensitively handles’ and that black and minority ethnic communities should be involved in preparing an agenda for delivering business support services which should maximise the potential for growth of their business. East London and especially Newham has a vibrant and growing ethnic-minority-owned small business sector especially in the Fashion, Retail and hospitality sectors. In Newham there are over 90,000 SME’s.

Outcome The key outcomes of the project are: development of four local Business Advice centres in key areas of Newham and of a series of workshops focussed on business advice and development issues. The project supported 750 SME’s. 403 jobs within SME’s were safeguarded and 104 new jobs were created. The SME’s supported through the project continue to contribute to the development and growth of the local economy through higher turnover and job retention and creation. Perspectives The Steps to Entrepreneurship programme and Asian Dreams are now recognised as valuable services within the ethnic minority owned Newham Business sector. The potential for their growth is extensive. Two further ERDF project applications have been made to continue the development of Asian Dreams and Steps to Entrepreneurship under the latest Objective 2 round. Self-assessment Development of new innovative relevant services to ethnic minority owned SME’s; Development of a new engagement model for work with SME’s; raised the profile of BME businesses in London East; contribution to the sustainability of substantial numbers of SME; development of new products including Asian Dreams and Steps to Entrepreneurship; creation of further areas of activity to further support businesses. Total costs : EUR 1.97 million (GBP 1.38 million) EU fundin g: EUR 0.99 million (GBP 0.69 million) Contact : Diane Gowland Centre for Innovation and Partnerships Newham College of Further Education, High Street South, London E6 6ER Phone: +44 20 8257 4420 Fax: +44 20 8257 4400 e-mail: diane.gowland@newham.ac.uk

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COMPETITIVENESS North East England, United Kingdom

The Knowledge House – Access to research and innovation

The project Knowledge House is the major collaborative vehicle for providing access to university contract research, consultancy and business training services in the NE Region and beyond and is supported by all the Region’s universities. Increasingly KH has become the chosen brand for this activity by the Region’s universities. The principal aim of the current activities is to increase the level of R&D and innovation undertaken by business in the NE Region by facilitating increased access to HE expertise and through the development of relevant skills. This is being achieved by securing funding to grow the Knowledge House business and building its capacity to meet demand and supply issues thereby significantly increasing activity at the HE-business interface both to deliver HE services to customers and to effect culture change in the Region’s universities. The context Knowledge House was established in 1995 to effect collaborative knowledge transfer to businesses in the NE Region. Knowledge House is currently jointly funded by the Higher Education Innovation Fund (HEIF - sponsored by the HE Funding Council for England) and the European Regional Development Fund. It was initially set up as a single access point to the skills, expertise and resources of the North East Universities for SMEs in the region. Although Knowledge House still works with SMEs, it now also works with larger organisations and the important role of universities in economic (and social) regeneration has been explicitly recognised by the Regional Development Agency who have placed universities (and colleges) at the “heart of the regions economic strategy”. Outcome KH Provides a professional and efficient single point of access for business to the expertise, skills and facilities of the partner universities. Quantitative post- completion assessment of KH interventions since 2002 indicates that: over EUR 2.43 million (GBP 1.7 million) of SME turnover has been generated as well as 26 jobs and EUR 261,000 (GBP 183,000) invested in R&D (given that a twelve month lag is allowed before assessing impact this represents the outcomes from around 18 months of KH activity).

Perspectives Together with key stakeholder groups including the Regional Development Agency, the Government Office for the North East, the Regional Assembly and the business community, the partnership is developing its regional strategy “Universities at the Heart of the Region” in which HEIF activities and other business support and creation initiatives are key components. Nested within this is the Higher Education Innovation Strategy which has three main themes: knowledge transfer to business; research and development and the commercialisation of the outputs; enterprise, education and employment. Self-assessment “As a major component for the implementation of these themes Knowledge House proposes to expand and embed its capacity to address and meet the needs of business in the key areas identified in recent national and regional reviews and reports. These areas include consultancy, contract research, support for new businesses, graduate placements and employment and training: all in support of economic regeneration through innovation and enterprise.” Total costs : EUR 5.87 million (GBP 4.12 million) EU funding : EUR 2.4 million (GBP 1.68 million) Contact : Mark Jackson Business Development Director 1 Hylton Park, Wessington Way, Sunderland SR5 3HD Phone: +44 191 516 4408 Fax: +44 191 516 4401 e-mail: m.jackson@knowledgehouse.ac.uk

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COMPETITIVENESS East of Scotland, United Kingdom

Development of Niche Markets in East of Scotland

The project This project supports the marketing initiative in the East of Scotland focused on four niche tourism markets identified within the Scottish Executive’s ‘New Strategy for Tourism’ of 2000. The first phase of the project is complete, and a subsequent phase is underway. The first phase of the project has been subject to an independent economic evaluation, which concluded that the project exceeded its core economic development objectives in terms of net additional jobs and increased expenditure. Due to the success of the first phase it was felt appropriate that a second phase should be supported. The context At the national level the project builds on the above–mentioned strategy. It also compliments the national strategy by encouraging the spread of benefits from tourism to rural areas and out with the main holiday season. At a local and regional level the East of Scotland structural funds programme identifies tourism as one of the key sectors which will assist the East of Scotland to deliver the overall programme objectives. This project aims to use local tourism products and attractions to strategically promote the area to additional visitors through a focussed marketing campaign. Outcome Phase 1: 1,165 gross jobs (990 net jobs); EUR 56 million (GBP 39.2 m) gross expenditure (EUR ’47.57 million = GBP 33.3 m net expenditure). Perspectives The second phase of the project aims to build on the success of the first phase and attract new customers through sustained and effective marketing.

Self-assessment “An independent evaluation carried out has concluded that the tourism marketing campaign has contributed to the positive impacts reported for 2001/2002. Higher visitor conversion levels were recorded. The report also concluded that in a competitive market place in which alternative holiday choices and substitute leisure products are continuously being developed and presented to the consumer the East of Scotland area will need to be aggressively and continuously marketed in all target niches if impacts are to be sustained and increased.” Total costs: EUR 23.8 million (GBP 16.66 million) EU funding: EUR 13.53 million (GBP 9.47 million) Contact : Gordon McLaren Chief Executive, ESEP Enterprise Way, Carnegie Campus South, Dunfermline Phone: +44 1383 622537 Fax: +44 1383 622624 e-mail: gmclaren@esep.co.uk

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COMPETITIVENESS South of Scotland, United Kingdom

Ettrick Riverside Business Factory

The project Ettrick Riverside Business Centre is an innovative business community designed to attract and support new and existing knowledge based businesses to locate and create jobs and wealth in a rural environment. The centre is a refurbished Victorian mill building in the Scottish Borders rural market town of Selkirk. It has been redeveloped to provide first class business space and ICT infrastructure supported by business development support and a “can do” facilities management infrastructure. The context The Scottish Borders is a rural area with a limited number of traditional business sectors, all of which face serious challenges in the increasingly competitive rural environment. The area is dependent on sectors with a high preponderance of low value manufacturing employment. The key issue for the area is diversification; through new markets, new products and new businesses. The region is isolated from major transport and communication infrastructures and faces serious demographic issues (such as an ageing population) and thus economic diversification is required to attract both new businesses and new people into the area. Outcome The project has been operating for 18 months and to date 30% of the space has been developed (in one major and two minor phases). 27 businesses have located into the property creating 58 full time equivalent (FTE) jobs and EUR 2.14 million (£2.5m) gross sales. We have also established 3 dedicated business incubation units and hot desking facilities. Broadband telecommunications infrastructure has been installed and is available to all tenants and a Broadband demonstration centre (and events) is up and running. The information and international trade service library function with advisers in place has dealt with 5,000 enquiries over the past 12 months.

Perspectives Phase 2 of the project will attract 1 major tenant (tentative agreement already in place) and will provide additional space for many more small businesses. This will drive up income to offset currently greater running costs. Development in 2 or 3 years time of a further upper floor is planned, and eventually the centre will operate without public sector support. Self-assessment “The elements in this project are not new, nor earth shattering. It is a success because it draws together best practice from other initiatives in the public and private sectors throughout the UK and does them better. It does them better because there is a clear and sustained focus on the demand side of the project and clear customer focus. The project is described informally as a “Business Hotel” – this, whilst focusing on the Economic Development objectives, is the philosophy providing success.” Total costs : EUR 5.14 million (GBP 3.6 million) EU funding : EUR 1.57 million (GBP 1.1 million) Contact : Alistair McKinnon Director Enterprise Development Scottish Enterprise Borders Bridge St, Galashiels, Scotland TD1 1SW Phone: +44 1896 758991 Fax: +44 1896 758625 e-mail: Alistair.McKinnon@scotent.co.uk

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COMPETITIVENESS Western Scotland, United Kingdom

Profit from product development

The project The project works with new and existing SMEs and individuals in the East End Social Inclusion Partnership area in Glasgow (one of the worst off communities in Scotland) to: assist them to understand the product/business lifecycle in relation to their own business; assist with the identification of potential products appropriate for development and/or possible process improvement; identify opportunities for customers to work together on joint projects and share expertise, thereby encouraging skills transfer and continuous improvement. The project also delivers a small innovation fund to assist SMEs with a contribution towards relevant costs such as prototypes, test marketing, initial intellectual property rights issues where no other assistance is available. The projects supports two staff members – one product development adviser and one support officer and is delivered from the Ladywell Business Centre, an ERDF-supported centre in Glasgow. The context The project was originally developed in 1998 and arose out of work undertaken by East End Partnership Ltd, a local Development Company in Glasgow, with SMEs in their area and from academic research. This indicated that many SMEs, particularly the smaller companies, lacked an understanding of the product lifecycle and its impact on their business. Further, this same population also lacked the capabilities and resources to develop new products and/or improve their processes. Consequently, it appeared that many smaller SMEs appeared to locked in a cycle where the value of their product range was being eroded in the face of changing customer needs and increased competition, impacting on their market share, profitability and long-term sustainability. Outcome The project has been evaluated and performed well against all of its key targets. During the initial 18 months 31 SMEs were assisted, 31 jobs created or safeguarded, 23 products developed and 19 patents issued. Assessment of the project performance indicates that this support leads to very high levels of ‘additional’ activity by customers – at an average

additionality of 75%, the project is having a very significant influence on the actions being taken by firms. Perspectives The project ran to 2004 and has now been recast for a new phase. The following key changes have been incorporated into a new application for continuing funds which has recently been approved: the project is now under a measure which enables it to draw customers from a wider area than the East End social inclusion partnership area; the new project will build on the experience of the existing adviser and will have another adviser – with a technical background who in addition to managing a caseload of clients will be mentored by the existing staff member; the project will also meet the costs of one incubator space within the business centre to provide very short term business space; lastly, the project will develop and deliver a series of innovation workshops to all local SMEs. Self-assessment The good practice elements demonstrated by this project include e.g., evidence-based policy-making – this project was developed based on local research from both beneficiaries and academics. It has been evaluated and adjustments made to the way the project works based on the lessons learning; piloting and developing – the project has run successfully on a small scale, targeted basis and is now expending its scale and geographical sphere of operation. Total costs : EUR 0.28 million EU funding : EUR 0.18 million Contact : Carolyn Sawers Policy and Research Manager Strathclyde European Partnership, 94 Elmbank Street, Glasgow, G2 4DL Phone: +44 141 572 4405 Fax: +44 141 572 4499 e-mail: carolyn.sawers@wsep.co.uk

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COMPETITIVENESS Wales, United Kingdom

Opportunity Wales – Information about eCommerce for businesses

The project The Opportunity Wales initiative was established to ensure that businesses in the Objective 1 areas of Wales were provided with the information and advice necessary for them to fully understand and utilise eCommerce, and to provide quality support mechanisms to enable the successful implementation of effective eCommerce strategies promoting positive attitudes towards business growth and market orientation. It was created through a partnership of key and active public, private, voluntary and education sector partners. Opportunity Wales is a programme of pragmatic support based on the proven methodology, developed by Cardiff University’s eCommerce Innovation Centre (eCIC) and goes on to provide clients with access to specialist subsidised Implementation Support and Client Aid. These services enhance the eCommerce Review Report and effectively help small businesses to overcome barriers to the adoption of eCommerce, which include a lack of knowledge, confidence and time to develop their eCommerce capabilities. The context Initial research conducted by a market research organisation in April 2000 revealed that the take up of eCommerce business solutions by Welsh businesses was extremely low. It indicated that businesses were aware of the importance of eCommerce, but were unsure of the potential benefits and how to achieve them. These findings acted as the catalyst for the creation of Better Business Wales (Holdings) Limited. Through this innovative partnership, the Opportunity Wales initiative was established, with a lifecycle that ran until 31 March 2004. From 1 April 2004, a new initiative Opportunity Wales Advance commenced. Again funded jointly by the EU and Opportunity Wales partners, Opportunity Wales Advance will target, motivate and support small to medium-sized businesses in the Objective 1 area in achieving greater economic prosperity through pragmatic advancement along an eCommerce ladder. Outcome Between February 2001 and March 2004 the Opportunity Wales initiative produced the following results: 90 highly trained eCommerce advisers deployed across the Objective 1 area; over 6,000

eCommerce Reviews conducted for businesses; of the 2,844 businesses re-measured to date; a comprehensive bilingual Web site providing expert eCommerce advice securing over 30,000 visits per month; an Opportunity Wales Contact Centre providing sophisticated CRM management to effectively control, manage and monitor the initiative; 3 eCommerce centres of excellence established within the Objective 1 area Perspectives The new initiative, also subsidised by EU and Welsh assembly Government funding, Opportunity Wales Advance will run until 31st March 2007. It will target, motivate and support SMEs within the Objective 1 Area to achieve greater economic prosperity through pragmatic advancement along the eCommerce ladder. An application to deliver the Opportunity Wales service in the Objective 2 area of Wales is currently being considered. If successful this will allow the service to be made available to more Welsh businesses, with the clear intention being to provide expert eCommerce advice and where hopefully the success of the initial Opportunity Wales initiative can be replicated. Self-assessment “The initiative was built on firm research findings, has responded to the needs of the small and medium business owners and has tailored its support to optimise the benefits they experience. An excellent product has been developed which is recognised and appreciated by clients and is reaping rewards through far better than expected economic growth experienced within the businesses supported.” Total costs : EUR 20.44 million EU funding : EUR 10.22 million Contact : Dr Emyr Roberts Welsh European Funding Office National Assembly for Wales Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ Telephone: +44 29 20823634 Fax: +44 29 20823797 e-mail: emyr.roberts@wales.gsi.gov.uk

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SUSTAINABLE

DEVELOPMENT

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Bavaria, Germany

► Action Plan for Nuremberg’s South side The project The EU-Objective-2-action plan in Nuremberg is a top subject for the whole city-administration. In relation to other public tasks in Nuremberg the development in this area has a political and a financial priority. First of all, a program management team was installed, which allows city-wide co-ordination in order to define objectives. The result of structural modification and the end of the industrial era, a comprehensive redefinition of the South-Side is necessary. Policy, programs, and projects should form a unit and make this area attractive again for inhabitants and firms. The context High unemployment rates in Nuremberg’s South-Side, job reductions in industry and immigration into the area characterise the districts development and its 70,000 inhabitants. Outcome Over the past three years, through an open work and planning process, more than 150 project ideas have been examined. Approximately 70 projects have been realised or are in the development stage. Many other ideas have been accomplished as a result of partners outside EU-objectivel-2-process. The EU-objective-2-action plan opened the gates for further public and private projects. So far a total of EUR 42 million has been invested in South-Side projects, 21 million was provided by the EU. At the moment, the planned total investment by the end of 2006 is EUR 68 million. Perspectives In the next year rapid development of project plans is expected. The information and communication levels will be maintained at a high level of transparency for the promotion process to continue. The South-Side push must be secured and maintained.

Self-assessment “The EU-objective-2-action plan is the “promotion-locomotive” for the new South-Side Push: the beginning of integrated promotion, political acceptance, the beginning of creative participation - through activation of the population, high project level, programme management, and professional information and communication management.” Total costs : EUR 42 million EU funding : EUR 21 million Contact : Olaf Klumpp-Leonhardt Programme Management Hefnersplatz 10 D-90402 Nürnberg Ph. +49 911 – 20 55 58 26 Fax: +49 911 – 20 55 58 18 e-mail: olaf.klumpp-leonhardt@rk.nuernberg.d

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Berlin, Germany

Social City - Integrative management for economic, social and ecological development in multi-problem neighbourhoods in Berlin

The project Berlin is carrying through 17 neighbourhood management-projects for a total of 240,000 inhabitants using a holistic approach in a fundamentally participative process with inhabitants, local initiatives, small and medium size economy and all relevant public and private actors in the region. The management team is a interdisciplinary group of external experts together with members of the local and of the city´s administration. The management comprises a multitude of methods to plan and organise the social and the physical development of the neighbourhood with all actors. The context Spatial segregation and social exclusion of poor and/or migrant people are a threat to European cities and societies. Traditional urbana rehabilitation has not solved the problems. Integrated policies are needed, that make use of all potentials private and public. With the help of the national-wide programme “Social City” and ERDF funding “Local and urban infrastructure” Berlin since 1999 has developed best practice schemes in the 17 most needing areas. Outcome Rise of local employment and stability of small size economy, optimizing school careers and minimizing school drop outs, opening up ways to take part and make use of public services, bring young people into professional training, raise the possibilities of communication among residents with different cultural and language background, raise the number of participants in local decision processes, integrated public services.

Perspectives The integrated, holistic approach to urban rehabilitation and urban development will become the mainstream policy in fighting segregation and exclusion in European cities, thus helping the process of integration, democratisation and overall security. Self-assessment “The programme opens up new perspectives of good governance, it empowers people to take part in society and in the development of their community.” Contact : Monica Schuemer-Strucksberg Department of Urban Development Xantener Str. 15a D-10707 Berlin Phone: +49 30-8816994 e-mail: m.schuemer@berlin.de

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Bremen, Germany

The Bremen Seed Programme for academic start-ups The project The aim of the support measure “The Bremen Seed Programme for Academic Start-Ups” is to assist the preparation of new business start-ups by university graduates and young professionals (due to a 12-month programme duration), thus initiating innovative new firms. The programme covers people who have completed their degree or doctorate in the last five years, or who are about to complete their studies, and who wish to set up in business in Bremen or Bremerhaven. The support goes to innovative ideas for products and services in telecommunications, information and communication technologies (ICT), multimedia, entertainment, health, environmental sciences or biotechnology. The support takes the form of training for entrepreneurs, business administration courses, financial support in the shape of so-called milestone assistance and provision of a complete working infrastructure in form of so called seed offices. The context The State of Bremen has made significant investments into the scientific infrastructure in the last decade. Several new and innovative scientific State institutes have been founded in Bremen and Bremerhaven or existing institutes have been enlarged - to promote and support innovation transfer from science to the regional economy. Hereby “Transfer by head” plays a crucial role since graduates from the Bremen universities can offer a high and manyfold knowledge potential to the Bremen economic area. Outcome Between 2000 and 2003, 15 projects started up and employed approximately 50 persons generating an overall turnover of about EUR 2 million.

Perspectives From 2004 on the main target for the Bremen Seed Programme for Academic Start-Ups is to keep up the high level of programme quality, to motivate especially the non-professorial teaching staff at the universities and to constantly enhance the regional cooperation network supplying it to the entrepreneurs. An important task is also to follow-up the projects after leaving the 12-month intensive programme thus to secure the sustainability of the investment undertaken. Self-assessment “The project and its results have shown, that the instrument is well-designed and experienced to reach the objectives of the political priority to diversify the economic structure. The project can be seen as an evaluated model to systematically use the scientific potential of a region for start-up-businesses.” Total costs: EUR 2.64 million EU funding: EUR 1.32 million Contact : Andreas Mündl Bremen Innovation and Technology Center BITZ Fahrenheitstr. 1 D-28359 Bremen Phone: +49 421 – 2208 - 173 Fax: +49 421 – 2208 - 150 e-mail: muendl@bia-bremen.de

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Northrhine-Westphalia, Germany

Centre for Fuel Cell Technology

The project Following the foundation of a Fuel Cell Competence Network in the framework of a state initiative (Future Energies) the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology was founded at the University of Duisburg. The Centre acts as developer and integrator for fuel cell systems in different fields of application, including the co-ordination of their integration in gas, power and heating provision. In its activities the centre can resort to the broad research experience of the participating university departments. The centre can provide research that directly serves the needs of the enterprises as well as of the research sector in the Ruhr area and thus creates a link between research and practical application of the technology. It has the function of a "nucleus" for the development of a Future Energies Cluster in NRW which already plays a leading role in this area in Germany. The context The backlog of the Ruhr area in the field of R&D and innovation in general on the one hand and, on the other hand, existing excellence of the region in the field of renewable energies and energy technologies have led to the promotion of the Fuel Cell Competence Network by the state government. One of the results of successful work of this network is the Centre for Fuel Cell Technology. Outcome The direct effects of this Centre are the following: 20 new jobs in the range of R&D (incl. 5 female employees); a contribution to environmental objectives, e.g. improvement of climate; technological infrastructure: 500 sqm (office area), 2000 sqm (laboratory area); methods (5) and products (10) were developed in a new/other way; 10 new contacts abroad. The most interesting effects are more indirect and more middle term related because essential elements are based of the transfer chain in the middle and long run. These effects concern the creation and promotion of SME.

Perspectives After the implementation of the technology producing centre, the next steps will focus on the implementation phase by a number of grants supporting SME to go to market with Fuel cell and other renewable energy related technologies. Self-assessment “The project was a cornerstone of a technology oriented cluster which is on high importance for the Ruhr Region. At the same time, the project supports the technology sustainability. The Fuel Cell technology is one of the most promising technologies, with currently is being developed in different areas in the world, including USA and Japan.” Total costs : EUR 15.93 million EU funding : EUR 6.72 million Contact : Matthias Fischer Ministry for Economy and Labour of Northrhine-Westphalia Haroldstrasse 4 D-40190 Düsseldorf Phone: +49 211-837-2504 Fax: +49 211-837-2665 e-mail: matthias.fischer@mwa.nrw.de

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Multimar Wattforum - Information Centre of the National Park Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea

The project The Multimar Wattforum Tönning is the main information centre of the National Park Schleswig-Holstein Wadden Sea. The information centre consists of an aquarium and a hands on exhibition, providing fun and education for visitors of all ages. After the opening in June 1999 in average of more than 200,000 guests/year visited the Multimar Wattforum. Beside the function for environmental education the Multimar Wattforum became the main tourist attraction in the West coast region of Schleswig-Holstein within two years. The context Because of the high acceptance a stage extension was planned in 2000. According to the existence of a nursery ground for the common harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in the National Park area and reflecting mass stranding of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) in the National Park the main issue of the extension was focussed on whales within the National Park (harbour porpoise) and worldwide (sperm whale). Outcome Visitors learned about the function of an National Park, establishment of 2 places of employment, increasing the number of visitors by 20 %. Perspectives After a period of establishing (1999-2002) the Multimar Wattforum as a small size visitors attraction (1.500 m² exhibition area) and a period of extension (2002-2003) to a medium size centre more than 2.000 m²) a period of extension (2005-2007) to an appropriate size (3.000 m² exhibition area) edutainment centre with 250.000 to 300.000 visitors/year is planned. Objectives of the future expansion is sustainable fishery with aspects like aquaculture, stock management, migrating species etc.

Self-assessment “Most of the objectives defined at the beginning of the project have been reached. With more than 240,000 visitors the Multimar Wattforum has become an example for a functioning centre of information, education, confrontation and co-operation under the idea of sustainable development.” Total costs : EUR 2.48 million EU funding : EUR 0.94 million Contact : Dr. Gerd Meurs Head of Department Am Robbenberg D-25832 Tönning Phone: +49 4861-962013 Fax: +49 4861-962010 e-mail: g.meurs@multimar-wattforum.de

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Finland

Sustainable future for the Hämeenlinna region

The project The aim of the project is to promote sustainable development in regional level. The actions are directed to decisions-makers, authorities and inhabitants. The most important action, which have been made to reach the vision of the sustainable future, is developing new assessment and follow up tools for the use of decision makers and local authorities and inhabitants. Assessment and follow up tools are based on the local city strategy of sustainable development and the function is to rise the decision-makers and the public aware of connections between land use planning, city strategy and sustainable development issues. The other actions, which have been carried out in project are: consumer inquiries, environmental inquiries, organising exhibitions on recycled products and waste recycling, organising the “EU Green Week” events in Hämeenlinna, organising the sustainable development follow up meeting for local authorities, arranging a video competition to local school children about succeed and failure of community planning, updating the sustainable indicators and making reports on the sustainable indicators, testing the town plan assessment tool in the Keinusaari area and making reports on environmental, fair trade and organic labelling. The context The sustainable indicators and the assessment tool for land use planning are in common use in local level and the follow-up of sustainable development in practices of municipalities is effective. Tools has been used to help decision makers, local authorities and inhabitants estimate and identify the influences of different plans on local sustainable development progress. The awareness of the local political-makers on sustainable development issues have been risen by effective informing and reporting. Outcome The sustainable indicators and the assessment tool for land use planning are in common use in local level and the follow-up of sustainable development in practices of municipalities is effective. Tools has been used to help decision makers, local authorities and inhabitants estimate and identify the influences of different plans on local sustainable development progress. The awareness of the local political-

makers on sustainable development issues have been risen by effective informing and reporting. Perspectives The assessment tool and sustainable development indicators have been planned to use in several town plans. The different tools of sustainable development have been coming more and more important and useful part of practice of land use planning in the future. Therefore social, economic or environmental impacts are evaluating in same time and the possible difficulties are discussed in early stage of planning project. Inhabitants will also be aware of the progress of the sustainable development by getting the newest information and all the reports free in project websites. Self-assessment “Social, economic or environmental impacts are developing in parallel and possible difficulties have been discussed at an early stage of planning. Inhabitants will also be aware of the progress by getting the newest information and all the reports free in project websites.” Total costs : EUR 0.234 million EU funding : EUR 0.067 million Contact : Mirja Lumiaho-Suomi Häme Regional Environment Centre Birger Jaarlin katu 13 P.O.Box 131 FIN-13101 Hämeenlinna Phone: Tel.+358 3-2420559 Fax: Fax +358 3-2420500 e-mail: mirja.lumiaho@ymparisto.fi

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT East Finland

Honouring the built heritage in North Karelia The project "Honouring the built heritage in North-Karelia" is an umbrella for two different projects working tightly together. The other one is "Work from Built Heritage" financed by the European Social Fund and the other is "Foundation for honouring the built Heritage" financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The management programmes for cultural heritage and built environment include description of the local history and its presence in the landscape, archaeological objectives and sites, monuments and valuable buildings and sites in villages and rural area. The programmes also include guidelines for management and planning, renovation and restoration of old buildings and possibilities of cultural environment in education, community activities, rural development and tourism. The context The protection of cultural heritage, built environment and historically and architecturally valuable buildings and sites are stipulated by international treaties and national legislation. According to the Finnish constitution, every citizen is responsible for the environment and cultural heritage. Taking care of the cultural environment and architectural heritage is primarily based on town planning and building guidance i.e. the Land Use and Building Act. It is complemented by the Act on the Protection of Buildings and the Decree on the State-owned Buildings. Outcome At the moment the database on built environment created during the project consists information about 5,292 objects and sites, over 17,670 buildings and 50,630 photos and pictures. The database can be used in regional planning, permitting demolition of old houses or when given grants to improvements of old houses. The database can also be used for creation of cultural tourism routes or landscape management plans for villages. In total, 70 people took part in the work and 7057 working days has been used for the inventories. All participants got training on computer skills, digitalisation work and inventory of built heritage and knowledge about renovation works and grants for renovation of old buildings.

Perspectives For the restoration and renovation of built heritage it is planned to train unemployed craftsmen and use the same strategy with pooling the financial resources to this work. This would improve the employability of the long-term unemployed construction professionals, improve the living environment and activates people to take part in community work. It would also promote renovation business and tourism, if part of the buildings would be used for tourism purposes. Self-assessment “The project used efficiently and wisely the two structural funds, ERDF and ESF for fostering and developing information and knowledge basis for management of cultural environment, old historically and architecturally valuable buildings and landscapes. The coordination and co-operation between the projects, stakeholders and financiers gave valuable experience about pooling and using of different funds for common purpose.” Total costs : EUR 1.05 million EU funding : EUR 0.58 million Contact : Anna-Liisa Tanskanen North Karelia Regional Environment Centre PO. Box 69 FIN-80101 Joensuu Finland Phone: +358 13- 1412728 or +358-40-7316540 Fax: +358 13-123622 e-mail: anna-liisa.tanskanen@ymparisto.fi

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Kuopio, Finland

Success factors for the horse industry The project In the Success Factors for the Horse Industry project, a modern training and equestrian sports centre has been created in the topographically demanding area of an agricultural training farm. An old Finnish farmhouse has been converted into teaching and course rooms. Through the project, a horse clinic and a related testing unit, with treadmills, for training have also been established as well as a quarantine stable modelled on new construction solutions. In the lake-surrounded area for horses, the paddocks have been renovated and landscaping and planting have been carried out. The context There are firm horse breeding traditions in eastern Finland, but agricultural change has entailed vigorous development of the region's vocational training related to the horse industry, particularly in the harness racing and riding sectors and in horseshoeing and grooming. This has been encouraged by the growing interest in the horse industry among young people both in urban and rural areas. The creation of new teaching facilities and support services has enhanced the quantitative and qualitative development of the training of skilled professionals and entrepreneurs. The horse industry, indeed, is seen as a growing business and a means of maintaining the economic attractiveness of rural areas. Outcome The clinic and testing unit for training provide services for local entrepreneurs and new know-how for vocational training and research and development. The renovation of the old farmhouse and the building of a quarantine stable have made it possible to carry out various course and continuing training programmes. In addition, new stabling and dung storage solutions are modelled on the principles of sustainable development in environmental management.

Perspectives The training farm's new resources create opportunities for innovative development co-operation. This guarantees that the vocational school and local entrepreneurs can obtain new information and that the local horse industry remains competitive both domestically and internationally. Self-assessment “It was possible to plan the project as a sufficiently broad whole and to carry it out quickly and effectively. The result was the creation of an important equine training and development centre also in the northern Finnish region.” Total costs : EUR 1.16 million EU funding : EUR 0.55 million Contact : Minna-Liisa Heiskanen Equine Information Centre, Neulaniementie FIN-570210 Kuopio Phone: +358 17-163459 Fax: +358 17-163455 e-mail: minna-liisa.heiskanen@uku.fi

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Lapland, Finland

Nature paths and recreational constructions

The project The project Nature Paths and Recreational Constructions forms together with a Life Nature project (Protection and usage of aapa mires with a rich avifauna) a wider project entity which main aim is to integrate protection and local usage of the five largest aapa mire areas in central Lapland. All these mire areas belong the network of Natura 2000 sites. They situate in a very sparsely populated rural area where employment opportunities have been decreasing dramatically during the last decades, due to among other things the centralization development going on in Finland as well as in the whole world. The ERDF-project area cover the aapa mires of Teuravuoma, Viiankiaapa and Luiro. Its main actors are the Lapland Regional Environment Centre, Metsähallitus, municipalities (Kolari, Sodankylä, Pelkosenniemi) and village associations of the area. The context About one third of the land area of Lapland belongs to the nature protection programmes. This has caused different kind of limitations to the use of natural resources and the areas itself. At the same time, at least partly as a consequence of hard national and worldwide competition and centralization development, the traditional industrial braches such as mining, forestry and agriculture have lost their importance and role as employers in the area. In this changed situation it has been a necessity to find out new sources of livelihood and employment. Among the new industrial sectors tourism business has shown to be the most promising one in Lapland and therefore also in the project area there are several small tourism entrepreneurs who have been in business for some years but still need different kind of support in order to strengthen their business.

Outcome Several hiking trails with duckboards, birdwatch towers, information signs, camp fire places and sleeping shelters. Perspectives In the future the actors and village associations in the project area will get more international connections and partners as well as opportunities to change and take advantage of experiences with others. The small sized entrepreneurs in the villages will actively work together with tourism centres of the area by offering them their programme services. The nature conservation areas will not be seen as an obstacle for economic and social development in the area. Self-assessment “In this case the success was not achieved only by this one particular project but by long-term efforts and clever combination of several funds, projects and actors. The local actors in the municipality of Kolari have succeeded to develop a project entity of so far six different projects which all have aimed at developing their villages and economic life from their own bases and resources available. In all these projects the commitment of grass-root level has been very strong. As results of these projects in the villages there have been created new jobs, improved environment and gained education.” Total costs : EUR 0.601 million EU funding : EUR 0.298 million Contact : Paula Alho EU-coordinator Lapland regional environment centre PO BOX 8060 FIN-96101 Rovaniemi Phone: +358 16-329 4757 Fax: +358 16-310 340 e-mail: paula.alho@environment.fi

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Northern Central Finland

► Development of a Bioenergy Network The project The Project for the Development of a Bioenergy Network in Northern Central Finland aims at uniting the competencies of the field in Central Finland and at making the production, processing and use of bioenergy more effective, particularly in northern Central Finland. The project consists of the following parts: the creation of a cooperation network within the bioenergy sector; the coordination of the development projects; company-specific guidance; the organisation of expert services. The context In addition to large reserves of raw materials, the region of northern Central Finland already has know-how and entrepreneurship related to the production, processing and utilization of bioenergy. Based on this fact and in compliance with the division of tasks between the Regional Council of Central Finland and the municipalities of northern Central Finland, Jyväskylä Polytechnic’s Institute of Natural Resources has gathered a group of companies for the regional energy network and recruited a branch manager to coordinate the development activities. Outcome During the project, five new enterprises were established: three heat cooperatives, one heat company, and one briquetting plant. Five new permanent jobs and seven indirect jobs have been created. The increased utilization of domestic energy, i.e. wood chip, pellet, peat, and briquette, has replaced about 3,700,000 litres of oil in northern Central Finland. The corresponding amount of oil would have cost nearly EUR 1.4 million a year. Perspectives The most interesting future issue will be the possibility of small-scale electricity production. Our second and nearly as important development task will be to increase the capacity of existing property and district heating systems with flue gas purification systems. This is how we can avoid new boiler investments and introduce more environmentally friendly heat production units.

Self-assessment “The outcome of the project directly serves the objectives of international climate agreements, our domestic climate strategy, the national action plan for renewable energy sources, and the provincial programme of Central Finland. The new jobs and enterprises have been created in sparsely populated areas, which makes them most significant for socially, ecologically and economically sustainable development.” Total costs : EUR 0.259 million EU funding : EUR 0.085 million Contact : Tapani Sauranen Kauppakatu 5 FIN-43100 Saarijärvi Phone: +358 400 226 394 Fax: +358 14 469 0270 e-mail: tapani.sauranen@jypoly.fi

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT North Ostrobothnia, Finland

Environmental management in Kierikki stone age village The project In the Kierikki beside the Iijoki river situated a village in the stone age and nowadays it is place where tourists and local people can see who have been living in the northern nature at that time. During the ERDF projects NOREC, the North Ostrobothnia Regional Environment Centre, has reconstructed a Stone Age Village, built a service building, a parking place and a Stone Age Fishing Camp in the Kierikki area. Beside them some water management measures and traffic arrangements have been realised. Small landscaping measures has been carried out all over the Kierikki area. One of these subprojects is still going on until continuing to the end of the 2004. Also some hydro power structures have been landscaped in Kierikki. These measures have been carried out by a local hydro power company (PVO Vesivoima Ltd). The company is also important private financer of the project. In this project three bottom dams have been constructed to old river channel where water flows only in spring and autumn during flood period. Beside that the landscaping of banks lining the river impoundment have been carried out. The context The municipality of Yli-Ii in North Ostrobothnia region in northern Finland has built the Kierikki centre, to present archaeological results and to attract visitors. Kierikki is situated beside the river Iijoki which is dammed for hydro-power generation. By these projects environmental aspects were integrated to utilising stone age culture and tourism. Operational preconditions in Kierikki area were developed by these projects. Outcome Impacts affected by hydro-power construction have been minimised around power station close to Kierikki. People who are living along the river have been very pleased, because as a result of the project they do have water in old river channel all over the year. Before the project these channels were dry most summer time. Project has bettered recreational use of the river for several people. During last three years together 68 868 people have visited Kierikki Centre. The main part of visitors are students. Around 2700 people of visitors have been foreigners, mostly Swedish people and people

visiting University of Oulu. The amount of foreign visitors has increased during three years. Perspectives Kierikki Centre and municipality of Yli-Ii have large visions on developing activities in centre, stone age village and fishing camp. The also will balance the function economically. Action is estimated to get on wider basis and more international, as awards which centre has got, become more known. Self-assessment “Many different aspects (culture, tourism, environment) have been integrated together in one project. Co-operation between partners have been very successful. Kierikki Centre has already been recognised as international and widely interesting tourism centre all over Nordic countries and now even in Europe.” Total costs : EUR 0.81 million EU funding : EUR 0.36 million Contact : Kaisa Junttila North Ostrobothnia Regional Environment Centre PL 124 FIN-90101 Oulu Phone: +358 8 315 8556 Fax: +358 8 315 8305 e-mail: Kaisa.Junttila@ymparisto.fi

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Turku, Finland

Linkki - Community-based project development in East Turku

The project Community-based project activities implement a new and innovative operating model, which is developed in connection with East Turku development programme 2000+. In this model residents, organisations and other actors have the opportunity to receive financing from the EU’s Objective 2 programme for small projects intended for improvement of one’s own operating environment. The core idea of the community-based project activities is to gather project ideas arising from local co-operation and apply financing for them in a centralised way. The context Experience from an earlier structural fund period and the one that began in the year 2000 has shown that starting small, resident-oriented Objective 2 projects through normal application procedure is in practice very difficult. The financing authorities’ regulations and application procedure favour big projects and large combinations. Application of Objective 2 funding, starting projects and follow-up measures require long-term work, knowledge of programmes and application procedures, strong financial liquidity and project management expertise. For individual residents and local organisations the threshold to apply for large projects has been too high. Community-based project activities was set up to solve this problem. Outcome There has been carried out 40 community-based projects since the year 2000. Their value in increasing co-operation in the area has proved to be more significant than anticipated. There has been about 4500 persons in the action in these 40 projects. The projects have included art and media projects for young people, cleaning of the park areas, multicultural handicraft activities and even there has been made a movie, which was filmed in the neighbourhood in whole.

Perspectives The long-term goal is to develop community-based project model further with the principles of subsidiarity and bottom-up activities and also transfer it to the other cities and countries. Self-assessment Community-based project activities implement a new and innovative operating model and so far the experiences have been encouraging. Other cities in Finland have been interested in applying this model. Total costs : EUR 50,000 EU funding : EUR 35,000 Contact : Sami Savolainen City of Turku Linkki, Co-ordination Project for Development of East Turku Linnankatu 14 FIN-20100 Turku, Finland Phone: +358 2 2627 489, +358 50 5590 489 Fax: +358 2 2627 399 e-mail: sami.savolainen@turku.fi

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT City of Vantaa, Finland

Living cityspace The project The aim of the Living Cityspace project is to improve public city spaces and green areas of Vantaa City’s eastern neighbourhoods with a high risk of social isolation together with inhabitants. The project focused on the following issues: research work - gathering information about people’s different environmental ideas and using this information later for interactive environmental planning and improvement; concrete environmental improvement - planning interactively historically remarkable areas, stream environments, squares, routes, highly used parks and playing areas; environmental education and commitment to nearby surroundings - encouraging dwellers to get to know better their home region and its historically and culturally valuable local sights. The context In Finland Land Use and Building Act requires dweller’s possibility to participate in land use-, green area and street planning. Nowadays the interactive planning activates the already active people, not the children, elderly people, immigrants or youth. Outcome The first objective of the Living Cityspace was to make especially real use groups of outdoor spaces participate in a planning stage as well in preparation of implementation- the user groups are those who are not the most active participants on their own initiative. This is done by developing new functional research methods of dweller co-operation and dweller-initiated planning. 281 inhabitants were involved in project with children and youth. 14 public meetings have been held (2003-April 2004), and about 600 inhabitants have participated in them. Living cityspace organised 4 exhibitions and the press published several stories of it’s work.

Perspectives Perspectives seems to be promising. A large amount of plans can be constructed, research work can be used in landuse, green and street areas (planning, constructing, maintenance). Self-assessment “Cityspace was already worth noticing for it’s research work in Eurocities Awards 2003 ‘Quality of Life for All’. Living cityspace has used systematically and profoundly research results in numerous planning projects and constructions. Planning projects take into consideration the city districts structure and public outer space. Research work will be used in land use, green and street areas (planning, constructing, maintenance).” Total costs : EUR 0.5 million EU funding : EUR 0.135 million Contact : Aino Leino City of Vantaa, Landuse and Environmental Department Kielotie 13 FIN-01300 Vantaa Phone: +358 9 839 22632 Fax: +358 9 839 22632 e-mail: aino.leino@vantaa.fi

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Dalsland, Sweden

Next Generation - Young entrepreneurs for the region

The project A region that sparkles inspires and attracts new ideas. A region where young people strive to go their own ways, to create work opportunities and live a life full of challenges. This is our goal for Dalsland. We believe that in order to create a region that grows and develops we need not only good infrastructure and education possibilities but also young entrepreneurs. “Next Generation” consists of two subprojects, for a duration 2004-2006. One of them is a training programme for young entrepreneurs who want to develop their companies and create growth. But it is also about individual growth. We believe that increased growth prominently is about the sole individual and his/hers attitude towards entrepreneurship and the capability to convert ideas to firm actions. Will and courage, combined with cut clear objectives and visions, are a necessity. In this project there will also be different kinds of networking activities. The second subproject consists of 5 Communicare local offices in the Region of Dalsland; Åmål, Mellerud, Bengtsfors, Dals-Ed and Färjelanda. Communicare offers support to young people through our local offices. The support could be necessary information regarding how to start your own company or how to apply for vocational training abroad. It could also be about finding "the" job or the perfect trainee spot in a firm or an organisation, help to develop an idea, which will make young people, fulfil their goal. The main goal with this project is to develop and spread methods, ways of working and models to contribute to regional development and growth in the region Dalsland. The context Next Generation is an outcome of a previous finalised and successful project in the region Värmland. A request from the region Dalsland came to us, as the numbers of unemployment increased rapidly among young people; 16-30years. The region needed a project to stimulate the local growth among small companies, inspire young people to realise their possibilities and role to inflect their own lives.

Outcome Estimated results during a three years period: 170 jobs vacancies (1 job= more than 3 weeks), 100 companies, 50 companies involved in network- or co-operative projects. Perspectives We are going to continue working with the attitude and thinking among people, the attitude and thinking towards others and themselves. The type of companies and jobs is changing as the next generation is entering the labour market with new ideas, and right now it is more obvious then ever, and that could mean new kinds businesses and jobs. We want to support these companies and job vacancies. We are also focusing on the change of generations among companies and in the labour market in general. We want established companies to stay alive even though one generation is ending. Self-assessment “People are asking for our competence, knowledge and experience.” Total costs : EUR 2.52 million (SEK 21.4 million) Contact : Pernilla Uddh Box 528 SE-65112 Karlstad Phone: +46 54 13 75 73 Fax: +46 54 13 75 71 e-mail: pernilla.uddh@communicare.nu

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT+COOPERATION Göta Kanal, Sweden

Enterprise development for the region The project The project aims at creating opportunities for business entrepreneurs in four municipalities along the Göta kanal and to make the territory more available to visitors and through that increase the number of visitors, increase the number of vacant jobs and to prolong the tourist season. The project contained eight sections; marketing of the project, development of the adventure trip in Karlsborgs fästning, increase the number of beds in the territory, information and signs in the territory, develop fishing, investigate the opportunities of a centre of culture forest, culture and the sights of the territory and environment with issues as water protection and refuse and waste. The second part of the project (2004 – 2005) is concentrating on infrastructure, entrepreneur/networking, development of service and meeting places and following up what had been done in the first part. In this period there are six sections: Finishing the cycle lane, A new guest harbour with a house that are at the same time a meeting place for the entrepreneurs and can be used all year around, Finishing service places along the channel and increase the number of guest boat places, Put together the infrastructure between the channel and Karlsborgs fästning and finally, Work with developing networks in the territory with focus on the local, regional and international actors. The context The project was created in co-operation between four municipalities, Göta kanalbolaget AB, tourist organisations and Västra Götalands region. The idea was to gather all actors that had some impact on the territory Göta kanal, and see what could be done to give the territory better conditions for the future. They found out that through an Objective 2 project there were possibilities to create a long-term development, both for entrepreneurs, organisations and the municipalities and the project gave the opportunity to form the basis for new jobs, new enterprises and a belief in the future.

Outcome New jobs: 64; preserved jobs: 30; new entrepreneurs: 19; increased number of visitors: 130,000; increased number of stays over night: 6,000; integration project: 1; co-operation project: 1. The project’s results were better than expected. Perspectives The faith in the future has strengthened for all involved, and that is maybe the most important outcome of the project. Together we are strong and we are able to rewrite the future in a more positive spirit. Self-assessment “The project showed that co-operation is necessary if it will be a change in the long-term. The project has also involved the entrepreneurs in a new way, which has lead to new co-operations and new products. There is a better knowledge in the territory about how the municipalities work and how to solve problems that the actors have in common. The actors, inhabitants and visitors meet today a positive thinking and with a new pride over their own territory.” Total costs: EUR 6.18 million (SEK 52.53 million) EU funding: EUR 2.29 million (SEK 19.5 million) Contact : Ylva Wirtberg Box 83 SE-545 22 Töreboda, Sweden Phone: +46 506 – 189 06, 046 (0)70 – 689 41 05 Fax: +46 506 – 125 99 e-mail: ylva.wirtberg@toreboda.se

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Luleå, Sweden

Establishment of research in environmental and quality management

The project The project illuminates possible “future pictures” regarding management of sustainable development, basically based on integration of exciting knowledge of management tools for environment, quality, social responsibility and health. The project’s most powerful potential is the possibility to engage the academy together with other parts of the society in the creation of visions for future UN and/or EU strategies in the field of sustainable development. The term “future pictures” is understood as coming development based on already exciting strategies, which are to be implemented in a time frame of a few years. The visions shall be used for the creation of future strategies and the time frame is longer. The context Organisations have been motivated to adopt Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) while the impact of industrial activities is not of a sustainable nature. There are basically two Environmental Management Systems (EMSs) standards – the European Eco-Management and Audit Scheme (EMAS) and the international standard ISO 14001. Since the introduction of ISO 14001 in 1996, a total of 61,300 organizations in 112 different countries have been certified and since the introduction of EMAS in 1995 there are 3,500 registrations in 16 European countries. Experts in the area suggest that the implementation of EMS according to ISO 14001 is going to reach the same number as ISO 9000 and within a few years the number of certified companies in the world is probably going to reach 150,000. Outcome The research project used different methods for data collection to solve the objective of the project. Below, the results from the different methods are presented: Literature review - - the results indicate that a majority of the evaluations state that an EMS has a positive effect on the environmental performance; interviews and questionnaire - the main result shows that ISO 14001 often led to reduced environmental impact of the organization, especially within waste; case study- the main results show that the EMS at Vattenfall AB Vattenkraft has had a positive impact on the environmental performance at the company.

Perspectives Initially the project focused on evaluation of environmental effects of EMS implementation. The overall aim is to push for and take part in development of a “Sustainability management system”. A holistic approach makes it more effective to use management tools which are not specifically focused on e.g. environmental- or social issues, but instead emphasising integration of all the three dimensions of sustainable development. Luleå university of technology established during 2001 a B.Sc. programme called Environmental and quality management. Self-assessment “Fruitful co operation with large industries and local SMEs; co-operation with Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv); increased co-operation across faculty and department boarders within the university; creation of national informal environmental management network.” Total cost s: EUR 0.33 million (SEK 2.78 million) EU funding : EUR 0.1264 (SEK 1.39 million) Contact : Jan-Ola Burman Department of quality and environmental management, Luleå university of technology, SE-97187 Luleå, Sweden Phone: +46 920 492146 Fax: +46 920 492160 e-mail: jan-ola.burman@ies.luth.se

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Norra Norrland, Sweden

Lapland Fishing

The project The purpose of Project Lapland Fishing is to further exploit the angling resources of the county of Västerbotten to create a sustainable tourism industry. The main measurements of the project are: securing high quality products by improving management of fisheries and conducting environmental conservation measurements; marketing the products of the region nationally as well as internationally; forming and conducting tailor-made courses for the company owners to increase product quality and profitability. Lapland Fishing is coordinated by The Rural Economy and Agricultural Society of Västerbotten county. The project has a steering group where local and regional financers are represented. About 50 small enterprises are actively participating in the project. The context The conditions of the county of Västerbotten to take the final step in to establish angling tourism were when the project was set up considered very good: high numbers of rivers and lakes with good stocks of attractive species as salmon, trout, pike, grayling and char; good organisation with many experienced participants in angling development from the public as well as the private sector. a demand from national- as well as European anglers for high quality angling experiences of the kind that is possible to offer in the county of Västerbotten, - a demand that exceeds the number of products on the market. Outcome The number of angling tourism enterprises in the county of Västerbotten has annually increased by 5 since year 2000. We predict that we will reach the number of 10 profitable enterprises by the year of 2005 and that the total number of enterprises will not be less than 65; an organisation led by the angling tourism enterprises for future development of the business will begin its work by the fall of 2004; forms for local management of fisheries securing the quality of the products has been established and is now implemented and spread; the number of jobs created by the project was between the years 2000 and 2002 estimated to 8.

We predict that the project will have created not less than 20 jobs by the year of 2005. Perspectives Angling tourism industry in Västerbotten county will most certainly continue to grow over long period of time. We estimate that far less than 1% of the business potential is exploited. We base the business potential on the potential amount and quality of fishing. Along with growing knowledge and awareness about environmental issues the actual quality is likely to increase. The demand for angling experiences of the kind that can be offered from Västerbotten county is also along with other nature-based tourism likely to grow. Self-assessment “Lapland Fishing delivers results that will last after the end of the project: The number of enterprises is increasing and the average turnover of the enterprises is growing. The close cooperation between private and public sector gives the recently born angling tourism industry support that is likely to last for a long period of time after the project is ended.” Total costs: EUR 3.47 million (SEK 29.5 million) EU funding: EUR 1.25 million (SEK 10.64 million) Contact : Per Lundström Hushållningssällskapet, Expolaris center, SE-93178 Skellefteå, Sweden Phone: +46 910 – 70 16 59, 070 – 563 35 96 Fax: +46 910 – 73 53 17 e-mail: hush.per.lundstrom@kommun.skelleftea.se

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Norrbotten, Sweden

Developing a centre of film production in northern Europe

The project The audiovisual industry is one of the fastest growing industries in Europe as well as globally. Many regions in central Europe have their own strategies in order to develop this industry. Film production builds and contains within its genre a vast number of competences and knowledge that is essential for almost all form of media production. Film production contains icons and stories that are needed and used by other media. Technical development and technical innovations are often made in film production and is thereafter used in other media production. The filmmaker’s creative capacity, competence and craftsmanship form a basis for qualitative and technical excellence in TV and multimedia. Film is also the best example of an industry that lives in the field between private, public, art and commercialism. The context In Sweden the film production started to decentralise in the late 90-ies. Before that film production was a highly urban phenomena concentrated to the capital Stockholm. The north of Sweden desperately needed new fields of activities and the motors for this decentralisation became Filmpool Nord in Luleå and Film in Väst (Gothenbourg region). Outcome The latest efforts have been starting to give results.New education and training schemes in film and media has developed a more skilled a highly competitive regional work force. New companies in postproduction and sound and a studio have been established. This has enabled us to start extensive collaboration with Swedish Public service Television concerning development of TV- series and features. Several new companies have been introduced to the region. New efforts with other regions has resulted in joint ventures in international distribution

Perspectives To maintain same level of production activity and to continue to develop along given objectives. Self-assessment “The project is a success because of the combination of good funding, creative, brave and hardworking people carrying through our objectives.” Total costs: EUR 6.85 million (SEK 58.2 million) EU funding: EUR 1.77 million (SEK 15 million) Contact Per-Erik Svensson Kronan A2 Phone: +46 920 43 40 75 Fax: +46 920 43 40 79 e-mail: per-erik@fpn.se

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Cornwall, United Kingdom

Combined Universities in Cornwall The project Combined Universities in Cornwall – CUC - aims at better higher education collaboration in Cornwall to create sustainable infrastructure of higher education for economic regeneration. 4,700 new higher education places, research base, knowledge transfer and graduate retention mechanisms are target indicators. CUC is a dynamic and visionary partnership that is one of the driving forces behind Cornwall’s renaissance. This partnership combines the Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Falmouth College of Arts, The Open University, The College of St Mark & St John, and the Peninsula Medical School, with Cornwall’s Further Education colleges – Cornwall College, Truro College and Penwith College. It aims not only to provide the students of the future with more choice and greater opportunities, but also to boost the economic fortunes of the region for the benefit of one and all. The context Over 90% of people qualified for higher education leave Cornwall and most never return, leaving low qualified workforce and leading to economic depression Outcome 4,700 higher education places created (2,000 to date); 4,500 new jobs for 2025. To date, EUR 92.86 million (GBP 65 million) for construction, formal partnership, economic development mechanisms in place. Perspectives Phase 2 now being planned for delivery by end of 2007. A ‘knowledge based network’ is now forming with significant spin out potential.

Self-assessment “Unique partnership of educational institutions working together. Use of HE and research as a basis for regeneration of depressed regional economy. Achievements to date over three-year period.” Total costs : EUR 119 million (GBP 83.3 million) EU funding : EUR 64.3 million (GBP 45 million) Contact : Gordon Kelly CUC Hub Campus, Tremough, Penryn, Cornwall. TR10 7EZ Phone: +44(0)1326 370430 e-mail: Gordon.Kelly@cuc.ac.uk

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Netherleigh, United Kingdom

Signal Business Growth Initiative The project The Signal Business Growth Initiative provides state of the art conference, exhibition and training facilities as well as business growth services for local businesses. The new Centre will provide the opportunity for emerging and growth businesses to integrate with educational centres of excellence, in a creative and supportive commercial environment. It will also offer a suitable location in terms of accommodation, scale and infrastructure to secure the sustainable development of local high added value employment geared to the needs of the local population. The context The aim is to support and internationalise local growth orientated companies. Outcome Objectives are to create 300 jobs by 2003, for 25 companies to grow turnover by 35%; to launch 180 market research projects; enable 150 companies to grow their business; 30 best practice seminars; establish a SIGNAL website; facilitate 60 video conferences. Perspectives The New Signal Growth Initiative will undoubtedly help to enhance the long-term economic prospects of the Council area and the region as a whole. And which will be worthy of national and international acclaim.

Self-assessment This clustering of innovation approach follows European best practice in regions such as Espoo on the edge of Helsinki which is a partner of North Down in the EU Edge Cities Network. Total costs : EUR 2.8 million (GBP 1.96 million) EU funding : EUR 1.4 million (GBP 0.98 million) Contact : Howard Keery DETI European Programmes Branch Netherleigh Phone: +44 28 90529328 Fax: +44 28 90529485 e-mail: howard.keery@detini.gov.uk

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT North East England, United Kingdom

Sandhills Green Recycling Centre

The project The project acts as a recycling project to take in a large percentage of the City’s waste and turn it into a peat/soil substitute for use by the general public and organisations. Instead of rubbish going into landfill, the Centre recycles it. It is also a learning facility which makes people more aware of the impact recycling has. And the building itself has incorporated sustainable building techniques such as solar panels which provide power for the training facilities. The context The project was set up to establish a green waste composting and recycling centre at the Sandhills Centre in Newcastle. One of the Objective 2 Programmes priorities is to assist jobless residents of the regions most disadvantaged communities to secure employment. The centre allows the target community residents to gain work experience and new skills enhancing employability and providing a direct and lasting benefit to the physical environment and social well being of the community. Outcome The centre aims to remove 4000 tonnes of green waste from the Newcastle upon Tyne area converting it into a sustainable alternative to peat. It also trains the local target communities in environmental subjects improving employability. Perspectives The longer term effects include the generation of training opportunities towards qualifications in forestry, horticulture, aboriculture and environmental conservation. These courses will allow for the development of many skills, which will prepare the beneficiaries for the workplace. The centre is in the process of applying for further European funding to help improve people’s access to the NVQ Environmental qualification. The additional funding will help extend the course length in the hope that more people will be able to access it.

Self-assessment The centre is unique in that it has become not only a centre where people can come and get rid of their green waste but it is becoming a real educational centre. Through its contribution it will be making an impact on the City and reducing the percentage of waste. The facilities themselves are also state-of-the-art and have taken into account environmental sustainability every step of the way, right through to the photo-voltaic roofs creating solar energy to the training facilities. Total costs : EUR 1.76 million (GBP 1.23 million) EU funding : EUR 0.67 million (GBP 0.47 million) Contact : Iain Rennie Newcastle City Council Civic Centre, Barras Bridge, Newcastle, Tyne & Wear NE1 8QN Phone: +44 191 264 6958 e-mail: iain.rennie@newcastle.gov.uk

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Scotland, United Kingdom

The 7 stanes – a mountain bike and infrastructure project

The project To develop South Scotland as a top class mountain bike short break destination, support emergent tourist based businesses and rebuild rural tourism. The project objectives were to deliver 7 cycling centres, 150 km of improved trails and to improve 649 ha of trailside and visitor environs. The opportunity existed to create a series of linked mountain bike centres in the South of Scotland which could become the Scottish leader for the still growing outdoor active recreational pursuit. The proposals were built on experience gained by Forest Enterprise locally in the Tweed valley and Mabie and nationally, particularly in relation to the Coed Y Brennin forest park, in Snowdonia, Wales UK. The success of which prompted Forest Enterprise and its partners to realise the potential for a similar project in South Scotland. The Quality of the riding, the facilities and the natural environment means South Scotland has the potential to become a world class destination for mountain bikers. The context Spring 2001 saw Foot and Mouth effectively closing down the countryside of South Scotland. Realisation quickly dawned on us living here that post disaster we needed something and something quickly, if we were to attract visitors back to the region. Outcome At present, top-class trails at five of the 7stanes have been completed: at Glentress and Innerleithen (Tweed valley) and Newcastleton in the Borders, and at Dalbeattie, Kirroughtree and Mabie in Dumfries and Galloway. Since the launch of the trails at Glentress in 2002: The rate of growth has been phenomenal, visitor numbers to the forest have increased from below 100,000 to 250,000 a year. Other 7stanes sites once completed and opened are also experiencing healthy growth in visitor numbers.

Perspectives Scotland now has some of the worlds best mountain bike trails, we also have some of the most challenging health issues facing us today and tomorrow. The Forestry Commission Scotland and the 7stanes partnership aim to give every primary school pupil in Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders the opportunity to ride at one of the 7stanes centres to enjoy and experience the fun of being active today and for tomorrow. This completes and ties together the ambitious programme set out in phase 1 of the 7stanes project. It completes the MTB network of trails currently lacking easily accessible routes for both youngsters and beginners / returnees to cycling. Self-assessment “The 7stanes is a model of how modest investment in the appropriate “soft” product has resulted in spectacular and sustainable growth. It has recognised and harnessed the power of the internet as a marketing and communication tool. It has produced a customer focused project and has worked at sharing that message within the local and national community. The £2 million 7stanes project is by far the most exciting development for recreational cycling in Scotland since the inception of the National Cycle Network and has arguably been more successful in getting people onto their bikes.” Total costs : EUR 2.77 million (GBP 1.94 million) EU funding : EUR 0.17 million (GBP 0.12 million) Contact : Karl Bartlett 7Stanes 55 Moffat Road, Dumfries, DG 1 1NP Phone: +44 1387 272440 Fax: +44 1387 251491 e-mail: karl.bartlett@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Western Scotland, United Kingdom

Lifelong learning for families in St Stephen's Enterprise Centre

The project St Stephen's Enterprise Centre is a state of the art family learning centre which provides a friendly, welcoming environment in Port Glasgow, attracting people to lifelong learning through the medium of ICT and remove any notion of learning and education as a forbidding institution associated with failure. The project serves to change the way we teach and learn with a strong focus on business led delivery and virtual workplace environments. The Centre has a strong focus on employability via multi-media delivery, online learning, experimental learning and open learning. The URBAN II grant contributed to the following costs: creation of a 400 sqm family learning facility; staffing; marketing, administration costs and capital equipment The context On recognising the value Education for Work and Enterprise activities and events have on a persons attitude to learning, the Learning Business Partnership had a vision for a dedicated family learning centre to serve the local community and engage business partners in the process. The idea was initially developed in early 2001 and following on from many consultations initiated partner agencies, local residents and the business community. Following the decision mid 2001 to create the Centre match-funding was secured from public and private agencies and Inverclyde Council were successful in securing funding ERDF grant from the Clyde Waterfront URBAN II Programme 2000-2006. Outcome 1 training/learning facility created; 400 sq metres of training/learning facilities created. 180 individuals receiving guidance/advice; 720 instances of guidance/advice to individuals; 600 people using community employment/learning project; 140 positive outcomes for local people (education/job progression); 140 people participating in work experience/exchange.

Perspectives This project embraces the spirit of the Clyde Waterfront URBAN II Community Initiative Programme in that it has involved the local community at all stages of the consultation process and has been designed to address multiple barriers to social exclusion. Self-assessment “The project sponsor has worked closely with the private sector in securing co-finance and in-kind contributions. St Stephen's Enterprise Centre has made a significant difference to the lives of Port Glasgow residents in confidence.” Total costs: EUR 1.07 million (GBP 0.75 million) EU funding: EUR 0.54 million (GBP 0.377 million) Contact : Robert Lamb St Stephens Enterprise Centre c/o St Stephens High School Southfield Avenue Port Glasgow Scotland, United Kingdom PA14 6PR Phone: +44 1475 715548 e-mail: robert.lamb@inverclyde.gov.uk

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CO-OPERATION+COMPETITIVENESS Ireland

► Managing the Evolution of the Programmes in Advanced Technologies

The project This project concerns the management of the evolution of a Government initiative (the Programmes in Advanced Technologies, PATs) in such a way that ensures its continuing relevance to the economy and its optimal contribution possible to the realisation of the Lisbon agenda. The Programmes in Advanced Technologies originated in the early 1990s as partnerships between Enterprise Ireland (the Irish State agency for the development of indigenous industry), industry and third level colleges. Their overall objective was to develop within Ireland an expertise base and national competence in strategic technologies based on these partnerships. Within this, the PATs pursued a wide range of missions through their Enterprise Ireland-funded and -owned centres based within the universities. While work programmes differ somewhat depending on the technologies involved, they can be broadly described as: providing Irish industry with direct access to expertise in the third level sector through technology transfer and specific sectoral networks; providing contract research, design, development and consultancy services to Irish industry through the Service Level Agreements, and funding applied research aimed at bringing commercially useful research closer to market. The context Ireland’s economic situation had changed since the establishment of the PATs. Technologies with great industrial potential for the economy were emerging which were not addressed by the PATs’ activities. The improving economic health of the country also had the (not unfavourable but nevertheless significant) effect of making it difficult to recruit researchers into the centres, with more lucrative pay conditions being available in the private sector. As well as not being in a position to cater for important emerging technologies, the PATs’ inflexibility manifested itself in difficulties in motivating researchers with an academic ethos to address industrial issues in ‘real time’. At the same time, Irish Government policy dictated that funding for research should be provided on a competitive basis – the PAT centres were funded through a block grant.

Outcome In 1999, the Board of Enterprise Ireland approved a new approach whereby responsibility for the operation of the centres was passed to the host universities. Support from Enterprise Ireland has now moved to: a Service Level Agreement with each of the centres which defines agreed deliverables, such as training courses, seminars, R&D and technical services and competitive research funding calls to academic researchers for projects with commercial potential, Perspectives The present bottom-up applied research funding is being balanced with industry-driven applied research funding through “technology platforms”. This reflects the recognised importance of enhancing industry input to the research agenda in Ireland. Three such platforms will be piloted shortly, one in each of the technology areas: biotechnology, informatics and industrial technologies. Self-assessment “The project has e.g., brought about enhanced flexibility in the PATs offering, supports competitive funding promotes quality in activities supported by the State and increased the commercial perspective of funded activities in line with the Government’s call for greater commercial justification for such State investments.” Total costs : EUR 232 million EU funding : EUR 76 million Contact : Michael Leahy Enterprise Ireland, Glasnevin, Dublin 9 Phone: +353 1 808 2419 Fax: +353 1 808 2662 e-mail: Michael.leahy@enterprise-ireland.com

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CO-OPERATION+COMPETITIVENESS Oulu Region, Finland

► Centre of Expertise Programme implementing the Multipolis Network

The project The Centre of Expertise Programme (ORCE) comprises of the following areas of know-how: information technology, which is divided into four sub-technologies and wellness industry, which is divided into three sub-technologies. Regional co-operation forums include representatives from companies, universities and polytechnics, and they act as practical work engines of the areas of know-how. The forums organise companies’ development projects, acquire funding for development projects, foster co-operation between educational institutions and research institutes and companies, and participate in also in the larger northern Europe’s development through the Multipolis project. Multipolis aims at, e.g., improving the competitiveness of the regions involved, strengthening the expertise of technology companies in northern Finland and create new jobs in the hi-tech sector, internationalisation northern Finland’s hi-tech companies and create a network of hi-tech companies in northern Finland, Sweden and Norway. The context The primary goal of Oulu’s centre of expertise programme, such as the Multipolis programme, is to keep northern Finland inhabited and prosperous, i.e., to create and preserve competitive jobs in northern Finland. The methods used to achieve this goal include: the creation of a network of 15 centres of expertise, the introduction of the Forum activities (development and educational projects), corporate incubator activities and R&D operation of Oulu’s Centre of Expertise in the other centres of expertise belonging to the Multipolis network, channelling of Multipolis Centre of Expertise funds to focused development projects of the various centres of expertise. Outcome The direct number of expected jobs by 2006 is 1,000, the number of projects in operation is ten project yearly, of which 3 with ERDF funding, the share of ERDF financing is 10 %. Nearly all the centres of expertise have focused on one to a

maximum of three core technologies which they are developing and which are granted Multipolis Centre of Expertise funds based on strict criteria. Companies from nearly all the centres of expertise are participating in the Forum activities and educational and development projects of the Oulu Centre of Expertise. Perspectives The population of northern Finland is small, so the co-operation of the entire region is necessary in order to be competitive in the world market in certain carefully selected, narrow sectors. In addition to R&D co-operation between hi-tech companies, it is also very important to integrate education with the development of the region. The project has created a foundation for co-operative projects, and this activity will continue. Self-assessment “The Oulu Region Centre of Expertise programme has achieved outstanding results during the past years. The latest evaluation ranked ORCE to be the most successful parallel program in Finland with creation of 2 300 new hitech jobs to the Oulu Region. The Multipolis project as Oulu born idea has been implemented now succesfully for three years and the network has been expanding lately also to Norway.” Total costs: EUR 3.0 million EU funding: EUR 0.26 million Contact Olli Löytynoja Elektroniikkatie 8 FIN-90570 Oulu Phone: +358 400 340 028 Fax: +358 8 551 3202 e-mail: olli.loytynoja@technopolis.fi

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CO-OPERATION+COMPETITIVENESS Ylivieska Sub-region, Finland

Development Programme of Contract Manufacturing

The project The project aims at developing corporate collaboration and contract manufacturing of productive business in the Ylivieska sub-region. In addition, particular emphasis is put on the availability of purchasing services in electro-technical mechanics, metal and woodworking industries in terms of subcontracting networks, production stages and providing services in the sub-region. The project examines developing cooperation and networking in productive business in Oulu South area, which aims at attracting subcontracting companies to Ylivieska sub-region and its vicinity. The target groups of this project are electro-technical mechanics, metal industry and mechanical woodworking industry. The context In the first EU programme period from 1995 onwards, Ylivieska sub-region began to develop metal industry in a designed project. In the new EU programme period (2000-2003), the work for development was expanded into concerning mechanical woodworking industry and electro-technical mechanics, as well as the companies practising these businesses. The development project was named Development Programme of Contract Manufacturing. Contract manufacturing has actively involved about 60 companies. Developing collaboration of businesses and financial organisations brings about a competitive advantage to productive companies in the sub-region. It is important for small- and medium-sized enterprises to develop their own capabilities in order to take part in concrete corporate collaboration. Industrial activity is without exception business to business –activity, in which understanding and exploitation of cooperation is essential. Outcome The programme was able to bring about approximately 60 new jobs and succeeded in maintaining about 280 jobs. Four new companies received assistance from the programme when starting their business. The programme involved 70 firms, from which 15 represented electro-technical mechanics, 38 end product manufacturers in metal industry and 17 mechanical woodworking industries. Number of projects was 74, that is, an average of

2.5 companies per project. 118 companies in all were contacted. The results are presented below in detail. Perspectives The objective of this programme is to become part of a regional business life service and create a common blueprint with the corporate department in the Employment and Economic Development Centre (TE-centre) alongside with other public financiers and actors. Self-assessment “The project was able to successfully meet the objectives that were set to it. Corporate collaboration and contract manufacturing in productive business developed in the sub-region. Companies were able to network by making partnership and subcontracting agreements. The programme was able to attract labour force to electrotechnical mechanics, metal industry and woodworking industries. New jobs were created and many saved. Exploitation of information technology and the internet enhanced marketing, as did other measures taken to increase visibility of the companies. Competitiveness of the region was improved and net sale and export went up.” Total costs: EUR 0.830 million EU funding: EUR 0.255 million Contact : Timo Kiema Vierimaantie 5 P.O.BOX 102 FIN-84101 Ylivieska Phone: +358 8505908044 Fax: +358 84106479 e-mail: timo.kiema@ysk.fi

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CO-OPERATION+COMPETITIVENESS Northern Sweden

Developing the tourism industry in Boden

The project The aim with the project was to develop the tourism industry in the municipality of Boden. To start with a network was established that would stimulate companies, the local government and others to cooperate within the following areas: common marketing, product development, knowledge and education, distributing packages to customers, tour operators etc. The network consisted of an economic association which from the beginning had about 25 members. Within the network, temporary sub-networks were established that worked with different themes they saw as a potential to develop. The themes were fishing, military tourism and nature based tourism. Those working in these sub-networks had influence on the activities. The project also cooperated with the regional association for tourism as well as with other destinations in the region. Other activities in the project were: establishing contacts, marketing activities, product development, to map out a profile of the competence among the members, coordinate the marketing of Boden as a tourist destination, coordinate events and activities related to tourism, initiate, coordinate and carry out development efforts in the areas of competence and product development and initiate activities that benefit female company owners The context The municipality of Boden in northern Sweden with a population of about 28,000 and an area of about 4,000 square kilometres, had for the last 100 years been a centre for the national military force. The area had also been a centre for health care with a hospital for the region. Both the national military force and health care was going through changes with rationalizing which affected the amount of employees in the area. The local government in the municipality of Boden worked out a plan for the future, where they found the tourism industry as one area that had potentials and which they considered important. In 1999, a process to identify the needs among the companies working with tourism started. This process resulted in some well defined needs which then led to the decision of establishing the economic association: Boden Turism Ekonomisk Förening.

Outcome During the period the turnover of the tourism industry increased with about 14% (2000-2002), the revenue from taxation in the municipality from tourism industry increased with about 18%, the number of companies being part of the network increased from about 25 to 55 (120%). Perspectives In a future perspective, there is a potential for the municipality of Boden and the surrounding region to develop the tourism industry. The area’s strengths with unspoiled nature, Lappish culture, the midnight sun, polar nights, arctic light etc will be strongly demanded from both Swedish and foreign visitors. A regional tourism strategy is under construction, which will take into consideration sustainable development to preserve the unique environment of the region. Working with quality labels is part of the contents in the plan. The strategy plan for Boden is a part of the strategy of the region which means that companies are involved in the regional strategy work. Self-assessment “The temporary working groups show a very strong engagement thanks to their possibility of having an influence on the activities in the project. By arranging breakfast meetings the members got to know each other and learnt about each others products. The external lecturers that were engaged was a way of raising the competence level (…) All these elements together including the process in the beginning where the needs where defined, has made this project a success which is shown by the figures of an increased number of visitors, new companies, higher revenue from taxation and the interest from other destinations who have a lot to learn from Boden Turism.” Total costs: EUR 0.861 million (SEK 7.32 million) EU funding: EUR 0.4 million) (SEK 3.4 million) Contact : Elisabeth Ennefors Stationsgatan 3, SE-96161 Boden Phone: + 46 921 34 28 30 Fax: +46 921 34 28 32 e-mail: elisabeth@experienceboden.nu

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CO-OPERATION+COMPETITIVENESS Region of South Forest Counties, Sweden

National Winter Sport Centre

The project The aim for this project was to establish and develop the national support centre for winter sports in Sweden in our region in collaboration with local and regional authorities and the private sector, the Swedish Sports Confederation (RF), Swedish Olympic Committee and the Mid Sweden University The context The County of Jamtland have natural advantages for winter sports activities because of the location in the middle of Sweden, in the mountain area with extremely good winter conditions and sports facilities. The region has also been the host for many different sport events and many top athletes have chosen to live or spend time in the region for that reason. The project was set up to establish a top Sport Centre in the region supporting the development of Swedish top athletes in close collaboration with the specialised sports federations, RF, the Swedish Olympic Committee and the Mid Sweden University. National Winter Sport Centre offers a complex programme for individuals and teams involving psychology, physiology, movement analysis, medicine and lifestyle and career management. The project made it possible to use sport to develop and strengthen the regional profile of Jamtland and build a structure, including research and science, for elite sport support on a national level. Outcome National Winter Sport Centre is now one of two Top centres in Sweden authorized by the national Olympic Committee and the Swedish Sports Confederation. The project have been successful as a “bridge” between sport and the academic world and also initiated different new courses at the Mid Sweden University. The project has also a direct result created two (2) new jobs and one PhD-student.

Perspectives From national to international Top Sport Centre. Continue the development of research and sport science in collaboration with the Mid Sweden University. Commercialise parts of the facilities belonging to the Winter sport Centre. Self-assessment “Starting point was a very good idea which was supported by local and regional authorities, the private sector, Mid Sweden University and Sport organizations in Sweden. The EU-funding made it possible to place the project in our region and make it more valuable and interesting for all parts. Successful collaboration between the academic world and Sports organizations and last and important – TIMING! – Our idea was delivered at the right time” Total costs : EUR 1.45 million EU funding : EUR 0.77 million Contact : Annica Westerlund Managing Authority County administration board Jämtlands län SE-83186 Östersund Phone: +46 63146143 Fax: +46 63146260 e-mail: annica.westerlund@z.lst.se web: www.mal1.nu

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

► Creggan Enterprises Ltd – Jobs in an old factory

The project Creggan Enterprises Ltd (CEL) is a community based organisation established in 1994 to assist in the socio-economic regeneration of the Creggan. Creggan is one of the oldest public housing estates in Northern Ireland and widely recognised as one of the most deprived in Northern Ireland with a long history of long term unemployment, poverty and suffering as a result of the Troubles. CEL purchased a disused factory and have renovated the facility in order to create 11,441 sq ft of workspace for new/expanding businesses. This particular project has had a significant positive impact on an area, which has suffered significantly as a result of the conflict in Northern Ireland. The project will transform what is currently an eyesore, covered in political graffiti into aesthetically pleasing workspace, which will lead to further investment in the area and provide the physical infrastructure to create. The context CELs main functions are to: own and administer community resources such as property and buildings for the benefit of the local community; act as a comprehensive development locust providing ideas, training and advice; and be a catalyst for change within Creggan and the surrounding area. Outcome The specific objectives are: created 11,441 sq ft of workspace; 25 jobs during construction; 20 new jobs on completion; achieve 100% occupancy within 6 months of completion; regenerate the area; encourage the growth and sustainability of hi-tech indigenous enterprise sector; and transform a redundant factory and eyesore in the area.

Perspectives The project will help establish the economic sustainability of Creggan Enterprises but more importantly it contributes to the ongoing regeneration of the area. Self-assessment “This project was a success due to its working relationship established with the Department of Trade, Enterprise and Investment, the EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation (Programme, Measure 1.1A Economic Revitalisation) and the International Fund for Ireland in advancing greater community ownership through a social economy approach to local regeneration and renewal. The success is also attributable to the local knowledge of the promoter i.e. the organisation, working in the interests of the local community identified the need at grass roots level and has addressed those needs in a way which exactly meets the requirements of that local community.” Total costs : EUR 0.737 million EU funding : EUR 0.236 million Contact : Maeve Hamilton DETI Phone: +44 28 9052 99000 e-mail: maeve.hamilton@detini.gov.uk

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CO-OPERATION+COMPETITIVENESS South of Scotland, United Kingdom

Crichton Regeneration Project

The project In 1995 the Crichton estate at Dumfries, the main urban centre in rural Dumfries and Galloway, was a large rapidly emptying Victorian/Edwardian psychiatric hospital with buildings and parkland deteriorating. In 2004 the Crichton Regeneration Project has become the major stimulus for the rebirth of the Dumfries and Galloway economy coupled with the protection and restoration of an outstanding conservation site. In essence, the project comprises the sustainable conservation and redevelopment of a 40 hectare parkland estate with 28 main buildings comprising over 28,000m2 of floorspace - all with several layers of statutory environmental constraints - to provide environmental benefits per se and create other wider benefits for the Dumfries and Galloway community. The estate was purchased by Dumfries and Galloway Council and leased to a charitable company, the Crichton Trust. The Trust owns a trading company, Crichton Development Company Ltd, which carries out the day to day running of the estate. The context The project was established to protect an estate that was becoming surplus to Health Care use and potentially at risk of being broken up and/or falling into disrepair. It was also an outstanding environmental asset, publicly accessed and enjoyed by local people. In addition, there was a perception that, properly handled, the estate could be redeveloped for the wider benefit of the community. Outcome Current achievements: University Campus - 1,200+ students and 100 jobs - first multi university and college campus in the UK; Business Park - 28 tenants and 800+ jobs - majority of employment new to the area; community - new social, conference, functions and recreational facilities provided and parkland restored; over 11,500m2 net floorspace refurbished to highest standards; outstanding conservation area and 17 listed buildings protected and enhanced; 21st century infrastructure including broadband telecoms installed; EUR 35.7 million (GBP 25 million) partnership funding secured.

Perspectives Concepts driving the next phase of the project are: the creation of a groundbreaking Tertiary Education Campus to develop the education continuum and the concept of lifelong learning; to continue building the relationship between academia and business – the smart, successful Scotland theme; utilising the major public venue on site (Easterbrook Hall) as a key driver in developing business tourism in SW Scotland; creating a unique international profile Arts venue that will sit at the interface of the academic and cultural communities and provide a potential economic driver for wider regeneration. Self-assessment “The project has tackled head on and with great success the problems of poor communications and lack of educational opportunities and knowledge based employment opportunities that commonly affect peripheral areas such as Dumfries and Galloway and that the Structural Funds are designed to provide support to redress. It has skilfully used a partnership approach to secure wide ownership of and commitment to the project with highly beneficial results in terms of speed of implementation and constructing funding packages. Structural Funds have frequently been used as the cornerstone to make individual elements of the project viable. This approach has been particularly important in a conservation and community/social benefit based project incurring implementation costs far in excess of commercially viable levels.” Total costs : EUR 35.63 million (GBP 24.94 million) EU funding : EUR 3.43 million (GBP 2.40 million) Contact : Kate Denholm Crichton Development Company Ltd Grierson House, The Crichton, Bankend Road, Dumfries DG1 4ZE Phone: +44 1387 247544 Fax: +44 1387 257616 e-mail: kate.denholm@crichton.co.uk

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