# Climate change: the regional scale matters

Mathieu Perrin, André Torre

► To cite this version:

Mathieu Perrin, André Torre. Climate change: the regional scale matters. European Week of Regions and Cities 2016, European Week of Regions and Cities., Oct 2016, Bruxelles, Belgium. 149 p., 10.2863/066043. hal-01603006

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European Week of
Regions and Cities

Brussels

10-13 October 2016

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European Week of Regions
and Cities 2016

Proceedings

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Cat. Number: QG-06-16-061-EN-N

ISBN 978-92-895-0904-6

doi:10.2863/066043

Published in December 2016

Edited by the Committee of the Regions and the Directorate-General for Regional
and Urban Policy of the European Commission
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European Week of
Regions and Cities

Brussels

10-13 October 2016

Regions and cities
for sustainable and inclusive growth
Sustained and sustainable economic growth | Inclusive economic growth | Making ESI Funds simpler

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© Juno@GlobeStitch.com
# Table of contents

<table><tr><td>Organisers and partners</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>Editorial</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>Partner regions and cities</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>Regional partnerships</td><td>12</td></tr><tr><td>Opening session</td><td>15</td></tr><tr><td>Workshops reports</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Sustained and sustainable economic growth</td><td>19</td></tr><tr><td>Inclusive economic growth</td><td>71</td></tr><tr><td>Making European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds simpler</td><td>89</td></tr><tr><td>University workshops</td><td>103</td></tr><tr><td>Master Class</td><td>113</td></tr><tr><td>Investors' Café</td><td>117</td></tr><tr><td>Regiostars Awards</td><td>121</td></tr><tr><td>Networking</td><td>125</td></tr><tr><td>Sustainable urban development: Exploring and networking</td><td>129</td></tr><tr><td>Local events</td><td>133</td></tr><tr><td>Media analysis</td><td>137</td></tr><tr><td>Evaluation</td><td>145</td></tr><tr><td>The European Week of Regions and Cities in 2017</td><td>149</td></tr><tr><td>Thank you to our partners</td><td>153</td></tr></table>
Organisers and partners

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As in previous years, this Week was primarily dedicated to supporting the efforts of European regions and cities in translating EU investments into excellence, growth, jobs and quality of life.

Exchanges focused on 'Regions and Cities for sustainable and inclusive growth', touching upon new opportunities linked to innovation, with special reference to energy efficiency and circular economy, labour market and social inclusion policies at local level, including the integration of migrants, as well as exchanges on simplifying the implementation of ESIF programmes and enhancing administrative capacity.

A mixture of feedback from the ground, presentations of innovative working methods and discussions centred on the conclusions of the

High Level Group on Simplification for Beneficiaries of the ESI Funds allowed us to identify common challenges and discuss solutions that can have a real impact in reducing administrative burden, removing bottlenecks and putting the focus on achieving results.

In keeping with last year's OPEN URBAN DAY, we joined forces with the European Committee of the Regions and the Brussels Capital Region to allow the broad urban practitioner community to attend workshops and project visits on sustainable urban development.

The timing is important as, after the Pact of Amsterdam, it is important to sustain momentum for implementing the Urban Agenda for the EU, which is one of the top priorities of my work as Commissioner. I really believe that by working more with cities and focusing more on urban matters we can significantly improve the daily lives of millions of people.

As always, a major part of the workshops focused on academic/policy-relevant research as part of the University initiative, which included a masterclass for PhD students aimed at improving understanding of EU cohesion policy and its research potential.

The European Week of Regions and Cities once again proved to be an incomparable opportunity to exchange data, project results, experiences and best practices for programme implementation, as well as to establish new contacts for partnerships and projects.

There is so much we can learn from each other. However, the aim is not just to replicate experiences but to give cities and regions the means to exchange, learn and develop their own ways to boost innovation, growth, jobs and quality of life.

I would like to thank all those that contributed to the success of this event and, in particular, Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions, and his staff for the excellent cooperation throughout these years and for agreeing to be involved in organising the 2017 edition.

Corina Crețu, European Commissioner for Regional Policy
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The 14th European Week of Regions and Cities once again showed the value of listening to messages from around Europe and speeding up the process of making Europe work.

Entitled 'Regions and cities for sustainable and inclusive growth', this year's edition gathered over 5000 participants at more than 130 events. These events were organised with our partners at the European Commission and 22 selected regional partnerships.

These thousands of people came here to find ways to improve the investment and delivery of EU funds. This must continue to be the EU's main investment policy in the future, in order to support growth, job creation, sustainable development and innovation.

The RegioStars Award – organised by our friends at the European Commission – showcased many examples of how innovative approaches to what EU investment can deliver and make a difference to our communities. Nevertheless, during the opening debate it was evident that we need a reformed, stronger and more innovative Cohesion Policy that is fit for purpose.

With a 15% drop in European investment levels over the last decade, there is growing uncertainty. Honesty led the debate and it is clear we need to consider how best to utilise every source of financing to bridge the gap in investment: Cohesion Policy and public funds are not enough. We need to attract more private investment. The European Commission's Investment Plan for Europe – which is expected to trigger €500bn – done right, can drive our economy and create a more cohesive Europe. However, the different financing resources must be complementary to ensure that every region and city benefits and delivers for its citizens. Europe needs a change in mind-set geared towards empowering ecosystems, creating pioneering regions and cities and continual collaboration.

Today Europe is at a crossroads. As local and regional politicians, we know that Europe is facing a reality check. In addition to identifying and resolving the problems of investment, our heated plenary debate set the Committee on course to contribute to discussions on the sort of Europe we want. As well as launching a series of Citizens' Dialogues with and in our cities and regions, future Committee Presidents will deliver a State of the European Union's Territories address from 2017 onwards.

With better support from all levels of EU governance, more sharing of good practices and mutual learning, we can overcome the challenges. By working in partnership with the other EU institutions, with our members and with citizens we can find shared answers to shared problems. The European Week of Regions and Cities is an ideal setting for innovative learning. The ingredients of listening, sharing ideas and working in partnership have made and will continue to make the event a success.

I would like to sincerely thank Commissioner Crețu, staff, partners and participants for once again contributing to what I consider one of the most important weeks for Europe's regions and cities. Until next year!

Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions
Partner regions and cities

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Partner regions and cities

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Partner regions and cities

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Europe of traditions

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Active regional cooperation in circular economy

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Adriatic-Ionian macroregion

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Regions connecting territories

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Eusalp: Innovation and tradition

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Entrepreneurship education for economic growth

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Innofest - Festival driven innovation

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Regions and cities for circular economy

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Sustainable solutions in the field of circular economy regarding the strategy of Europe 2020

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Smart cities - Smart ambitions

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Regions for simplification

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Cities and regions for effective energy solutions

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Smart partnerships for new skills

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Local authorities promoting synergies between ESI Funds and H2020

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Rail Baltica

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Border competence - Early start in the neighbouring language

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EU urban regeneration - Sustainable cities for better future

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Innovative cities and regions for new mobility services

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Capital cities and regions network

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Sustained and sustainable growth strategies in areas around major urban centres

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Sustainable innovation in less urban areas in the North

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Intermediate authorities for waste to energy
Opening session

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Europe's regions and cities:
Partners for investment and growth
# Opening session

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**The 14th European Week of Regions and Cities opened on Monday 10 October. The opening session was held in the hemicycle at the European Parliament with a high-level debate on 'Cohesion Policy: investing in Europe's regions and cities.'**

Keynote speakers were the Vice-President of the European Parliament, **Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso**, the Commissioner for Regional Policy, **Corina Crețu**, the President of the European Committee of the Regions, **Markku Markkula**, and **Anton Marcinčin**, Plenipotentiary of the Slovak government for support of least developed regions.

The importance of territorial cohesion as the cement that binds European regions fighting populism in Europe was stressed by Vice-President **Valcárcel**. The results and efficiency levels of Regional Policy need to be widely communicated while focusing at the same time on simplifying the Cohesion Policy framework. The European Parliament strongly believes in the necessity of maintaining the structural funds and fears that future budgetary cuts would create greater economic instability.

**Commissioner Crețu** also stressed the importance of communication: although evidence shows the benefits of Cohesion Policy for all EU Member States, in particular during difficult economic times, there are still obstacles to overcome in order to reach people and show how much this policy is doing for EU citizens.

The ex-post evaluation for the period 2007-2013 showed that Cohesion Policy has been a pillar of the EU's growth and jobs agenda: one million jobs were created, corresponding to one-third of overall net job creation across the EU, and nearly 400 000 SMEs and start-ups have benefitted from investments. In Eastern European countries 50% of public investments come from the EU. Yet there is a mismatch between the reality and its perception. There is obviously still scope to simplify procedures both at EU and national level, but if Cohesion Policy today is under attack it is not because of poor implementation but for reasons that are more internal to Member States. For this reason it is essential that information about good projects and results is widely distributed across Europe.

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*'Solidarity and responsibility should go hand in hand. Our efforts aim to translate EU investments into excellence, growth, jobs and quality of life.'*

*European Commissioner Corina Crețu*

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*'The vast majority of political forces in the European Parliament are opposed to the freezing of structural funds in Spain and Portugal as that would be contrary to the very goals of cohesion policy.'*

*Vice-President of the European Parliament Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso*

The President of the European Committee of the Regions, **Markku Markkula**, emphasised the need for a reformed, stronger, more innovative, more effective, simpler and more results-oriented Cohesion Policy. He called for an honest debate on how best to utilise every source of financing. It was necessary to attract more private investment and to foster the synergies between Cohesion Policy and the European Commission's Investment Plan for Europe, with the aim of driving our economy and creating a more cohesive Europe. The EU needs higher quality projects, with an innovation dimension embedded within them. The path to a better Europe lies in more partnership, and regions and cities need stable, predictable investment.
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> 'When speaking about a re-formed cohesion we must understand that we should not only invest in traditional projects, such as houses and roads, but also in our human capital.'

President of the European Committee of the Regions Markku Markkula

During the debate other aspects were mentioned such as the need to guarantee Cohesion Policy funding, to avoid budget transfer to the Investment Plan and to find solutions to intelligently co-finance local authorities' projects (Karl-Heinz Lambertz, BE/Party of European Socialists, First Vice-President of the European Committee of the Regions). Macro-economic conditionality should not be a penalty for regional and local authorities, and Cohesion Policy should be a tool not only for strong regions but also for the weak ones. That is why any suspension of structural funds for Spain and Portugal should be avoided (Catiuscia Marini, IT/Party of European Socialists).

**Anton Marcinčin**, Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Government, pointed out that the Bratislava Declaration could be a good basis for discussing Cohesion Policy in Europe. A strong Cohesion Policy after 2020 is vital for investing, creating new jobs and improving citizens' quality of life, particularly for Member States with large disparities between regions such as Slovakia. Acting together is crucial for a simplified and robust Cohesion Policy.

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Opening session

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Cohesion Policy should be flexible enough to react to unex-
pected issues and crises such as migration, and simplification
is a key driver for the future of the policy (Michael Schneider,
DE/European People's Party). In this sense courageous meas-
ures are required for reaching ambitious objectives (Ulrika
Carlefall, SE/Alliance of Liberal and Democrats for Europe).
Often SMEs cannot use EU instruments as they are too complex.

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There is a common agreement that all regions need Cohesion Policy and in particular small and weak regions where Euroscepticism is growing. More power should be given to regional and local authorities to overcome the perceived democratic deficit (Joseph Cooney, UK/European Conservatives and Reformists Group).

Financial instruments are becoming more and more impor-
tant in relation to investment, but they should not become
a substitute for structural funds (Stanislaw Szwabski, PL/
European Alliance Group). Complementarity with private re-
sources and other EU instruments is needed (Iskra Mihaylova,
Member of the European Parliament (EP) and Chair of the
EP's Committee on Regional Development). The most urgent
thing to do now is implement policy and share knowledge,
examples and good practices to raise awareness about
Cohesion Policy and the Investment Plan for Europe.

Urban development and its impact on surrounding regions was also discussed during the debate. Cities are engines for growth and jobs but face challenges like housing and pollution. Cohesion Policy should enable the smallest urban areas to develop as they are getting more and more depopulated, while big cities are facing a severe crisis due to migration flows. The importance of the integrated territorial investments (ITI) was highlighted several times, as well as the need for a set of indicators which take into account economic and social contexts, thereby improving Cohesion Policy.

The debate concluded with a call for a paradigm shift during the new programming period; this would be not punitive, simpler, allowing more flexibility for unforeseen problems and at the same time not undermining the essence of Cohesion Policy in the long term.
Workshops

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Sustained and sustainable economic growth
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Towards the circular economy:
Local and regional solutions to food waste

According to the European Commission, around 88 million tonnes of food are wasted every year in the EU. The estimated cost is 143 billion euros. Wasteful production and consumption patterns entail substantial loss of global water resources, pose a threat to biodiversity in the form of arable land that has been unnecessarily cleared or is unproductive, impoverish the soil and squander other finite natural resources. What we have is a linear economy in which objects are briefly used and then discarded as waste. The workshop panel agreed that food waste is a threat to the economy, to biodiversity and to people's wellbeing. The panellists stressed the importance of a multilevel, "bottom up approach" in tackling the issue and emphasised that local and regional authorities should play a key role in preventing and reducing food waste and should promote good practice for better consumption and waste management.

11A02

11 October 2016

09:00 - 10:45

**Organiser:**

ALDE group, European Committee of the Regions

**Chair/moderator:**

Agnès Durdu,
Vice-President, ALDE, European Committee of the Regions, Luxembourg

**Speakers:**

Ossi Martikainen,
ALDE Rapporteur, European Committee of the Regions, Finland

Vanya Veras,
Secretary General, Municipal Waste Europe, Belgium

Nicolas Scherrier,
Project Manager, Brussels Environment, Belgium
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# Towards an EU Rural Agenda – Revitalisation opportunities and challenges

11A05

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
European Alliance Group
in the European Committee
of the Regions

**Chair/moderator:**
Stanislaw Szwabski,
President of the European
Alliance Group, Poland

**Speakers:**
Liviu Bodolan,
Rural Development Programmes
Directorate, Romania

Christiane Canenbley,
Cabinet of European Commissioner
Phil Hogan, Belgium

Prof. Wojciech Knieć,
Nicolaus Copernicus
University, Poland

Mairéad Ní Oistín,
Planning and Policy Department,
Údaras na Gaeltachta, Ireland

## Summary

The purpose of the meeting was to exchange views and opinions on how to preserve rural areas across the European Union that suffer from de-population and how to increase the attractiveness of those areas. Across the globalised world there is a trend for people to move to cities around the world. This trend clearly affects rural areas and regions in terms of the population profile and socio-economic development. The speakers and the audience exchanged many points of view on the topic of revitalisation of rural areas in Europe. One of the most repeated issues was the poor broadband connectivity that isolates rural areas.

## Main messages/conclusions

Across the globalised world there is a trend for people to move to cities, and this trend clearly affects rural areas and regions in terms of the population profile and socio-economic development. Nevertheless, some regions' response to this problem is to switch to other economic sectors. Tourism is one of them, and according to Eurostat data it is a rapidly growing sector in some areas. However, as Mr Szwabski said: "the region that attracts tourism should not forget about [its] traditional professions".

Christiane Canenbley spoke about the success of the second conference in Cork that took place a few months ago. Cork 2.0 was the follow up to the first conference, held in 1997. She highlighted that there was a need to gather people's opinions to find out how to shape future rural policy.

Liviu Bodolan presented what the Romanian Directorate had implemented and what it had planned in terms of boosting the attractiveness of Romanian rural areas, as he explained that Romania was experiencing deep de-population problems in the countryside.

Mairéad Ní Oistín spoke about the Gaeltacht (Irish speaking) areas in the west and south-west of Ireland. These areas are very rural, peripheral locations which experience huge problems with broadband connectivity where there is a need for a fibre optic network. Ms Ní Oistín also indicated that Gaeltacht areas needed to develop alternative sources of energy. However, as Mr Szwabski had previously mentioned, rural areas like the Gaeltacht could adapt to new circumstances, for example by actively encouraging tourism.

The final words belonged to the Chair, who emphasised that there was a strong need for a flexible rural policy that would address all the problems, and that managing balance and suitability of the grants was important so that the investment would get to rural areas.
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# Eastern Partnership Territorial and Parliamentary Cooperation: Advancing economic development, entrepreneurship and research & innovation

## Summary

The new European Neighbourhood Policy emphasises that economic development, entrepreneurship and youth employment should be at the heart of the EU's contribution to stabilising the neighbourhood and building partnerships. It therefore encourages policy-makers to reflect on new ways of enhancing cooperation under the Eastern Partnership, in the economic and social areas as well as for research & innovation.

The workshop discussed the strategies of regions and cities to foster growth, innovation and job creation and referred to illustrative case studies from Poland and Ukraine. It also explored how legislative and regional/local policy-makers could contribute to stepping up cooperation for economic development and innovation.

## Main messages/conclusions

Karl-Heinz Lambertz highlighted that economic and social development at local and regional level had a better chance to succeed when working in a decentralised system, where action was taken at the local level, the closest not just to citizens but also to the specific economic and social situation of a given region. CORLEAP was ready to help by engaging in administrative capacity building on sectoral projects. He also referred to various tools, such as the Knowledge Exchange Platform, the European Groupings of Territorial Cooperation and the Portal for Decentralised Cooperation.

According to Heidi Hautala, the advantages of further economic integration could not be fully harnessed due to a number of challenges, such as the security situation, which was a deterrent factor for investors and responsible for damaged business links, as well as the legal framework necessary for a predictable business environment. As legislators, members of Euronest could support each other by sharing experience and knowledge on economic law, while Euronest itself was undergoing organisational changes, in order to become more dynamic, inclusive and audible.

Victor Halasiuk referred to the legislation on public-private partnerships which had been adopted in Ukraine. Energy service contracts had been introduced, which made it possible to profit from investment in the energy sector, and draft laws were being prepared on industrial parks, considered to be boosters of economic growth. Bila Tserkva was mentioned as an illustrative example.

Pawel Adamowicz emphasised that a culture of transparency and trust was a very important factor in implementing reforms in the socio-economic sector. It was time for building partnerships, involving civil society in the decision-making process through participatory budgets and civil society-led development.

Anastasia Fetsi acknowledged that the local level was becoming increasingly important in implementing skills management and often had a more innovative approach. Innovation came through partnership; however, local innovative capacities often suffered from weak institutional support.

Andriy Lopushansky agreed that reforms were painful, but an essential step forward. On the other hand, there was less confidence in the ability of local and regional authorities to manage funds on their own. Coaching was essential for all stakeholders, including decision-makers, civil servants and also citizens, who need to understand the meaning of reforms.

11A06

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

Conference of the Regional and
Local Authorities for the Eastern
Partnership (CORLEAP) and EURONEST
Parliamentary Assembly

**Chair/moderator:**

Heidi Hautala,
Co-President of the EURONEST
Parliamentary Assembly, Member
of the European Parliament, Finland

Karl-Heinz Lambertz,
First Vice-President of the European
Committee of the Regions, CORLEAP
Bureau Member, Belgium

**Speakers:**

Viktor Halasiuk,
Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada
Committee on Industrial Policy
and Entrepreneurship, Member
of Parliament, Ukraine

Pawel Adamowicz,
Mayor of Gdansk, Member of the
European Committee of the Regions
and CORLEAP, Poland

Anastasia Fetsi,
Head of Operations, European
Training Foundation

Andriy Lopushansky,
Member of the Verkhovna Rada,
Ukraine

**More information links:**

http://ip-bt.com
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## Cities and regions as launch-pads for digital transformation

11A09

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

Marco Manfroni

**Chair/moderator:**

John Higgins,
Director General,
Digital Europe, Belgium

**Speakers:**

Dana Eleftheriadou,
Policy Coordinator, European
Commission, Belgium

Jan Sturesson,
International independent strategy
advisor, NEXTin, Sweden

Tomas Diez,
Fab Lab Barcelona, Director, Spain

Adam Pustelnik,
Director, Investor Service and
International Cooperation
Bureau, Poland

**More information links:**

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-digitalbases/newsroom/cf/itemdetail.cfm?item_id=8820&lang=en&title=Blueprint-for-cities-and-regions-as-launch-pads-for-digital-transformation

www.digitallytransformyourregion.eu
http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/industrial-modernisation

## Summary

Cities and regions are entering a new area of transformation: a digital transformation which embraces social, economic, urban, mobility, educational, technological and cultural changes. The workshop illustrated the main attributes which characterise the digital transformation and the concrete steps to take in order to facilitate it. The 'Blueprint for cities and regions as launch-pads for digital transformation', conceived as a smart guidebook for all local stakeholders, was presented and representatives of Barcelona and Łódź, the cities used for the comparative analysis in the Blueprint, illustrated the main elements which characterised their digital transformation. A representative of the European Commission also presented the support actions related to this specific topic.

## Main messages/conclusions

The workshop highlighted how cities and regions are a driving force in the development of innovation and digital transformation ecosystems. By assuming sound leadership and building on their own strengths and smart specialisations, cities and regions can create a constructive and collaborative environment to reboot the economy and add value for their citizens.

In order to ensure the uptake of digital technologies that can foster industrial modernisation, cities and regions must develop smart governance by establishing coordinated actions on multiple levels and by creating collaboration across sectorial boundaries and value chains among the different local stakeholders.

The digital transformation of a territory is only possible if local businesses have the right talents to acquire and harness the required digital technologies. Therefore, part of their digital strategies should be focused on the development and attraction of digital talents.

Ensuring local access to technologies and data has become a catalyst for change. Cities and regions should adopt open data policies and ensure access to digital technologies through the provision of bandwidth and the establishment of innovation centres, such as Fab Labs. They will promote the creation of citizen-centric public services and incentives for local firms to innovate.

Finally, cities and regions should also integrate cyber and physical technologies in the use of resources. Moreover, they should consider investments in advanced technological infrastructures as a key priority.

Recognising the strategic role of cities and regions in taking advantage of digital transformation, the Commission presented the COSME action 'Transforming regions and cities into launch-pads of digital transformation and industrial modernisation' which will support cities' and regions' efforts to build up innovative and digital ecosystems and reinforce pan-European networking with a view to developing cross-regional partnerships on digital transformation in conjunction with the Smart Specialisation Platform on Industrial Modernisation.

In November, the Commission and the Committee of the Regions will also launch a Call for Expressions of Interest for cities and regions interested in joining forces in the abovementioned network and applying, using their own resources, the principles and recommendations established in the 'Blueprint for cities and regions as launch-pads for digital transformation'.
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# How can cities and regions deliver the skills of the future?

## Summary

This workshop centred around the newly updated EU Skills Strategy published recently by the European Commission and reiterated that providing Europeans with the right skills is at the heart of the Europe 2020 Strategy. The workshop showcased best practice from across Europe's regions on how local and regional authorities are improving the skills and employability of EU citizens. Presentations ranged from research projects identifying how to match future demand for specialised skills with innovative provision of education and training to successfully embedding entrepreneurial 'start-up skills' in the education system for children starting out at school.

11A13

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45 and 11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

East of England European Partnership

**Chair/moderator:**

Jugatx Ortiz,
Business Coordinator, Earlall, Spain

**Speakers:**

Elisabeth Vik Aspaker, Minister for EU and EEA Affairs, Norwegian Government, Norway

Mustafa Bozbey, Mayor of Nilüfer Municipality, Turkey

Frank Norbeck, CEO of Junior Achievement Mid-Norway (Ungt Entreprenørskap Trøndelag), Norway

Jose Jimenez Sierra, Director of Integrated Vocational Training Centre, Castilla y Leon Education Ministry, Spain

Konrad Rozłucki, Inspector, Marshal's Office of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship, Poland

Paulo Cunha, Mayor of the municipality of Vila Nova de Famalicão, Vila Nova de Famalicão, Portugal

Dr Stian S. Ludvigsen, Senior Adviser, Hordaland County Council, Department of Regional Development, Section for Research, Internationalisation and Analysis, Norway

Andrew Thomson, CEO of ACER (Association of Colleges in the Eastern Region), United Kingdom

Alice Pedrotti, Project Officer, and Nadine Norgeot-Véron, Vocational Training Officer, GIP FCIP de l'académie de Caen, France

Joakim Larsson, President of Västra Götaland Regional Council, Sweden
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11A14

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser/Leader:**

Regions Connecting Territories

Extremadura Region

**Chair/moderator:**

Petr Votoupal,
Policy Officer, European Committee
of the Regions, Czech Republic

**Speakers:**

Quirino Mealha,
Regional/Cohesion Policy Counsellor,
Portuguese Representation
to the EU, Belgium

Carlo de Grandis,
Policy Coordinator, DG MOVE,
European Commission, Belgium

Isabel Alves,
Port of Sines, Alentejo, Portugal

Juan Romero Miranda,
Manager of the South-West Europe
logistics platform, Spain

Przemysław Dana,
International PR Manager, LODZistics
Business Network Logistics Center,
Poland

Miran Gajsek,
Head of Department of Urban
Planning, Municipality of Ljubljana,
Slovenia

Radek Handa,
Head of the Project Management
Section, Vysocina Region,
Czech Republic

Desiree Oen,
Deputy Head of Cabinet of Violeta
Bulc, Commissioner for Transport,
European Commission, Belgium

# Funding sustainable TEN-T-related investments to improve regional competitiveness

## Summary

TEN-T is playing an important role in improving territorial cohesion. Accurately planned investments and transport infrastructures are key factors in providing companies with access to global markets. A balanced dialogue between the public and private sectors facilitates sustainable regional growth, especially relevant in border and less developed regions. There are many factors hindering the development of regions and companies: missing links, investments mismatches with the needs of local markets, and different priorities of the authorities. This event promoted initiatives to build efficient trans-European networks. Regions exchanged good practices in the TEN-T framework addressing the needs of companies. We also explored the potential complementarity of the European/national/regional funding sources.

## Main messages/conclusions

Carlo de Grandis, Policy Coordinator from the European Commission's DG MOVE, stressed that it was necessary to create the optimum conditions for developing an efficient transport system and not only to create the infrastructure. Due to this, a common transport policy in the European Union was established.

Isabel Alves, representing the Port of Sines (Alentejo, Portugal) and Juan Romero Miranda, Manager of the South-West Europe Logistics Platform (Extremadura, Spain) made a joint presentation. They presented the port of Sines and the logistics platform, located in Badajoz, in the border with Portugal.

The logistics platform was designed from the beginning to be the basic development tool of the hinterland of the ports of Lisbon, Sines and Setúbal.

Przemysław Dana, international PR Manager from LODZistics, Business Network Logistics Center in Poland (Łódź, Poland) explained that the Łódź Regional Development Agency is seeking to galvanise municipalities situated along the newly built expressway S8, which is part of the Baltic-Adriatic Sea corridor.

They also have a strategy for the development of multimodal terminals – both existing and new ones.

Miran Gajsek, Head of the Department of Urban Planning of the Municipality of Ljubljana (Slovenia), said that they are seeking to complete the Logistics Intermodal Terminal in their city. The idea is to enlarge the capacity of the terminal through the development of a public-private partnership.

Radek Handa, Head of the Project Management Section of the Vysočina region (Czech Republic) informed the participants that they are carrying out a project to improve their regional road infrastructure through EU funds in the region of Vysočina. The road infrastructure is the fundamental connection in the region, linking Vysocine with the most important cities in the area.

The president of the Commission for Territorial Cohesion Policy and Budget (COTER) of the European Committee of the Regions, Raffaelle Cattaneo, outlined the Committee's main political ideas regarding sustainable investments in European Transport Networks.

Finally, Désirée Oen, Deputy Head of Cabinet of Violeta Bulc, Commissioner for Transport of the European Commission, stressed that all national resources need to contribute to the whole network jointly and not in isolation, in order to develop intermodal connections and improve the ones that already exist.
<figure><img src="image_53.png" /></figure>

# Green solutions for energy poverty

## Summary

The economic crisis in the EU and its consequences have caused a considerable reduction in family income. Energy prices continue to increase in most EU countries and 20% of Europeans are affected by energy poverty. Many EU local and regional governments are investing in important initiatives to help residents to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, which is a key issue in addressing energy poverty.

The participants discussed the causes, obstacles and impact of energy poverty, and presented some best practices that address the problem; some of these are low-cost measures that focus on behavioural change, while others target social housing through either energy-saving measures for new buildings or refurbishment with energy-performance contracting models.

## Main messages/conclusions

Energy poverty has become an EU problem, with around 125 million people at risk of energy poverty in the EU. Only 4 to 5 EU Member States have defined 'energy poverty', and there is no EU-wide consensus on the definition. A strategy to collect the required data is needed to correctly identify energy-poor households. More standardised data is crucial to develop and implement the appropriate measures for the right consumers. Modernisation of buildings and energy-using appliances is an effective remedy for energy-poor households, but funding and identification of households remains an issue even in high-income countries with the means for extensive data collection.

Bottom-up approach: National government programmes have an important role to play in tackling fuel poverty, but implementation needs to be closely aligned to local delivery partners as they are the ones who can best identify and support fuel-poor households.

Local authorities are leading the fight against energy poverty in their cities and towns, finding innovative ways to fund policies and actions in this field while also helping to reduce energy consumption and climate change in the domestic sector.

In 2016, Barcelona Province launched a multi-year programme to continue with energy audits in homes, with the capacity to fund some small-scale investments to reduce the energy consumption of the audited dwellings. Within this programme 220 municipalities out of 311 will receive support to perform these audits and in the course of 2017 Barcelona will start to help them to carry out the necessary energy investments identified in those audits. Ghent focuses on the prevention of fuel poverty, with measures focused on the behaviour of inhabitants, and the city has instituted measures aimed at making private and public houses more energy efficient.

The UK Government published a Fuel Poverty Strategy in March 2015 to ensure that as many fuel-poor homes as is reasonably practicable achieve a minimum energy efficiency rating of Band C, by 2030. In the Liverpool City Region a number of municipalities are developing revised Affordable Warmth strategies aimed at tackling local levels of fuel poverty.

An integrated and holistic approach is needed in the fight against and prevention of fuel poverty.

More funding is needed to protect vulnerable consumers: some funds are already available but they are not always well known by the public.

Exchange of good practices has to be promoted at EU level; small actions can make the difference.

11A16

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

## Organiser:

Diputació de Barcelona

## Chair/moderator:

Eva Baños de Guisasola,
Policy Adviser - Environment, Energy and Climate, Council of European Municipalities and Regions (CEMR), Belgium

## Keynote speaker:

Eero Ailio,
Deputy Head of Unit for Internal Market: Retail Markets Coal and Oil, DG ENER, European Commission, Belgium

## Speakers:

Albert Vendrell Roca,
Officer, Environment Department, Barcelona Provincial Council, Catalonia, Spain

David Cis, Director,
Vzw REGent, Ghent, Belgium

Cora Hermenau,
Regional Commissioner, Hanover Region, Germany

Peter Owen,
Chief Executive, Energy Projects Plus, Liverpool City Region, United Kingdom

Ronald Zinkernagel,
Senior Expert, Unit for City Development and Climate, City of Malmö, Sweden

Alicja Nowak,
Head of Unit on Acquisition and Implementation of Projects, Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Marshal's Office of the Wielkopolska Region, Poland

## More information links:

Barcelona Provincial Council International Relations Directorate: www.diba.cat/ri
<figure><img src="image_54.png" /></figure>

# From start-ups to scale-ups: How to support innovative business growth and the economy of tomorrow

11A17

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:** Capital Cities and Regions Network

**Chair/moderator:** Leo Exter, CEO, WeStartup, Belgium

**Speakers:** Irmfried Schwimann, Deputy Director General, DG Growth, European Commission, Belgium

Tanja Wehsely, Chair, Committee on Economic, Financial and International Affairs, Vienna City Council, Austria

Christian Riemer, Manager for Strategy and Products, Investitionsbank Berlin, Germany

Hélène Tinti, Open Innovation Manager, Paris Region Enterprises, France

Peter Kolesár, CEO, Neulogy a.s., Slovakia

## Summary

Many European regions and cities implement strategies to sustain and increase economic growth and create new jobs, especially for young people. The aim is to create an inspiring entrepreneurship environment, where new ideas are forged into real enterprises and new job opportunities. Capital cities and regions are already supporting start-ups in their launch onto the market but what should they do to enable these companies to scale up and how can they create an innovative ecosystem? The workshop showcased and opened the debate on a set of territorial strategies and very diverse, concrete tools currently being implemented by local and regional players (innovation agencies, banks, clusters) to help SMEs grow and improve their competetiveness.

## Main messages/conclusions

The workshop proved that different capital regions and cities have similar strategies and are in fact implementing a similar set of tools and incentives in order to boost entrepreneurial spirit in their home regions. Nonetheless, the results can vary widely, and the question of what the critical niche is that makes some more successful than others was repeatedly raised in various forms by both the audience and the speakers. The answer seems to lie in the cultural setting, especially in accepting the idea that failing when building a start-up should definitely not be seen as a disaster. On the contrary, learning by failing is a natural process and indeed the way forward.

Another conclusion drawn was that building a true entrepreneurship environment in which hundreds of start-ups and dozens of scale-ups can flourish requires not only financial support or an appropriate legislative framework but also a great deal of patience and ongoing political support.

International cooperation between natural start-up hubs and innovative regions would be another powerful stimulus that could drive forward successful companies, innovative regions and, indeed, entire countries and Europe as a whole.
<figure><img src="image_55.png" /></figure>

# Contribution of the European GNSS to smart mobility in the regions and cities

## Summary

European satellite navigation technologies (GNSS) bring innovative opportunities for regions and cities to manage mobility in a more efficient and smarter way. With growing cities and increased public transport, location services and applications will secure a share of the massive GNSS global market, which is estimated to amount to EUR 36 billion in core revenue by 2018. A significant share of this market involves EGNOS and Galileo-related applications addressing opportunities for European businesses, SMEs and entrepreneurs. The workshop brought together professionals in the European GNSS sector, and demonstrated the economic and social added value of deploying this technology and the opportunities ahead.

## Main messages/conclusions

Satellite navigation (GNSS) based solutions provide more competitive solutions, offer quicker and less expensive adaptation over time and are interoperable with other technologies. They allow for value added services (VAS) to be deployed quickly in the different transport domains. Indeed, GNSS has many benefits in the transport domain, such as flexibility, extensibility, rapid deployment, and lower environmental impact and operational costs due to less infrastructure building.

Representatives from the road tolling industry, air traffic control, smart mobility and autonomous vehicles showcased during the session how GNSS is making an important contribution to improving the competitiveness of European industry and increasing living standards for European citizens.

With the appearance of new GNSS systems, many chipset and receiver manufacturers are getting ready to acquire new signals. The major systems being launched are Galileo, a unique civil system under civil control, the American GPS, the Russian GLONASS and the Chinese Beidou system.

Today, multi-constellation GNSS receivers are the 'standard'. Indeed, the signals coming from different systems can be used to complement each other and the more satellite signals are used, the more accurate and precise the determined position will be. As part of the innovation cycle, manufacturers are not waiting to have the full constellation of satellites, because there is no need to have the full constellation in order to enjoy significant improvements in signal availability in urban canyon environments, where reception of signals from GNSS satellites is limited due to the restricted visibility of the sky.

In Europe, Galileo's initial operational services will start at the end of 2016 and will be based on a first group of satellites in orbit that can be used together with GPS satellites. Galileo compatibility is rapidly becoming common practice in mass-market and professional receivers: 40% of chipset models on the market are already compatible.

11A20

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

European GNSS Agency

**Chair/moderator:**

Alberto Fernández Wyttenbach,
Market Innovation Officer, European
GNSS Agency, Czech Republic

**Speakers:**

Wim Henssen,
Technical Advisor, VIAPASS, Belgium

Jordi Ortuño Ribé,
Responsible for ICT Mobility
& Infrastructures, Barcelona
City Council, Spain

Peter de Bakker,
Research Leader, WEpods, Netherlands

Paul Hopff,
Senior Expert, Belgocontrol, Belgium

**More information links:**

https://www.gsa.europa.eu
<figure><img src="image_56.png" /></figure>

# From bio- waste to bio-based products: The potential for regional innovation development

11A26

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**
European Commission,
DG RTD Unit F.2

**Chair/moderator:**
Waldemar Kütt,
Head of Unit RTD.F2, bio-based products and processing, Belgium

**Speakers:**
Silvija Aile,
Policy Officer, European Commission,
DG ENVI, Unit A.2 Waste Management and Recycling, Belgium

Philippe Mengal,
Executive Director,
Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI JU), Belgium

Thorsten Hornung,
General Manager, Susteen Technologies, Germany

Adrie Veeken,
Research & Business Developer Bio-based, Attero, Netherlands

Carl Schultz,
Business Development Manager,
Pâques, Netherlands

## Summary

The workshop aimed at outlining the optimal use of bio-waste for the production of bio-based products.

Mr Stępień outlined the role of the Łódź region in developing a bio-based strategy. Ms Aile reported on the Circular Economy Package, which sets out the main actions and regulations to move to a circular model. Mr Mengal talked about the Bio-based Industries Joint Undertaking (BBI-JU) and mentioned 2 projects that turn bio waste into bio-based products. Mr Hornung outlined how Susteen Technologies GmbH processes regional and local feedstock to produce high quality products. Mr Veeken represents Attero, a company that processes organic waste to produce bio-based products. Mr Schultz represents Pâques, a company that produces PHA from waste water. Mr Kütt concluded the workshop by highlighting the need to look into the potential of this value chain, and outlined the big opportunities for regions to try to bring people together to boost growth and jobs locally.

## Main messages/conclusions

The workshop outlined the optimal use of the bio-waste value chain for the production of a wide array of bio-based products. This value chain has significant potential for regional innovation development in order to boost a zero-waste circular economy at local level, reduce resource depletion and create jobs opportunities at local level.

**From the legislative point of view, the Review of EU waste will reduce complexity and provides for:**

* Separate collection of bio-waste (Art 22 WFD)

* Ambitious recycling targets for municipal waste and wood (Art 11 WFD, 6 PPWD)

* Landfill ban for separately collected bio-waste (Art 5 LDF)

* Exclusion from the WFD of 'feed materials'

* Waste prevention, focus on food waste

**The review of the Fertiliser Regulation will encompass:**

* Recovery rules for organic and waste based fertilisers – compost and digestate

* Possibility to extend to other waste streams in the future (e.g. struvite, biochar).

From a financial point of view, better use of Cohesion Funds, Horizon 2020 (150 M for Circularity) and EFSI (EIB) will facilitate the development of the bio-waste value chain. Public funding should be less complex and should facilitate investments before the technology enters the market; new incentives for bio-based products are needed (e.g. green procurement, obligation to use a percentage of bio-based products, tax reductions) in order to cope with fossil resource markets at very low prices.

There is a need to overcome barriers to innovation and to the market, in particular the incentive scheme for production of sustainable energy which is opposed to the production of higher added value products, e.g. bioplastic, and any initiatives aiming to raise awareness of waste-derived bio-based products.

Regional and local authorities and companies should work together to investigate all synergies available to develop this value chain in order to boost development in local areas, increase jobs and reduce waste.
<figure><img src="image_57.png" /></figure>

## European territorial cooperation and the role of third country participation

### Summary

The seminar was well attended with over a hundred people. The event Chair welcomed everyone, before he opened the floor for each speaker to give a ten-minute speech. The different speakers outlined the importance of Interreg as a tool for regional development, and also the importance of third country participation. Examples were given of several Interreg-projects in Norway, Sweden and Switzerland, as well as an overview of the newly published evaluation of the 2007-2013 Cohesion Policy. The five different speakers led the way for an interesting debate, outlining the future of third country participation in Interreg, and discussing the means available for a more connected and co-operative Europe.

### Main messages/conclusions

In the speeches and also in the following discussions with regard to the future of Interreg, several issues were touched upon. They included the need for better cross-border statistics, the need for stronger involvement of SMEs, functional areas, the cross-border review (on border obstacles) and the role of the regions in Interreg cooperation.

The main message from the workshop was a wish for continued active participation of third countries like Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland in Interreg and for Interreg to be developed further.

**The following points or issues were raised during the discussion:**

There is a need for better cross-border statistics with regard to:

* Cross-border commuting;

* Planning cross border infrastructure;

* Monitoring the implementation of programmes;

There is a need to mobilise the business sector, particularly SMEs, in the Interreg programmes; the main challenge today is creating more jobs, particularly for young people, but simplifying regulations and achieving more concrete and tangible results are also important questions.

The notion of functional areas could be important for the next programming period, linking it to cross-border areas and also to larger areas like macro-regions.

EUSALP should provide the strategic dimension, and the Alpine space programme should support it.

Simplification, performance frameworks and functional areas are all important issues in making implementation more effective, and the question of how Interreg can support macro-regional strategies is an important one.

The cross-border review (on border obstacles) is important in order to tap into the growth potential of border regions. 37% of the EU's population lives in border regions. Many SMEs are innovative and their first export market is often across the border.

The basic requirement for cross-border cooperation and macro-regional cooperation is confidence.

The regions have an important role to play in Interreg. They provide great added value for example by having a more strategic approach to regional policy, implementation of regional development programmes, development of skills, new public services and infrastructure and awareness of local and regional development in a wider European perspective.

Interreg provides a platform to meet and discuss issues and obstacles and solve problems.

11A27

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

Oslo Region European Office

**Chair/moderator:**

Jan Edøy,

Director, Oslo Region European Office, Norway

**Speakers:**

Elisabeth Vik Aspaker,

Minister of EEA and EU Affairs, Norway

Lena Andersson Pench,

Director, Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, Sweden

Thomas Egger,

Director, Swiss Center for mountain regions (SAB), Switzerland

Roger Ryberg,

Chairman of the Regional Cooperation Board, Eastern Norway County Network, Norway

Bo-Josef Eriksson,

Deputy Head, Regional Growth Department, Region Värmland, Sweden
<figure><img src="image_58.png" /></figure>

# New urban mobility services: Europe's cities and regions as engines for growth

11A34

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**
European Regions Research and Innovation Network, ERRIN

**Chair/moderator:**
Richard Tuffs,
Director of ERRIN, Belgium

**Speakers:**
Eddie Blanco Davis,
Senior Lecturer in Marine and Offshore Engineering, Department of Maritime and Mechanical Engineering, Liverpool John Moores University, United Kingdom

Susana Val,
Associate Research Professor and Transport Research Group Manager, Zaragoza Logistics Center, Spain

Herm Lux,
Business Development Manager, Flanders Make, Belgium

Nadia Theuma,
Executive Director, Paragon Europe, Malta

Michael Hollerith,
Traffic Management Advisor, Verband Region Stuttgart, Germany

Jukka Lintusaari,
Executive in Residence (EiR) Smart Traffic Business Development, School of Information Sciences, University of Tampere, Finland

Marina Martinez,
H2020 Programme Officer, CDTI, Dirección de Programas Internacionales – Directorate for International Programmes, Spain

## Summary

This event showcased ERRIN members' activities across European regions and cities. In the first part, two regions presented new freight transport services. Liverpool has designed and developed an autonomous vehicle (AV) to transport containers. Zaragoza has carried out data collection for collective mobility solutions for freight. In the second part of the event, new passenger transport services were showcased. Flanders is piloting AVs for cargo and passenger transport. Malta is encouraging the use of bikes to commute to work to combat congestion. The Stuttgart Region is improving Park&Ride services, by informing travellers about free parking spaces in real time. Tampere is utilising data and digitalisation for door-to-door transportation services, providing real time information for car sharing.

## Main messages/conclusions

Mobility is a burning issue for cities. According to the United Nations, currently 54% of the population live in urban areas and this proportion will rise to 66% by 2050. Therefore, congestion and pollution will become an increasing challenge.

The quality and efficiency of urban innovative mobility services, both for passenger and freight, is crucially important to make the city environments liveable for citizens. The European Innovation Partnership on Smart Cities and Communities deals extensively with the subject.

In many cities, including Zaragoza, freight transport suffers from a lack of attention and consideration in comparison to passenger transport. Sustainable mobility plans should take into account data from freight transport and should involve freight stakeholders. Collecting data is the first important step in this direction. Researchers from business environments in Tampere designed architecture for interoperable data systems so that other cities can also utilise the same data and act against department silos. Autonomous vehicles are being used more and more frequently to transport both goods and passengers. Liverpool has developed one for logistical services at the port as it is more economical than trucks. The prototype needs a business model to scale it up. Engaging local industry is essential to launch the initiative. Flanders is also a living lab for using autonomous vehicles to transport cargo and passengers. Now a new pilot has just been launched at Zaventem airport.

Concerning autonomous vehicles, functional and operational security is crucial. In harbours and airports alike pedestrians and cyclists have to be protected. If we want to promote alternative clean modes of transport, like biking, cycling routes need to be developed and, in order to reduce the physical effort that perhaps not all cyclists can expend, e-bikes could facilitate the switch to bikes. Of course, the mentality of drivers also needs to change, so that they look out for cyclists' safety.

With a view to reducing driving distances, and lengthening the distance travelled by public transport, a private company Bosch invested in detectors and worked with the Stuttgart regional authority to integrate real-time Park&Ride information into traffic management, making public transport more attractive for passengers. In the future this information will be integrated into multimodal navigation devices. The experiment is also useful in collecting data for research on P&R use.
<figure><img src="image_59.png" /></figure>

# Renaissance for remote rural regions through research – The case of less urban areas in the North

## Summary

The theme of the workshop was the means by which sparsely-populated areas may create strategies for growth and innovation with the support of research. The focus was on the presentation by Dr Garcilazo of the OECD's newly-published Regional Outlook on the innovation potential in low-density economies. Minister Ms Avspaker and Mr Nilsson, MEP, gave the political perspective on cooperation in the northern regions and on the EU Arctic policy. A panel of experts then described regional examples of smart innovation in Scotland (innovative business support), Sweden (research testbeds), Norway (e-Health service provision) and Finland (the Lapland Arctic Smart Specialisation Strategy). Audience discussions with the panel were moderated by Mr Janson of North Sweden and the chairman, Mr Bergkvist.

## Main messages/conclusions

The OECD Regional Outlook put forward low-density rural economies as places of unique opportunity that are sustainable, but subject to shocks. Linkages between urban and rural policies are important. To foster sustainable development, the OECD believes good communication capacity may reduce many of the challenges.

The OECD presentation delivered new perspectives on innovation, noting that 68% of growth in the OECD is outside urban centres. It calls for different approaches depending on the type of rural ecosystem, with research as a tool to better adapt development strategies to different contexts, sparsely populated northern regions having a potentially unique innovation system to build on.

The OECD's Outlook and coming report on the European Arctic regions will provide valuable input for creating sustainable innovation strategies for the northern regions. The EU Arctic policy is in this context a valuable statement of support for the development of regional strategies in the north.

There are important initiatives in northern Scotland, Norway, Sweden and Finland for driving innovation. Support for a diversified business sector via entrepreneurial capacity was a key for northern Scotland's growth. The development of test environments with research and academia in the north of Sweden puts the region in the forefront, attracting global companies and research, the entire city of Kiruna being a test bed for smart solutions in a cold climate. E-health in northern Norway is an example of strategic investment in the frontline for less-urban areas. The Lapland Arctic Smart Specialisation Strategy is in turn an example of an integrated strategic approach with business-driven clusters to establish Finnish Lapland as the leading sparsely-populated smart region.

The seminar participants recognised the need for trust, continued and deepened cooperation and exchange of best practices and experience between the regions. The EU cohesion policy is an important tool for this. The initiatives can also contribute significantly to the propagation of new insights, projects, planning and collaboration in other parts of Europe and the world. A participant from 'southern sparsely populated areas' saw the potential for better cooperation to manage the common challenges.

Mr Bergkvist summed up: he is proof that also people live in the sparsely populated areas, and the solutions for facilitating the everyday life and challenges in remote areas are also innovations needed in urban areas.

11A35

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

Regional Partnership, Sustainable innovation in less urban areas in the North

**Chair/moderator:**

Erik Bergkvist,
Chairman, Region Västerbotten,
Sweden

**Speakers:**

Elisabeth Vik Aspaker,
Minister of EEA and EU Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norway

Jens Nilsson,
Member of the European Parliament,
Sweden

Dr José-Enrique Garcilazo,
Head of Unit Rural Programme,
OECD, France

Donna Chisholm,
Regional Head of Programmes,
Highlands and Islands Enterprise,
Scotland, United Kingdom

Prof. Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn,
Pro-Vice Chancellor of Luleå University of Technology, Sweden

Tove Sorensen,
Head of WHO Telemedicine Centre,
Centre for e-Health Research, Norway

Harri Malinen,
Project Manager for Arctic Smartness
Excellence, University of Lapland,
Finland
<figure><img src="image_60.png" /></figure>

11A36

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

European Committee of the Regions
- ENVE Commission and Covenant of
Mayors Office; Eurocities

**Chair/moderator:**

MODERATOR (PANEL 1):
Sorcha Edwards,
Secretary General – Institutional relations
and Coordination, CECODHAS Housing
Europe – Federation of Public, Coopera-
tive & Social Housing, Belgium

MODERATOR (PANEL 2):
Stefan Bouzarovski,
Professor of Geography, University of
Manchester, United Kingdom

**Speakers:**

Michel Lebrun, CoR member, CoR Ambas-
sador of the Covenant of Mayors, Member
of Viroinval Municipal Council, Belgium

Sébastien Occhipenti, Policy Officer, DG
Energy, European Commission, Belgium;

Dagmara Koska, Member of Cabinet of
Commissioner Šefčovič, Belgium;

Vojko Obersnel, CoR member, CoR
Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors,
Mayor of Rijeka, Croatia;

István Zachariaš, CoR member, CoR
Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors,
Vice-Chairman of Košice Self-Governing
Region, Slovakia;

Niels Ladefoged, Policy Officer, DG Ener-
gy, European Commission, Belgium;

Alan Coleman, City Councillor of Cork,
Ireland;

Christophe Rouillon, CoR member, CoR
Ambassador of the Covenant of Mayors,
Mayor of Coulaines, France;

Ismaël Daoud, CEO, ENERGIRIS scrl,
Belgium;

Marco Giuli, Policy Analyst, European
Policy Centre, Belgium.

**More information links:**

www.covenantofmayors.eu

# The Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy:
Tackling energy poverty in European regions and cities

## Summary

Signatories and coordinators of the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy are imple-
menting local energy and climate actions with the aim of providing their citizens with access
to secure, sustainable and affordable energy, tackling the issue of energy poverty that nearly
11% of the EU population faces nowadays.

There is no one single model to achieve such goal, but each city and region is adapting to the local context, as attested by CoM members from Croatia, Slovakia, Ireland and France. New business models are emerging in this process, such as local energy cooperatives, empowering citizens and providing more affordable energy solutions. The Covenant of Mayors community was highlighted as a way to spread the word and upscale local solutions developed to fight energy poverty.

## Main messages/conclusions

The main messages arising from the workshop were as follows:

* There is no one single model to tackle energy poverty, but each city should adapt to the local context. Nonetheless, reducing households' energy consumption remains the most efficient way to protect vulnerable consumers;

* Cities and regions are still in the lead when it comes to climate action through locally-im-
plemented measures that matter, inspire, and contribute to the global climate solutions
agenda because they hold competencies in key areas, from energy efficiency in buildings
to delivery of social benefits to citizens;

* All around Europe, Covenant of Mayors signatories and coordinators are implementing local energy and climate actions;

* In Eastern Europe building owners are given support for renovations, while tenants can obtain incentives to buy more energy efficient devices. However, for the Vice-Chairman of the Kosice self-governing region in Slovakia, István Zachariaš, the best way to reach out to the most-deprived households is still to give them direct budget support to pay their energy bills;

* Many cities are also tackling energy poverty through local energy generation and district heating, as both facilitate access to energy;

* New business models such as local energy cooperatives empower citizens and provide more affordable energy solutions to their members, as shown by the example of Energiris in Brussels, or by collaborative windfarms in the county of Cork, Ireland;

* Local politicians pointed out challenges faced on the ground, and discussed the type of support needed from the EU. Besides the question of access to funding, they expressed the need to get inspired by other fellow cities;

* The Covenant of Mayors community was highlighted as a way to spread the word and upscale local solutions developed to fight energy poverty.
<figure><img src="image_61.png" /></figure>

# Enhance regional innovation and growth: Possibilities for integrated funding through regional cooperation with joint undertakings (JUs)

## Summary

To boost innovation and growth in the regions, synergies between different funding mechanisms such as the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF) and the Horizon 2020 programme are crucial. Five public-private partnerships (BBI, Clean Sky, ECSEL, FCH, IMI) and their regional and industrial partners (Andalucia, Carinthia, Clariant GmbH, Noord-Brabant, Scotland, Valcea) came together to exchange best practices on enhancing regional innovation by combining public and private funding and explored new ways of collaboration. Speakers represented regions, JUs, industry and research project partners in the field of electronic components and systems, health, fuel cells and hydrogen, aeronautics and bio-based industries.

## Main messages/conclusions

EU-wide efforts need to be made to reach the research quota of 3% by 2020. In order to achieve this goal and to boost innovation and growth in the regions, private and public investment must be combined, businesses and research organisations need to collaborate closely and high-quality education has to go hand in hand with excellent research. Joint Undertakings are key to implementing the research and innovation agenda under the Horizon 2020 framework, from which they draw funds, as PPPs enable closer collaboration and synchronisation of national authorities, the EU and industry.

Through the alignment of strategies and the synchronisation of actions, powerful eco-systems are created and efforts are focused on industrial competitiveness. However, this cannot be done effectively and to its full extent without the engagement and participation of EU regions. In this regard, the region of Carinthia can be seen as a role model for other regions through its close cooperation with ECSEL JU, which builds on existing strengths in the field of key enabling technologies.

The Seal of Excellence quality label, awarded to excellent projects submitted to Horizon 2020, is a good instrument to facilitate synergies of the programmes by supporting alternative funding through the European Structural and Investment Funds ESIF, managed by the regions. But what is the way forward?

For the funding period post-2020, there have to be structural changes in the EU rules for ESIF and Horizon 2020. In theory, these funds can be used in a complementary way but in practice, the process is sometimes confusing, disconnected and exclusive. The access to these funds is disparate, complicated and sometimes tedious. Furthermore, EU rules toned to be harmonised with national and regional rules, in order to reduce red tape and administrative obstacles like a threefold control system. Therefore, a clear, stable, structured policy framework for all JU activities with regions is needed to create the right conditions for synergies to exist.

11A37

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

EU-Representation Office of Carinthia

**Chair/moderator:**

Cathy Smith

**Speakers:**

Prof Dominique Foray,
École Polytechnique Fédérale
de Lausanne (EPFL), Switzerland

Peter Kaiser,
Governor of Carinthia, Austria

Bart Biebuyck,
Executive Director FCH JU, Belgium

Mirjam Mol-Arts,
Chief Executive Officer Pivot Park,
Netherlands

Paolo Corvo,
Head of Business Development
Biofuels & Derivates, Clariant GmbH,
Germany

Bruno Mastantuono,
Legal Manager & Strategic Advisor
Clean Sky, Belgium
<figure><img src="image_62.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_63.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_64.png" /></figure>

# Climate change and major projects. Climate change related requirements and guidance for major projects in the 2014-2020 programming period

11A40

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**
European Commission, Directorate-General for Climate Action (DG CLIMA)

**Chair/moderator:**
Ms Beatriz Yordi, Head of Unit - Adaptation, DG CLIMA, Belgium

**Speakers:**
Claus Kondrup, Policy Officer, DG CLIMA, Belgium
Nancy Saich, Senior Advisor on Climate Action, EIB, Luxembourg

Sarah Duff, Climate Change and Sustainability Specialist, JASPERS, Belgium

Camelia Kovacs, Project Officer, DG REGIO, Belgium
George Paunescu, Policy Officer, DG CLIMA, Belgium

**More information links:**
Directorate-General for Climate Action ('DG CLIMA'): ec.europa.eu/clima
EU Strategy on Adaptation to Climate Change: ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/adaptation/index_en.htm

European Climate Adaptation Platform: climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu
JASPERS Networking Platform: www.jaspersnetwork.org

## Summary

The workshop aimed to present how to promote sound major projects that are climate-resilient and include low-carbon options. Topics included:

* presenting guidance on how to deal with the climate-related requirements included in the major project applications for ESIF 2014-2020: CLIMA presented adaptation aspects, and the EIB presented mitigation aspects;

* presenting views and lessons learnt collected from both sides of the 'project pipeline' - i.e. the project developers' end (via JASPERS), and the programme management end (via REGIO);

* setting adaptation and projects in a wider context - cooperation with multi- and bi-lateral development banks (CLIMA presented the EUFIWACC guidance note);

* engaging with stakeholders in the audience for a constructive debate and drawing conclusions.

## Main messages/conclusions

The key messages that could be extracted from the presentations and discussions were:

* New investment projects must consider including options for ensuring resilience to negative climate impacts, and promote low-carbon solutions. This approach is in line with the EU's policies on climate action, and with the objectives of the Paris Agreement adopted in 2015 with regard to global action on climate change;

* Climate-resilient investment projects underpinned by climate-aware national and regional programmes represent part of the European response to this global challenge;

* The institutions financing development and large infrastructure projects - be it the European Commission, or multi-lateral development banks - are promoting climate change adaptation as an intrinsic component of new projects. These projects need to be able to withstand not only today's climate, but also climate extremes that will be experienced several decades from now;

* Project developers have access to a clear methodology (published by DG CLIMA), and to technical assistance (from JASPERS) for successfully including climate-related considerations in their projects. The first major projects submitted to the Commission are indeed starting to use these tools.
<figure><img src="image_65.png" /></figure>

# The final regional Social Progress Index

## Summary

The workshop presented the final version of the EU regional Social Progress Index developed by the Commission's DG for Regional and Urban Policy in cooperation with the Social Progress Imperative and Orkestra. It customises the global Social Progress Index for the EU to measure social progress in a meaningful way for policy makers at multiple levels. The draft index was presented in 2015 and went through an extensive revision on the basis of consultations with stakeholders. The goal is fostering the development of a network of European regions sharing knowledge on social progress drivers and expertise on socially innovative policies.

## Main messages/conclusions

The Social Progress Index has been designed to complement GDP such that it can be used as a robust, comprehensive and practical measure of inclusive growth.

This new regional index may:

* help regions to identify peers, at any level of economic development, from whom they could learn and, if applicable, prioritise issues they want to address with their Cohesion Policy Programme;

* serve as a sounding board for the European Commission to assess whether the 2014-2020 programmes address the right issues in the right places;

* allow DG REGIO to make an contribution to the GDP and beyond debate;

* underline the need for more harmonised data on social progress at regional level.

11A44

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission, DG REGIO

**Chair/moderator:**

Eric Von Breska,
Director, DG REGIO,
European Commission, Belgium

**Speakers:**

Michael Green,
Executive Director, Social Progress Imperative, United Kingdom

Piotr Żuber,
Director, Ministry of Economic Development, Poland

Jan Fidrmuc,
Head of the Government Office,
Slovakia

Nicola Caputo,
Member of the European Parliament,
Belgium

**More information links:**

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/information/maps/social_progress
<figure><img src="image_66.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_67.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_68.png" /></figure>

# Smart regions in smart Europe: Digital innovation hubs shaping the digitisation of European industry

11A45

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**
European Commission, DG Connect

**Chair/moderator:**
Willy Van Puymbroeck

**Speakers:**
Willy Van Puymbroeck,
Head of Unit, A3, Competitive Electronics Industry, European Commission, DG Connect, Belgium

Cecile Huet,
Deputy Head of Unit, Unit A1 Robotics and Artificial Intelligence, European Commission, DG Connect, Belgium

Christophe Leroux,
CEA, France

Isabelle Guillaume,
CEO of Minalogic and vice-chair of Silicon Europe Alliance, France

Carsten Schierenbeck,
European Commission,
DG GROW, Belgium

Stephan Karmann, Hahn-Schickard
Business Development, Germany

**More information links:**

https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/news/smart-regions-smart-europe-digital-innovation-hubs-shaping-digitisation-european-industry

## Summary

The Commission's strategy on Digitising European Industry plans to roll out 'Digital Innovation Hubs' (DIH) – competitive ecosystems developed around regional digital competence centres – which will be networked EU-wide to make digital technologies accessible to any EU businesses, especially SMEs. Regions have an essential role to play in such a strategy! Digital technologies are nowadays crucial for the competitiveness and value creation of a wide majority of industries. By bringing together clusters and by fostering closer cooperation in micro- and nanoelectronics, Europe has the means to prosper in the emerging digital economy and society.

## Main messages/conclusions

This workshop brought together decision-makers, experts and practitioners of regional policy, as well as representatives from industry, organisations, academia and the EU institutions, in order to stimulate a discussion about new opportunities for regions and cities to foster growth and jobs while helping innovators launch new products on the market.

It focused on some of the main factors attracting new productive investment in the 21st century: digital technologies, taking into consideration the concrete case of micro- and nanoelectronics.

The presentations were 'Smart regions in smart Europe: Digital innovation hubs shaping the digitisation of European industry' 'Digital innovation hubs: From theory to practice', 'Digital Innovation Hubs: An inside view', 'Digital innovation hubs in regions & clusters', 'Experiences in the field – Digital innovation hubs today and tomorrow'.

The main message was that by bringing together clusters and by fostering closer cooperation in micro- and nanoelectronics, Europe has the means to prosper in the emerging digital economy and society.

Moreover, regions can play a major role in ensuring that the clustering activities help Europe establish, maintain, grow and utilise effectively centres and clusters of excellence.

The workshop discussions and presentations focused on topics like the role of electronics clusters in increasing Europe's competitiveness and in providing solutions to some of Europe's greatest societal challenges like healthcare, food quality, environment and resource efficiency.
<figure><img src="image_69.png" /></figure>

# Policy learning lab: Practical approaches for smart and sustainable regions

## Summary

More than 140 regional policy stakeholders attended the launch of the Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platforms. The workshop, organised as an open lab, provided a favourable environment for the participants not only to find out in detail about the objectives and services offered by the platforms, but also to get to know and interact directly with the expert teams behind the platforms. Representatives of running Interreg projects shared their experience in policy exchange in an interview-like format. Time as a key resource was dedicated to Q&A sessions in order to gather the audience's needs, opinions and inputs to be used to shape further development of the platforms' services.

## Main messages/conclusions

The Policy Learning Platforms are the second pillar of action of the Interreg Europe Programme, besides the interregional cooperation projects. They represent a space for continuous learning where any organisation dealing with regional development policies in Europe can find solutions to improve the way they manage and implement their public policies on four topics: Research and innovation, SME competitiveness, low-carbon economy and environment and resource efficiency.

The team of experts behind the Policy Learning Platforms first introduced the knowledge gained from a brief analysis of the projects from the first Interreg Europe call, their challenges, their themes and sub-topics addressed. In a truly interactive manner the interest of the participants for these was raised and measured through a suspenseful voting session.

The experts continued their presentation of the objectives and the key services the platforms' users will be able to benefit from, totally free of charge. These are clustered in two categories. The first one is available for the general public and includes free access to a wide-ranging knowledge bank consisting of:
* a database of expert validated good practices;
* policy recommendations, EU policy trends, thematic studies;
* analysis of approved projects and ROPs;
* events and links with other relevant platforms.

In addition, interested visitors to the platforms can make good use of the networking opportunities offered, such as:
* Database of practitioners;
* Matchmaking events;
* Monthly online discussions on users' interests.

For registered users the services include an expert helpdesk facility that capitalises on the wide experience of a large team of experts:
* for policy advice on regional development issues;
* for guidance in good practices and practitioner databases.

The expert support increases in complexity through the provision of:
* policy learning events;
* thematic workshops;
* online e-learning on users' interests;
* and for the Managing Authorities and public authorities an exclusive offer of peer reviews and benchmarking exercises.

The platform teams place a strong emphasis on building communities of like-minded policy makers, with practitioners openly exchanging information to improve the implementation of Structural Funds and other regional policies. To this end it is essential to listen to the needs of the target audience and put this user-oriented attitude at the forefront of their efforts to support the platform visitors or members to improve their policies.

11A49

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platforms

**Chair/moderator:**

Ieva Kalnina,
Community manager, Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platforms, Latvia

**Speakers:**

Andrea Di Anselmo,
Manager of Research and innovation,
Interreg Europe Policy Learning
Platforms, Italy

Philippe Delearde,
Thematic manager of SME
Competitiveness, Interreg Europe
Policy Learning Platforms, France

Marie-José Zondag,
Thematic manager of Low-carbon
economy, Interreg Europe Policy
Learning Platforms, Netherlands

Venelina Varbova,
Thematic manager of Environment
and resource efficiency, Interreg
Europe Policy Learning Platforms,
Hungary

**More information links:**

www.interregeurope.eu
<figure><img src="image_70.png" /></figure>

Reassessing economic development policies for regions
and cities

11A79

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

Organiser:
European Commission,
DG REGIO, unit DGA1.01

**Chair/moderator:**
Peter Berkowitz,
HoU DGA1.01, DG REGIO,
European Commission, Belgium

**Speakers:**
Simona Lammarino,
London School of Economics,
United Kingdom

Andres Rodriguez-Pose,
London School of Economics,
United Kingdom

Michael Storper,
London School of Economics,
United Kingdom

**More information links:**
www.lse.ac.uk/geographyAndEnvi-
ronment/pdf/ReassessingEconom-
icDevelopmentPoliciesforRegionsand-
Cities.PDF

Summary

The objective of the workshop was to present and discuss with the participants the results of the conference 'Reassessing Economic Development Policies for Regions and Cities: Growth and Equity; Institutions and Governance; People and Places', which was jointly organised by DG REGIO and the London School of Economics (LSE) in London in April 2016. The conference brought together leading academics and policymakers from Europe and North America for a dialogue and comparison of the state-of-the-art of urban and regional economic development theory, evidence and policy. In the workshop, the main organisers of the conference: – Simona Lammarino, Michael Storper and Andres Rodriguez-Pose from the LSE and Peter Berkowitz from DG REGIO – presented its main results and conclusions.

Main messages/conclusions

In the workshop, Peter Berkowitz presented three main topics of the London conference 'Reassessing Economic Development Policies for Regions and Cities'. The first topic was 'Growth, equity and geography'. Agglomeration economies are a reality of life and together with dispersion forces drive spatial economics, but at the price of externalities such as inequalities and congestion costs. The second was 'Institutions and economic governance': institutions matter for economic growth. The third was 'Practices & instruments of economic policy', where the role of local constraints to growth and the long term nature of development tends to be underplayed.

Michael Storper spoke about uneven development and regional policy. The 'great inversion' – rising incomes and size of big cities, contrary to the de-agglomeration trend observed in the 2nd half of the 20th century – was predicted by the New Economic Geography and urban economics. Urban concentration is economically efficient, but socially and politically difficult. Mobility ('move and train') has limits as a solution. The alternative, regional policy, should be diversified to face place-specific problems.

Simona Lammarino elaborated on the links between globalisation, investment flows and regional development. In the last decade, an increasing share of FDI from the EU is directed out of Europe (delocalisation). The impacts of globalisation on regions are complex and differentiated. The policy response to globalisation should be place-specific, reconciling firms' cross-border networks with space-specific assets and institutional structures.

Andres Rodriguez-Pose spoke about the institutional changes and the development of less developed regions in Europe. Poor initial quality of governance is not an insurmountable barrier; some new Member States (like Estonia) have substantially improved their institutions over the last years. Government quality improvements are essential for growth, especially in low growth regions in the southern Europe, while in low income regions in the eastern Europe they should be combined with investment in basic endowments.
<figure><img src="image_71.png" /></figure>

11A80

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

# Cohesion policy support for the circular economy

## Summary

EU Cohesion Policy contributes significantly to the achievement of the Circular Economy Package both in terms of funding and by offering an integrated policy framework, capacity-building and cooperation. Three examples of best practices were presented: in the area of waste management, support to SMEs and innovation.

## Main messages/conclusions

The Circular Economy Package provides for a new growth model that covers the entire lifecycle of resources: from production and consumption, to waste management and secondary raw materials.

EU cohesion policy makes an important contribution to its achievement, by helping not only Member States and regions to reach their recycling target, but also companies to be more sustainable, innovative and competitive. This support goes beyond investments, providing tools such as the smart specialisation platform for innovation, facilitation of short-term exchanges of knowhow, and the fi-compass platform for financial instruments. Furthermore, the reformed cohesion policy puts in place pre-conditions for funding, ensuring for instance that all waste investments are set in a strategic framework and in line with the waste hierarchy.

As the implementation of the 2014-2020 funding framework is taking off, good projects are needed to capitalise on the various opportunities. The workshop allowed participants to learn about the circular economy and about cohesion policy's contributions. Speakers from Slovenia, Germany and Belgium presented three good practices aimed at inspiring, and stimulating a broad use of the funding and support mechanisms.

There was general agreement that the circular economy presents huge potential for regional jobs and growth that should be exploited, also with the support of cohesion policy. Several participants wished to see the model go further at a conceptual level, and to explore deeper changes that may be needed to achieve a transition in how we use resources, while pursuing regional development across Europe.

**European ESIF/EFSI -funded project(s) presented:**

With regard to improved waste management, Ljubljana showed how the RCERO project turned linear waste treatment into a circular economy, capitalising on constructive cooperation between the state and the local authority.

PRESOURCE, a transnational project under the Interreg Central-Europe programme, developed a tool for SMEs to reduce their resource use and overall costs, focusing on material, energy and water. This was done through a holistic approach tailored to the needs of each company and tested in 18 SMEs across six countries.

Closing the circle, an enhanced landfill mining project in Flanders (Belgium) taught us how to capitalise on old waste landfills as stocks of valuable materials and energy, using innovative transformation technologies.

**Organiser:**

European Commission

**Chair/moderator:**

Colin Wolfe,
Head of Unit: Competence Centre
Smart and Sustainable Growth,
European Commission

**Speakers:**

Rudolf Niessler,
Director, European Commission,
DG Regional and Urban Policy

Hugo-Maria Schally,
Head of Unit: Sustainable Production,
Products & Consumption, European
Commission, DG Environment

Leon Behin,
Ministry of the Environment
and Spatial Planning, Slovenia

Janko Kramžar,
SNAGA (Ljubljana waste management
company), Slovenia

Sander Happaerts,
Policy Analyst, European Commission,
DG Regional and Urban Policy

Dr Daniel de Graaf,
German Environment Agency (UBA),
Germany

Gergana Miladinova,
Team Leader 'Sustainable Growth',
European Commission, DG Regional
and Urban Policy

Prof Dr Ir Steven Van Passel,
Associate professor, University
of Antwerp, Belgium

**More information links:**

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/themes/environment/circular_economy
<figure><img src="image_72.png" /></figure>

The European Cities Report

11A130

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**
European Commission, DG REGIO

**Chair/moderator:**
Paulius Kulikauskas,
Chief (Ag), Office for Europe and
European Institutions,
UN HABITAT, Kenya

**Speakers:**
Nicola de Michelis,
Head of Cabinet, European
Commission, Belgium

Lewis Dijkstra,
Deputy Head of Unit, DG REGIO,
European Commission, Belgium

Filipe Batista e Silva,
Researcher, JRC, European
Commission, Italy

Teodora Brandmueller,
Teamleader, EUROSTAT, European
Commission, Belgium

Jan Olbrycht,
Member of the European Parliament,
Belgium

**More information links:**
The State of European Cities Report:
http://ec.europa.eu/cities-report
The new Urban Data Platform:
http://urban.jrc.ec.europa.eu

Summary

The workshop presented the European Cities Report, which was jointly prepared by the European Commission and UN-Habitat for the HABITAT III Conference in Quito on 23-26 October 2016.

The goal of the report is to:

► Stimulate the debate on the EU urban agenda,

► Present the latest knowledge on European cities to the world,

► Support the policy development of Cohesion Policy programmes in 2 cities.

The workshop discussed the importance of reliable and independent data for urban sustainable development. In this vein it presented the latest publication of EUROSTAT on 'Urban Europe'. It also presented the experiences of DG JRC and DG REGIO in developing the 'Urban Data Platform' (UDP) and its importance for EU, national and local policy makers.

Main messages/conclusions

The European Cities Report shows how cities are leading the way to a more innovative, inclusive and sustainable future. Cities are making a big contribution to a wide range of EU objectives. Increasingly, mayors are being recognised as key actors in promoting jobs and growth, social inclusion, resource efficiency, low carbon mobility and climate change. The report builds on a wealth of new data to show the performance of European cities both within Europe and in a global context.

The main messages are:

► European cities are central to reaching key EU economic, social and environmental goals.

► European cities already have many benefits but they need to improve their performance.

► Cities need solid metropolitan governance and sufficient funding and autonomy.
<figure><img src="image_73.png" /></figure>

# Medium-sized cities: An opportunity for sustainable inward investment and enterprise growth in a global economy

## Summary

Medium-sized cities face multiple challenges in an environment where public resources are diminishing and the expectations of citizens are increasing. In this context, it is even more important for cities to attract inward investment to ensure sustainable economies and a good quality of life for local inhabitants. The workshop 'Medium-sized cities: An opportunity for sustainable inward investment and enterprise growth in a global economy' set out the role of medium-sized cities in attracting international private-sector investment and promoting innovation for sustainable urbanisation. It showed that urban-planning developments are important for attracting investments and that projects carried out by a number of cities are relevant to innovations in sustainable urbanisation.

## Main messages/conclusions

At the beginning of the workshop, Francesco Notari, Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs, Budget and Public Companies, gave an overview of how the medium-sized city of Reggio Emilia is working on innovation as a driver for urban regeneration and economic development. He stressed that an important challenge for the public administration was to find strategies and good practices to sustain local economic development through innovation, knowledge and creativity.

Tom Daamen, assistant professor at the Delft University of Technology, focuses in his research on waterfront development strategies in the context of urbanising deltas and seaport regions. He is currently helping the city of Schiedam and other stakeholders to find a collective strategy for a sustainable future for the Schiedam port area. His presentation gave an overview of how the medium-sized city of Schiedam is working on such a strategy through governance innovation, and how the process is challenging institutions throughout the Rotterdam region.

Another medium-sized city that aims to attract investments is Sabadell in Catalonia. Alain Jordà is a Local Development Expert and is advising Latin-American and European medium-sized cities on the definition of their local development strategies. During the workshop he informed the audience about how Sabadell uses the Smart Specialisation Strategy as a tool to attract investments. This process has led Sabadell and its local agents to define a strategy oriented at 'Innovation and Design for Industry'.

The last speaker at the workshop was Birte Viétor, who is responsible for the climate protection management of the German city of Solingen. This city is trying to do without inward investment by looking for innovative solutions in sustainable urbanisation that save money. Birte Viétor presented an example of how to use innovative climate protection processes as a spur for the local economic cycle. Thus, the audience learned about a strategy focusing on the potential within the city itself without looking for inward investments as another way of developing a city.

12A51

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

Eurotowns

**Chair/moderator:**

Cor Lamers,

Mayor / Head of the Dutch Delegation of the European Committee of the Regions, City of Schiedam, Netherlands

**Speakers:**

Francesco Notari,

Deputy Mayor for Economic Affairs, Budget and Public Companies, City of Reggio Emilia, Italy

Dr Tom Daamen,

Assistant Professor, Delft University of Technology (Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment), Netherlands

Alain Jordà,

Local Development Expert, Sabadell, Spain

Birte Viétor,

Climate Protection Management, City of Solingen, Germany

**More information links:**

www.eurotowns.org
<figure><img src="image_74.png" /></figure>

# Harnessing the benefits of international cooperation in the frame of the Slovene Smart Specialisation Strategy (Macroregional approach)

12A55

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
European Commission, DG REGIO

**Chair/moderator:**
Gregor Cufer,
Programme officer, DG REGIO,
European Commission Belgium

**Speakers:**
Peter Wostner,
Head of unit for Smart spec,
Government office for development
and European cohesion policy,
Slovenia

Peter Virtic, Vice Dean,
Faculty of Energy Technology;
University of Maribor, Slovenia

Iztok Lesjak,
General Manager, Technology park
Ljubljana, Slovenia

Gordana Danilovic,
Science and technology park
Belgrade, Serbia

Ljiljana Rsumović,
Science and technology park
Belgrade, Serbia

## Summary

This workshop focused on the importance and specific approach of building on the Slovene Smart Specialisation strategy with specific national niche areas and synergising those at a macroregional level with the aim of achieving a higher level of innovation. Specific emphasis was given to the collaboration within the ADRION programme and the EU Strategy for the Danube region, with several key stakeholders from Slovenia who actively work towards building this kind of synergy. Participants were provided with first hand knowledge and insight into the process of developing a national smart specialisation strategy, great collaboration with stakeholders in the entrepreneurial discovery process and cooperation at international level.

## Main messages/conclusions

* The inclusion of stakeholders in the preparation of smart specialisation was the key element. What is important is their active participation and, moreover, that they take ownership of the strategy. Only by members of the quadruple helix believing that this strategy was theirs was Slovenia able to establish such a good basis for the delivery of the various instruments.

* The involvement of stakeholder structures has to be formalised and accepted by government. Strategic and innovation partnerships in Slovenia are establishing the roadmaps for implementation by continually evolving the strategy.

* Introducing cross-sectoral approaches, especially with sectors that are not traditionally a part of the RDI cycle, such as the design and arts sectors, is key to success.

* Monitoring and evaluation at the micro level, setting indicators and seeing tangible outputs and results are all vital to developing and evolving the approaches in all priority areas.

* The development of a business and innovation entrepreneurial ecosystem, which comprehensively covers the needs of clients is a key element of technology parks. It enables both the clients as well as the technology parks to focus on areas with critical mass without losing time.

* Macroe regional projects, such as DO-IT are of key importance to regions and countries, especially taking into account the fact that developing large European value chains requires strong cooperation and collaboration.

* Increasing cooperation between research institutions, businesses and NGOs is a key element of the DO-IT project across different priority areas. This enables good networks and connections to be established.

* The capacities aspect, both in terms of infrastructure and human resources is one of the weakest points in the Danube region. Infrastructure has to be made compatible and interchangeable transnationally thus enabling an optimal use of resources. At the same time, building human resources through programmes such as Erasmus, competence centres etc. enables us to have long term vision and planning.
<figure><img src="image_75.png" /></figure>

# Open Data for macro-regional development. How to make the most of an underused resource?

## Summary

Data drives good management and increasingly the economy. The open data movement not only helps the free flow of data within and between organisations, but also can aid innovation, transparency and growth. Within this context, the JRC and partners in the Danube region have established the Danube Reference Data and Services Infrastructure (DRDSI); an open data infrastructure in support of the EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR). By bringing together a range of stakeholders, the DRDSI is fostering technological innovation and triggering public sector modernisation. The workshop outlined the benefits of open data and showcased the results of the DRDSI. This was followed by flash presentations covering their experience and the opportunities they see related to open data and innovation.

## Main messages/conclusions

The Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission is coordinating an initiative aiming to provide scientific support to the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) in close cooperation with key scientific partners of the Danube Region for the implementation of the European Union Strategy for the Danube Region (danube-region.eu).

The Danube Reference Data and Services Infrastructure (DRDSI) are the developers and facilitators of the open data portal storing free open data from the Danube region. On the DRDSI Portal there are thousands of datasets which can be used for developing new research projects, expanding current ideas and connecting stakeholders.

**From the various presentations made, the following recommendations were proposed:**

1. Data are crucial for macro regional strategies

* Policy formulation, monitoring and evaluation

* At all levels (macro, regional and local)

* For all stakeholders

2. Best use of investments and targeting resources require facts and data

3. Countries face similar challenges, so experience should be shared further

4. ... and common solutions developed to address them to continue collaboration

5. Seed investments create sustainable and transferable results

6. Data should be:

* considered as a reusable asset

* made available at the right level of governance

* easily found and accessed to maximise its potential

12A56

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

Joint Research Centre (European Commission)
with DG Regional and Urban Policy (European
Commission) and the Danube Strategy Point
as co-organisers

**Chair/moderator:**

Jean Dusart, Scientific/Technical Project Manager, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Italy (chairman)

Dr Alexander Kotsev, Scientific/Technical Project Manager, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Italy (co-chairman)

Matija Vilfan, Head of the Danube Strategy Point, Danube Strategy Point, Belgium (co-chairman)

Prof Miroslav Veskovic, Coordinator of Scientific Support to Macro-regional Strategies, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Belgium (moderator)

**Speakers:**

Prof. Miroslav Veskovic, Coordinator of Scientific Support to Macro-regional Strategies, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Belgium

Jean Dusart, Scientific/Technical Project Manager, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Italy

Marco Onida, Programme Officer, European Commission, Belgium

Matija Vilfan, Head of the Danube Strategy Point, Danube Strategy Point, Belgium

Goran Pastrovic, Programme Manager, Regional School of Public Administration, Montenegro

Dr Markus Seifert, Head of the SDI coordination office for the establishment of a spatial data infrastructure in Bavaria, SDI Office Bavaria – Administration for Digitisation, Broadband and Surveying, Germany

Dr Florian Petrescu, Associate Professor, Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest, Romania

Dr Tomáš Mildorf, Project Manager, University of West Bohemia, Czech Republic

Simon Vrečar, Member of Executive Committee, Danube Civil Society Forum, Slovenia

Dr Enrica Chiozza, Policy Analyst, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Belgium

Dr Alexander Kotsev, Scientific/Technical Project Manager, European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Italy

**More information links:**

https://goo.gl/4j8tt
<figure><img src="image_76.png" /></figure>

# Building European value-chains based on regional specialisations for circular economy, the role of research and innovation policy

12A57

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
European Commission,
DG Research and Innovation

**Chair/moderator:**
Wojciech Klimek,
Research Programme Officer,
DG Research and Innovation, Belgium

**Speakers:**
Jan Larosse,
Policy Advisor, European Commission –
Competence Centre Smart
& Sustainable Growth DG REGIO,
Belgium

Françoise Bonnet,
Secretary General, Association of Cities
and Regions for Recycling and
Sustainable Resource Management
(ACR+), Belgium

Dr Christine Levêque,
Director Business Innovation,
Recycling & Recovery Benelux &
Germany, SUEZ, Brussels, Belgium

Marcin Podgórski,
Director of the Regional Office of
Łódzkie in Brussels, Poland

Prof Alessandro Ruggieri,
Faculty of Economics, Rector of the
Università degli Studi della Tuscia –
Viterbo, Italy

## Summary

In the framework of its Circular Economy Action Plan, the European Commission is supporting a systemic circular economy approach at different levels, inter alia via related research and innovation funding under Horizon 2020, while also removing regulatory and financing barriers to innovation. In the sphere of regional policy, it is targeting activities to assist the Member States and regions in using cohesion policy funds for the circular economy. The purpose of this workshop was to encourage European regions to exchange best practices and knowledge in the field of R&I for the circular economy and to showcase practical examples of cooperation between public bodies, universities and private companies in this field as a tool to re-industrialise Europe and its regions (thus supporting the creation of jobs).

## Main messages/conclusions

Both the Horizon 2020 and ESIF funding schemes and the new thematic smart specialisation platforms call on committed regions and clusters to engage in the 'joint-demonstration' of new circular economy solutions. To build critical mass and promote innovation at the level of value chains efforts at EU level are needed.

On the way to the circular economy, transdisciplinarity is crucial. Public authorities have an important role to play, far beyond their traditional tasks: they must act as an active facilitator guided by public interest, promoting partnership between scientists, companies, societal partners, consumers etc., and stimulating local industrial ecosystems able to capture the value of additional streams of resources made available by the circular economy.

Even in less developed European regions, where small enterprises prevail over medium ones, the circular economy is perceived as a business opportunity. Because of this, the regional authorities had already included this approach in their RIS3 priorities, and a system of private and public funding has already been organised. In this context, the ESIF funding support for SME and entrepreneurship was appreciated as well as the importance of municipality participation in the EU regional cooperation projects sharing best practices among regions.

The circular economy means enabling raw materials to be reused in European industry, and quite often live several product lifetimes without losing their properties. To make this happen, the EU needs to develop new policy measures. Taking the example of the value chain of plastics packaging, no circularity can be reached without public support schemes compensating the financial gap between the production costs of high quality recovered polymers and the low market price of virgin polymers. ('Do with circular materials what you do for renewable energy!').

The Member States and the regions need to develop a secondary raw materials markets and related ecosystems, and to ensure the continued quality of these materials by introducing new waste traceability systems and improving data reporting on waste (location, composition, quantity, quality). Hence the importance of ambitious policies for waste prevention and reuse and for landfill reduction through eco-design and waste separation and recycling, in particular to reduce food and packaging waste, and to intercept and manage valuable materials like rare earths contained in waste.
<figure><img src="image_77.png" /></figure>

# Boosting the development of information products and services based on the re-use and combination of open public data across the EU

## Summary

Open data is information made available freely for reuse by anyone. Regions and cities play a key role in open data as they collect data and interact with their constituencies more directly than at national level. The examples of the region of Trento and the city of Helsinki underline the importance data plays in improving public services and engaging openly with their communities. Businesses, in turn, make use of the data made available by the public sector and combine it to deliver insight in areas such as smart cities leveraging both public data and information collected from sensors (Glimworm) and real estate by providing unique insight into property value (Urban Data Analytics). Open data stimulates participation, open culture and innovation benefitting all players.

## Main messages/conclusions

Open data is information made available freely for reuse by anyone. All levels of government are publishing data to increase transparency, participation and drive the creation of new products and services. The European Data Portal has been created to increase awareness around open data made available across Europe, whatever the language and whatever the domain. Data publishers are using data as an asset to transform their processes and improve service delivery. Reusers are harnessing this new material to combine it with other data sources leading to innovative solutions and products contributing to further data driven decision making. Data is a turning point and the Province of Trento is working within a consortium together with municipalities to bring all stakeholders on board into the digital economy and make the region more attractive. The city of Helsinki believes open data can help develop a more sustainable and competitive society too. It has launched a programme called 'Open and active Helsinki' aimed at improving service delivery as well as business and innovation. Open data is a starting point to bring about change, to co-design citizen-centric services and test solutions in real environments. Seeing how the data is being used is also a practical illustration of the benefits of open data. Cooperation is also taking place at national level across the 6 biggest cities in Finland. Glimworm started working with open-data-developed applications/apps focused on locating bike repair shops and identifying parking spaces and parking prices across several cities in the Netherlands. A lab was developed to test further solutions in the field of data and beacons (sensor devices). This gradually led to consideration of the role of sensitive cities, making the most of the Internet of Things and creating easy to use sensor networks that add value to cities and citizens. Urban Data Analytics chose a domain-specific approach and has been combing data in the field of real estate, a market that contributes 12% of GDP to a country. Combing open data with further real estate brokers' data captures insights from 160 indicators on aspects such as the quality of the neighbourhood, schools, mobility, etc. Alert mechanisms have also been developed to match-make supply and demand. Work started off in Spain and is extending to other countries such as Portugal and Italy. As regions and cities build data-driven cultures new business activities emerge, creating a sustainable and competitive ecosystem.

12A58

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

European Commission, Directorate-General Communication Networks, Content and Technology

**Chair/moderator:**

Wendy Carrara,
Project Manager European Data Portal,
Principal Consultant,
Capgemini Consulting, France

**Speakers:**

Francesca Gleria,
Policy Officer – Open Data in Trentino
Project, Italy

Tanja Lahti,
Programme Manager, the City
of Helsinki, Finland

Paul Manwaring,
Co-founder and Creative Director,
Glimworm IT BV, the Netherlands

Alberto Santos,
Founding Director,
Urban Data Analytics (uDA), Spain

**More information links:**

http://dati.trentino.it

www.hri.fi/fi

www.urbandataanalytics.com

www.glimworm.com

http://data.europa.eu/europeandataportal
# Workshops – Sustained and sustainable economic growth

<figure><img src="image_78.png" /></figure>

## Pathways to a circular economy in cities and regions

12A61

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
ESPON, Interact, Interreg Europe, URBACT

**Chair/moderator:**
Eilish O'Loughlin,
Policy Officer, Interreg Europe, France

**Speakers:**
Kai Böhme,
Lead Partner ESPON project on territorial futures, Director – Spatial Foresight GmbH, Luxembourg

Tamás Kállay,
Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform Expert, Expert of Regional Environmental Center, Hungary

Ania Rok,
Programme Expert, URBACT, France

Jean-Benoît Bel,
Project Manager, ACR+, Belgium

Ivana Lazic,
Project Manager, Interact, Austria

Lisa Enarsson,
Coordination Team,
City of Stockholm, Sweden

Michal Preisner,
Referent, Malopolska Region, Poland

**More information links:**
ESPON: https://www.espon.eu/main
Interact: www.interact-eu.net
Interreg Europe: www.interregeurope.eu
URBACT: www.urbact.eu
Policy brief 'Pathways to a circular economy': http://www.interregeurope.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/documents/Policy_brief_on_Circular_economy.pdf

## Summary

In the world of limited natural resources the linear model of economic activity based on the 'take, make, use and throw-away approach' is not sustainable. The circular economy offers an alternative model where the value of products, materials and resources is maintained for as long as possible and waste is significantly reduced or even eliminated.

ESPON, Interact, Interreg Europe and URBACT joined forces to explore and share with participants in an interactive session:

* the diversity of challenges and potential for moving to a circular economy in Europe

* the practical meaning of the circular economy for cities and regions

* good practices in circular economy approaches.

## Main messages/conclusions

The circular Economy is high on the EU policy agenda. It is increasingly recognised as both a necessity and an opportunity, offering long-lasting economic, environmental and social benefits. The pan-European cooperation programmes ESPON, Interact, Interreg Europe and URBACT produced a policy brief and organised this workshop to contribute to this debate, and to outline the support they offer to cities and regions looking to advance on the circular economy.

An expert panel discussed the steps needed to transform cities and regions towards a circular economy, taking into account the wide territorial diversity across Europe. To begin with, cities and regions need data on their territorial context, although data mapping circular economy performance is often lacking. To address this, ESPON will soon launch a call for targeted analyses, providing a chance to gather evidence on the circular economy and improve policy making.

Traditionally, the circular economy debate emphasises waste management. However, the circular economy also encompasses issues like social innovation, the sharing economy and the repair and re-use of materials. Cities and regions have a crucial role to play at all stages of the product lifecycle, be it through their purchasing power or in setting up framework conditions and networking opportunities. Global production chains remain a challenge, but cities and regions can use public procurement to foster green products.

The workshop highlighted the circular economy experiences and good practices from the City of Stockholm which has embedded circular approaches in sustainable urban developments, and from Malopolska Region, which is cooperating with other EU regions on industrial symbiosis.

The key message of the workshop was that cooperation is a powerful tool to help cities and regions to advance on their path to the circular economy, be it through the European Territorial Cooperation programmes or through financing cooperation through Article 96(3)(d) of the CPR. Many good practice examples are available to get inspired from, including those found in the Interact KEEP database. URBACT will launch a call for good practices in December, followed by a call for transfer networks in mid-2017. Interreg Europe's Policy Learning Platform on Environment and Resource Efficiency will offer networking opportunities for policy makers, organise thematic events, and provide targeted support for policymakers in order to improve their policies connected to the circular economy.
<figure><img src="image_79.png" /></figure>

# Delivering EUSAIR: Time to invest

## Summary

Since the launch of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region in November 2014 much has been done to set up its governance and to identify the projects to be implemented in order to effectively deliver the strategy in all its pillars. The area has indeed been recognised as a crucial one for ensuring growth and stabilisation for Europe. The ambition of the strategy requires investments that go beyond the classical territorial cooperation measures and Structural Funds: In this respect the relevant players are now called to cooperate with financial institutions and private investors. The conglomerate organised debate comprising two panels, at political and technical levels, to discuss how to attract and implement investments in the Adriatic-Ionian Macroregion.

12A62

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

Emilia-Romagna Region

**Chair/moderator:**

Andrea Mairate, Head of Unit Macro-regions and European Territorial Co-operation – Transnational and Interregional Co-operation, DG REGIO, European Commission, Belgium

Eleni Hatziyanni, Director of Environment and Spatial Planning and Coordinator of European Projects, Region of Crete, Greece

**Speakers:**

Lorenza Badiello, Head of Office, Emilia-Romagna Region Delegation to the EU, Belgium

Sandro Gozi, State Secretary, Italian Prime Minister's Office, Italy

Jan Mikołaj Dzieciolowski, Member of Cabinet of Commissioner for regional policy Corina Crețu, Belgium

Ivan Jakovčić, Member of the European Parliament, Croatia

Odeta Barbullushi, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Albanian Republic, Albania

Massimo Cingolani, Managerial Adviser and Head of Unit European Investment Bank, Luxembourg

Patrizio Bianchi, Regional Minister of the Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy

Debora Serracchiani, President of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region, Italy

Nikola Dobroslavic, President of the Dubrovnik-Neretva Region, Croatia

George Alexakis, Regional Councillor of Crete in charge of European and International Affairs, Greece

Manuela Bora, Regional Minister for EU policies of the Marche Region, Italy

Mitja Bricelj, General Manger for Environment and Spatial Planning, Slovenia

Paolo Pratico, Director General, Department for National and European programmes, Calabria Region, Italy

Aleksandra Lugovic, Head of Representative Office of South Serbia in Brussels, Belgium

Paolo Casalino, Head of Office, Puglia Region Delegation to the EU, Belgium

Zlatan Klokić, Minister of Economic Relations and Regional Cooperation of the Government of the Republic of Srpska, Serbia
# Workshops – Sustained and sustainable economic growth

<figure><img src="image_80.png" /></figure>

12A63

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

Regional partnership 'Eusalp:
Innovation and tradition'

**Chair/moderator:**

Panel 1: Richard Tuffs, Director ERRIN
network, United Kingdom

Panel 2: Jean-Marc Venineaux, Quality
management officer, European Commission
DG Regio, Belgium

**Speakers:**

PANEL 1:

Roberto Maroni, President, Lombardy
Regional Government, Italy

Arno Kompatscher, Governor,
Autonomous Province of Bolzano /
Bozen-SouthTyrol, Italy

Peter Kaiser, Governor, Carinthian Govern-
ment, Austria

Donati Davide, Director, Piedmont Regional
Government, Italy

Augusto Rollandin, President, Autonomous
Region of Aosta Valley, Italy

Andreja Jerina, Director, Ministry of Foreign
Affairs of the Republic
of Slovenia, Slovenia

PANEL 2:

Anna Giorgi, Eusalp AG 1 leader,
University of Milan, Italy

Boglarka Fenyvesi Kiss, Eusalp AG 3 leader,
Autonomous Province
of Trento, Italy

Silvia Draghi, DG GROW, European
Commission, Belgium

Christian Salletmaier, Head of Unit Regional
Development and Regional Policy, Land
Salzburg, Austria

Brigitte Plemel, Content manager,
Vorarlberg Tourismus GmbH, Austria

Uros Brežan, Mayor, Municipality of Tolmin,
Slovenia

## EUSALP: An engine for Europe growth

### Panel 1: The impact of Eusalp implementation on growth and sustainable development in the Alpine region

### Panel 2: Innovative tourism as a key factor for cultural heritage development and youth employment

#### Summary

The debate aimed to compare different views on the main challenges in the Alpine area: how to reconcile even greater economic development with the sustainable management of natural resources; how to harmonise innovation with tradition. The debate considered the growth prospects of an area that is virtually the biggest in Europe by population, surface and GDP, representing a culturally diverse area, that can be the real engine of a new renaissance of the European Union. In this framework, tourism is one of the best assets of this area, which is seeking to reconcile innovation and tradition.

#### Main messages/conclusions

In the first panel 'The impact of Eusalp implementation on growth and sustainable development in the Alpine region' six political speakers took part in the debate which focused on three main issues: the impact and future expectations of Eusalp in the regions/ Länder in the mid/long term, projects in pipeline and more general aspects of the Eusalp strategy. In this regard, four basic elements were emphasised, namely identity, innovation, challenges and consensus. Among the challenges facing the Alpine Region, there is its remoteness, geographical and mental, from the national capitals, which do not fully understand the circumstances of these particular regions. These challenges, are being transformed into opportunities with a bottom-up approach, thanks to the long history of cooperation in the macro-region. One of the most discussed topics was the mobility in the area, not only thinking in terms of large infrastructures, but also taking into account intelligent policies, for example pricing policies for public transport. Another relevant topic was the green economy, which must be a priority of the strategy too and also new forms of agrifood production.

A point on which everyone agreed was the need to overcome the problems of the digital divide as this is fundamental to avoiding youth depopulation of the alpine region and ensuring the creation of real employment opportunities. In particular, it is crucial to find common policies which will enable us to pursue common solutions to make work more attractive in the Alpine area for young people. As a conclusion, our future activities must focus on creating a new vision for the alpine region which can ensure a bright future for the generations to follow. The second panel of the debate 'Innovative tourism as a key factor for cultural heritage development and youth employment' focused on tourism in the macro-region. The importance of tourism was underlined, it being an important sector in Europe (it represents 10 % of European GDP and 25 million jobs). New aspects of modern tourism were highlighted based on three key dimensions: experience, evidence and emotion. Additionally, it is important to eliminate problems resulting from the gap between high and low season tourism and to exploit natural resources using new technologies and develop more diversified tourism through seasonal adjustment. All the speakers underlined the importance of cooperation, taking into account historical, cultural and natural heritage.
<figure><img src="image_81.png" /></figure>

# Investing into the future – Local and regional authorities and their stakeholders searching for sustainable solutions for economic growth in the field of circular economy

## Summary

The need for sustainable development and national and international environmental targets has led local authorities to think about the circular economy. In many cases, it was also a bottom-up approach, initiated by local companies, which pushed the regions and cities to come up with local strategies and practical actions. Engagement in the circular economy is an investment 'in money and time' but it brings positive results in the mid- and long-term. The concept of the circular economy is a new way of thinking. In order to create new jobs, people need to adapt their skills. Education must be prepared to generate skilled people in this field. People also need to be motivated. Last but not least, people have to be informed. Many LRAs are launching awareness-raising campaigns regarding the circular economy.

## Main messages/conclusions

Via two panels, the conference showed that the need for sustainable development and national and international environmental targets has directed local authorities to think about the circular economy. In many cases, it was a bottom-up approach initiated by local companies that led the regions and cities to come up with local strategies such as life cycle management, waste management or energy performance contracting and practical actions in the circular economy, e.g. landfills for household waste or the reuse of combustions to produce heat.

Participants had the opportunity to exchange best practices on addressing environmental challenges at regional and local levels. Speakers stated that engagement in the circular economy is an investment ' in money and time' but that everybody can be easily rewarded with positive results in the mid- and long-term as many projects are self-financed.

The concept of the circular economy is a new way of thinking and the second panel pointed to the need to get people involved. In order to create new jobs, people need to adapt their skills. Education must be prepared to generate skilled people in this field. People also need to be aware of the benefit for them and they must be motivated. Some examples in this respect were presented, eg. the payback card in the City of Essen.

Last but not least, people have to be informed. Many local and regional authorities are launching campaigns to raise awareness regarding the circular economy. Citizens are being informed and trained to reuse materials and reduce CO₂ emissions. Moreover, the concept of the circular economy has social aspects as it can create new jobs. The conference fulfilled the expectations of the organisers as it ensured an interactive debate with speakers and allowed the exchange of ideas and contacts.

12A64

12th October 2016

09:00-10:45

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

District of Lippe

**Chair/moderator:**

Alena Mastantuono,
Director, Czech Business
Representation to the European
Union, Czech Republic

**Speakers:**

Dr Thomas Wolf-Hegerbekermeier,
Head of Auditing Department,
District of Lippe, Germany

Céline Mahute,
Coordinator of the provincial Postschool
of Agriculture, Province of Liege, Belgium

Marc Bastin,
Provincial Deputy in charge of European
affairs, Wallon Brabant, Belgium

Simone Raskob,
Head of Department Environment,
City of Essen, Germany

Martin Hubáček,
Senior Project Manager, Centre for Invest-
ment, Development and Innovation,
Czech Republic

Prof Dr Tim Brüggemann,
Director of the Institute for advanced
Training and Development of Competences,
University for Applied Science of SMEs from
the City of Bielefeld, Germany

Denise Greslard-Nédelec,
Vice-president in charge of social inclusion,
Gironde County Council, France

Dorota Burchart-Korol,
Head of the Laboratory of Technologies and
Products Eco-Efficiency Analyses, Central
Mining Institute, Poland

**More information links:**

www.kreis-lippe.de

www.provincedeliege.be/fr/conserveriesol-
idaire

www.brabantwallon.be/bw

https://www.essen.de

www.cirihk.cz

www.fh-mittelstand.de

www.gironde.fr

www.silesia-europa.pl
<figure><img src="image_82.png" /></figure>

The benefits of a modern circular economy for regions,
cities and business

12A65

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

Speakers:

Elisabeth Hamdouch,
Deputy Head of Unit, DG GROW,
European Commission, Belgium

Wiktor Kowalczyk,
Lower Silesia KGHM Cuprum Ltd
Research and Development Centre,
Poland

Lasse P. N. Olsen,
Alderman, Aalborg Municipality,
Denmark

Dr Ulrich Kammer,
CEO, PPM Pure Metals GmbH, Lower
Saxony, Germany

Tor Martin Larsen,
Department of Environment & Waste,
Municipality of Stavanger, Norway

Lars Petter Maltby,
CTO, Eyde Cluster, Managing Director,
Eyde Innovation Center, Norway

Meije Gildemacher,
Public Affairs Coordinator, Province of
Fryslân, Netherlands

Ian Williams,
Professor, University of Southampton,
United Kingdom

Sven Robert Ganschow,
Public Cleansing Service of Hamburg,
Germany

Summary

This was an exciting opportunity to discuss, develop and learn more about the benefits of a modern circular economy for regions, cities and business. Held at the Joint Representation of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, this workshop addressed how a modern circular economy can contribute to a more sustainable society. By providing resource-related environmental, economic and social benefits in European regions, the circular economy could further the creation of both sustainable economic growth and a cleaner European economy. Understanding skills through good practices and useful lessons learnt in the field can contribute to the development of the circular economy in Europe's regions.

Main messages/conclusions

Richard Tuffs of ERRIN stated that all regions have something to learn because there isn't just one circular economy. Keynote speaker Elisabeth Hamdouch from the European Commission discussed the two parts of the Circular Economy Package. One is legislative and the other, an action plan, with practical exchanges between regions and EUR 650 million allocated to the circular economy. Speakers focussed on a number of innovative regional solutions in our changing world. It was clear from Lars Maltby that the wood industry and waste value programme has a key focus on 're-use'. In a modern world, materials such as metals in mobile phones, as discussed by Dr Ulrich Kammer, can and most importantly, should be re-used. Not only is this economically beneficial, but moreover it is environmentally critical. Through the ZeroWIN approach, Professor Ian Williams of the University of Southampton put forward key propsals for eliminating waste. This has to be considered on both an individual basis and through the framework of cooperation. Through circular economy models, this is possible.

The speakers in the second panel of the workshop presented different best practice examples of the circular economy from the public sector. With innovative solutions for sustainable waste sorting and recycling the workshop showcased how municipalities and regions can act as pioneers within the circular economy. The emphasis was also on the importance of citizen engagement and commitment from private companies. The main message of the second section of the workshop was to acknowledge and understand the actions within the circular economy as a coherent system where joint action by public, civil and private players can create sustainable societies and economic growth.

Concluding remarks from the workshop. With keynote speakers from a variety of regions and fields on innovative regional solutions, including Elisabeth Hamdouch of the European Commission's DG Grow, the workshop enabled rich discussion and debate around the circular economy.
<figure><img src="image_83.png" /></figure>

# Role of regions and cities in transition to circular economy

## Summary

Adopting the Circular Economy Package in December 2015, Europe recognised the need to build its competitiveness and growth on a stronger and more circular economy where resources are used in a sustainable way. Regions and cities have an important task to adopt policies and strategies and to establish circular economy models in the regions and cities in order to promote sustainable growth and competitiveness. Specific projects and regional models and practices in promoting the transition to the circular economy that cover the full lifecycle, from production and consumption of waste, to waste management and the market for secondary raw materials, were presented at the workshop.

## Main messages/conclusions

The circular economy should be seen as a restorative solution, with the potential to eliminate waste and reduce carbon emissions through environmentally superior materials, products and processes, while at the same time driving green growth and jobs. The following measures should be taken: create a new revenue stream from materials which were previously discarded, lower production costs and bring down carbon emissions by using recycled materials, design products with recycling already in mind to encourage recovery and thus improve the competitiveness of European industry.

The circular economy should involve a fundamental change as regards rethinking the way products are designed, produced, consumed and disposed of. The potential for more re-use, re-manufacturing and recycling of products should be supported. The market economy should be transformed in a more sustainable direction. It is about changing mindsets and business models. It is also an opportunity to modernise our industry, increase its material and energy efficiency and to put it back on track for growth.

The Circular Economy Package itself is just the beginning; the successful transition will require some really ambitious proposals and actions from Member States, regions and the private sector. The three main issues that all stakeholders should be focused on are: Bringing eco-design into the mainstream, creating a viable European market for secondary raw materials and preventing food waste across the supply chain.

12A67

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00 1

**Organiser:**

Slovenian Business & Research
Association (SBRA)

**Chair/moderator:**

Philippe Micheaux Naudet,
Project Manager, ACR+, Belgium

**Speakers:**

Introductory words:

Dr Janez Potočnik,
Former EU Commissioner, Co-Chair
UNEP International Resource Panel,
Slovenia

Presentations by regions:

Anil Sevinc,
Deputy mayor of Cankaya Municipality,
Cankaya Municipality, Turkey

Ana Abrunhosa,
President of CCDRC, Centro Region,
Portugal

Montse Guerrero,
Coordinator of Circular Economy
Circle and Laura Alba, Plastic Repair,
both from Navarre, Spain

Martin Thim,
Founder of World Perfect, Aarhus,
Central Denmark

Igor Kos,
Advisor to the Mayor,
City of Maribor, Slovenia

Concluding remarks:

Hugo Schally,
Head of Unit, DG Environment,
European Commission, Belgium
<figure><img src="image_84.png" /></figure>

Sustained and sustainable growth strategies around
major urban centres

Summary and conclusions

Cllr. Helyn Clack from Surrey County Council introduced the ongoing work being done by a dozen European regions working together in the Peri-Urban Regions Platform Europe (PURPLE) on challenges and opportunities relating to those places where the urban and rural overlap to help ensure that such areas are understood and recognised.

"Peri-urban" territories (are) areas around major capital cities characterised by dynamic economic growth", she said, "Without exception, we will find a whole complex web of relationships and inter-dependencies between these areas and the urban centres, including transport links, labour market patterns, spatial planning issues and quality of life factors. Without London, Surrey would be very different, whilst at the same time, London would not be the London we know without Surrey and the same principle applies to all my fellow PURPLE regions."

MEP Ivan Jakovčič stated that peri-urban areas across Europe faced the same challenges, but the one-fits-all principle could not be applied, because of the specificity of local communities and the synergies with the regional and national levels. In some contexts, where drivers such as culture and tourism were well developed and managed, it was more appealing for people to live in the countryside instead of moving to the city centres.

Istria has witnessed this trend over the past few years, as a result of the financial support of local and regional authorities. Before joining the EU, involvement in EU projects was a great boost for country-side regeneration for Croatia. The city of Brno has a robust cooperation plan in place between the main urban centre (where 60% of the population lives) and the surrounding peri-urban area. The ongoing action plan started in 2013, when local stakeholders and representatives of all the municipalities came together to designate transport, tourism and spatial planning as focus areas. The use of EU tools (e.g. ITI) has since helped strengthen the cooperation, grouping stakeholders around key working areas and making the link with a local management tool for local action, based on the bottom-up principle.

The Mazovian region in Poland has faced issues of local action coordination and management in the past which have been overcome thanks to the ITI tool. In fact, the different administrative levels (national, regional and local) were not integrated and urban sprawl represented a real challenge. The region is now using the ITI tool to establish successful cooperation with its 300 municipalities, through a focus on effective communication, an ongoing dialogue, and the setting up of working groups and funding schemes. The strategic approach produced significant results in cooperation, strategy planning, project proposal and initiatives from which the local population is now benefitting.

Roman Haken from the EESC said the concept of "urban space" was not well defined yet and in some Member States an urban area was identified by the number of people living in it and in others (as in the UK, for example) they were defined on the basis of the function they fulfilled: health, education, etc. Anyway, there is a link between urban and rural areas and there are two tools that could help in strengthening the links among them: LEADER (a tool for local development focused on the rural and agricultural fund) and CLLD (a tool open to all EU funds with an urban and rural focus).

In the EU Urban Agenda, the twelve thematic groups are primarily geared towards citizens. The Slo-vak EU presidency is cooperating with the Dutch and Maltese presidencies on the EU Urban Agenda through four initiatives launched at the beginning of October 2016: urban mobility, jobs and growth, digital transition and the circular economy. Slovakia is leading a partnership on housing, working on the idea of the city authority owning properties and subsequently renting them to citizens, to facilitate urban mobility. The Slovak presidency started the discussion on a post2020 cohesion policy, which is considered the most important budget item and in which context a potential Brexit could mean a considerable loss of income.

URB12A71

12 October 2016

11:15 - 13:00

**Organiser:**
Regional partnership 'Sustained and sustainable growth strategies around major urban centres'

**Chair/moderator:**

Vincent O'Connell, Strategy & Commissioning Manager (Europe), Surrey County Council, United Kingdom

**Speakers:**
Ivan Jakovčič,

MEP, REGI Committee, ALDE coordinator, European Parliament, Croatia

Tomáš Grulich,

Department of Strategic Development, Regional Authority of South Moravia, Czech Republic

Piotr Brzeski,
Director, Mazovian Office of Regional Planning, Poland

Roman Haken,
Rapporteur on the Future of the EU Urban Agenda, European and Economic Social Committee

Katarína Nevedalová,
Cohesion Policy Unit, Permanent representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU, Slovakia
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Succeeding locally in the circular economy

Summary

Through a series of case studies, our moderator chaired a lively debate on how to be successful with circular economy initiatives at local level that enage citizens and reduce raw material consumption and create economic opportunities within our communities. Successful solutions have been developed throughout the EU at local level, which are informative in helping other communities make the move. Financing the circular economy, though, requires upfront investment, through EU and national funding, to kickstart new partnerships, shared business models, recycling and separation schemes, waste awareness campaigns, industrial symbiosis and links with waste to energy platforms and district heating network opportunities.

Main messages/conclusions

Ronny Frederickx (UDITE) emphasised the need to link the public and private sectors locally to the circular economy. New incentives, sharing of knowledge, study work and best practice sharing are vital. Pierre Henry from DG Environment gave an update on the circular economy package since its adoption in December 2015. In addition to the ongoing debate in the EP, next steps include an eco-design working plan, a communication on 'Waste to Energy', the REFIT of EU Ecolabel and EMAS, the next round of pilots under the Environmental Technology Verification (ETV) and Product Environmental Footprint(PEF), Green Financing Platform with the EIB and national banks, an assessment of the contribution of the circular economy to the bio-economy strategy and a recycling protocol for construction and demolition waste. Hugo Meeus, from Turnhout (Belgium), talked about their circular initiatives in support of waste reduction including a RepairCafé, urban farming, food strategies and energy from waste. Meanwhile, Sébastien Deviers (Pévèle Carembault) underlined the lead role local authorities play in inspiring and stimulating networks with local SMEs. Sergio Bastos of Valnor, an energy and waste company from rural Portugal, spoke of the vital need for local authorities to work in partnership to create critical mass in the most hard-to-reach communities to deliver effective waste collection systems. Presenting a series of impressive case studies on plastics (PET), solvent leasing and a 100% biomass city in Denmark, Gary Crawford, from Veolia, underlined the importance of the circular economy being extended to commercial and non-hazardous wastes, in developing common performance methodologies and encouraging cogeneration and waste to energy schemes for wastes that are not recoverable or recyclable. The session discussed the Juncker investment plan, in connection with which Grzegorz Radziejewski said that priority must be given to mobilising private capital financing. The debate discussed the merits of using targets as an incentive to attract private sector investment to develop circular economy schemes.

The debate concluded: 1) EU funding to stimulate the circular economy must be additional to national funding, not replace it; 2) More effort is needed to win the support of the public, because the circular economy begins with the smallest act to reduce waste and inefficiency; and 3) the circular economy is an ongoing process and can drive environmental sustainability locally if successful.

12A74

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

Organiser:

UDITE, European Federation of Chief Executives in Local Government

Chair/moderator:

Geoff Meade,
Meade Davis Communications,
www.meadedaviscomm.eu, Belgium

Speakers:

Ronny Frederickx,
President of UDITE, Belgium

Pierre Henry,
European Commission (DG ENV),
Acting Head of Unit,
Circular Economy, Belgium

Hugo Meeus,
Project manager of urban planning
and development, Municipality
of Turnhout, Belgium

Sébastien Deviers,
Director, Economic Development
Centre, Pévèle Carembault community
of municipalities, France

Gary Crawford,
Vice President – International Affairs,
Veolia, France

Sergio Bastos,
Director General, Valnor, Portugal

Grzegorz Radziejewski,
Member of the Cabinet of Commission
Vice President Jyrki Katainen, Belgium

More information links:

http://tinyurl.com/j4uevpw
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# Renewable energy and circular economy:
New job opportunities in the outermost regions

12A81

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**
European Commission,
Directorate-general for Regional and
Urban Policy and Directorate-general
for Energy

**Chair/moderator:**
Tudor Constantinescu,
Principal Adviser to the Director
General for Energy, European
Commission, Brussels, Belgium

**Speakers:**
Maria Teresa Covisa Rubia,
Deputy Director for Promoting Social
Economy, Servicio Canario de Empleo,
Spain

José Filipe Nunes de Oliveira,
Chairman of administration board,
AREAM, Portugal

Yvette Izabel,
Policy Coordinator, DG Environment,
European Commission, Belgium

Antonio Lopez- Nicolas,
Deputy Head of Unit, DG Energy,
European Commission, Belgium

## Summary

The outermost regions face specific challenges due to their remoteness and small markets. Developing renewable energies and setting up a circular economy offers proper solutions to reduce their dependence on the outside world alleviate stress on their ecosystems and strengthen their economies.

The outermost regions enjoy unique assets such as their natural environment, marine resources and geographic situation which allow them to experiment and build circular economy know-how for small areas and in renewable energy.

To foster the creation of employment, the ORs set up two networks, one on employment in the blue and green economy and the other on energy.

## Main messages/conclusions

The circular economy, renewable energy and energy efficiency can alleviate outermost regions' constraints linked to their isolation, remoteness and small size.

The circular economy 'closes the loop' of product lifecycles through recycling and re-using waste. It is also about minimising waste production, changing consumer behaviour and producing renewable energy. It brings benefits for the environment and creates jobs as demonstrated by the trend in the EU between 2000 and 2012, including during the 2008 crisis. The outermost regions can contribute to the circular economy by investing, collaborating and sharing good practices in specific sectors (e.g. waste management, recycling of domestic or building waste, re-use of car parts, etc.). For example, in Guadeloupe the AER company recycles electronic waste for Guadeloupe, Martinique and French Guyana, thus achieving the necessary critical mass. In the Canary Islands, the Ataretaco Foundation has supported two enterprises working in the treatment of electronic, textile, and domestic oil waste by employing and training socially excluded people.

Investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency will enable the EU climate and energy targets for 2020 and 2030 to be reached. The revised EU Directive on renewable energy will focus on cooling/heating and transport where there is still great potential for investment. Reducing administrative barriers, ensuring regulatory stability, informing consumers and fostering innovation will support this effort. For the outermost regions, the common challenges are: dependency on fossil energy importation, isolated electricity grids, small markets, environmental constraints for energy infrastructures and a lack of local skills. To increase the security of electricity provision, new solutions for storage are being tested.

In Madeira, public-led projects are focusing on the energy efficiency of public lighting and buildings, electric public transport, the creation of a market for biomass based on the hotel and catering sectors' needs, the connection of Porto Santo island to Madeira's grid and the production of renewable energy in this island. The Azores will invest EUR 220 million between 2016 and 2020 to increase the share of renewable energy in electricity production from 39% to 59%.

Such practical examples show the importance of identifying specific problems in each region, involving all public and private stakeholders and embedding projects within wider strategies to create new activities and new jobs.
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# Integrating funds and policies towards active inclusion

## Summary

An integrated approach, combining strategic policy measures and support from EU funds is essential to acquire an efficient active inclusion and labour market activation. Such approaches can help Member States address at the same time employment, education and social challenges while working towards achieving the EU 2020 targets by using both EU funds and national budgets. Romania and France explained their integrated schemes (at national and local levels) and how they face and overcome specific but sometimes similar challenges.

## Main messages/conclusions

Active inclusion is key to sustainable economic growth and to reaching the Europe 2020 targets, notably the poverty and social exclusion reduction target. The three pillars of the Recommendation on active inclusion (adequate income support, inclusive labour markets and access to quality services) are mutually reinforcing and equally important. However, the follow-up to the recommendation revealed several challenges that the Member States are facing. Working in an integrated way, on both the policy and funds fronts is not easy, especially at larger scales. The Structural Funds aim to ensure sustainable and inclusive growth through integrated measures, while focusing on effectiveness and results in line with the country-specific recommendations. The challenges identified in the 2007-2013 programming period, such as sustainability of investment, alignment with demographic needs, shifting to community-based care and Roma segregation, need to be strategically addressed in the current programming period in order to build a better future for everyone.

Several Member States have set up integrated measures. In Romania, previous successful local projects are planned to be scaled up within the national anti-poverty package launched this year in February. Structured per age group, the package comprises a comprehensive set of 47 integrated measures to address poverty, combining different operational programmes funded from ESI funds with policy measures supported from the national budget. Measures like integrated community teams, every child in kindergarten, active measures for employment – mobility package, social entrepreneurship, occupational insertion, case management in the PES and social inclusion for children and people with disabilities from institutions are being rolled out.

In the Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes region in France, active inclusion is being tackled through a multilayer policy involving different governance levels, different funds and different policies. The integrated approach ensures a better structuring of projects for the deprived area, boosting the interventions and fostering a multilevel governance approach around a common territorial project and a concerted strategy. The 'contrat de ville' covers an entire city while the ESF intervenes only in the deprived area. Coordination is a challenge; however the integrated approach is the only way to achieve practical and visible results in deprived areas. Integrated urban projects combine urban renewal, social cohesion, economic development and environment as well as the provision of services.

### European ESIF/EFSI-funded project(s) presented:

In Romania: integrated community teams, every child in kindergarten, active measures for employment – mobility package, social entrepreneurship, etc. http://antisaracie.mmuncii.ro/

In the Auvergne - Rhône-Alpes region in France - Saint-Etienne, acquiring IT skills, others. http://www.europe-en-rhonealpes.eu/1322-developper-les-quartiers-urbains-en-difficulte.htm

12A83

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission,
DG EMPL, DG REGIO

**Chair/moderator:**

Ioana Gligor

**Speakers:**

Irma Krysiak,
Team leader, European Commission,
DG EMPL, Dir C, Belgium

Andor Urmos,
Policy officer, European Commission,
DG REGIO, Dir H, Belgium

Oana Țoiu,
Secretary of State, Minister of Labour,
Social Protection and the Elderly,
Romania

Nicolas Leté,
Head of the Representation
of the Auvergne Rhône-Alpes Region,
Brussels
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How can cities use smart technology to encourage
a circular chain of local production, distribution
and consumption?

12A89

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

Organiser:

URBACT III Programme

Chair/moderator:

Nora Fanderl,
Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial
Engineering IAO, Germany

Speakers:

David Sánchez,
Project Manager, Centre for Intelligent
Infrastructure Innovation (CI3),
City of Guadalajara, Spain

Thomas Nylund,
CEO of Gästrike Återvinnare,
City of Gävle, Sweden

Maximilien Ast,
CEO Drees & Sommer, Luxembourg

Michael Moradiellos del Molino,
CEO Lateral Thinking Factory
Consulting, Brussels, Belgium

More information links:

www.urbact.eu

www.urbact.eu/smartimpact

www.urbact.eu/techtown

www.tuciudapp.es/guadalajara/app

Summary

The URBACT workshop 'How can cities use smart technology to enable the circular economy?' focused on the role of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in fostering the circular economy at local level.

Main messages/conclusions

Representatives of the cities of Gävle (Sweden), which is involved in the URBACT TechTown network, and Guadalajara (Spain), which is involved in the URBACT Smart Impact network, presented technological innovations they have been using over recent years to optimise existing local resources. Thomas Nylund from Gävle explained that the goal of the city was not only to manage waste but to prevent it. To do so, the city has put in place various ICT systems, including social media to raise people's awareness of and responsibility towards waste. One of these systems is the computers installed in all garbage trucks informing the cleaning and recycling services what kind of waste each household throws away and where to find it. Whenever the waste is badly sorted by inhabitants the cleaning services use their computer to record the incidents and give feedback to citizens. Most of the citizens in Gävle get feedback through their mobile applications dedicated to this purpose. The city plans to go further with informing people about the environmental impact of the products they buy. One of their ideas is to supplement the barcodes of each product with information on the origin of the materials and the impact of each product and to link these barcodes with mobile applications anyone can use.

Similarly, Guadalajara aims to become an open innovation space and deploy smart techno-
logies and foster citizen interaction. It uses a Technology, Talent and Tolerance model, focusing
on ICT to make use of and enhance human capital and develop a tolerant, open and innovative
civil society. The city is currently testing 5 pilot projects in different policy areas: Bindogs, in-
telligent waste bins connected to the internet notifying the cleaning services about the waste
contained in each bin and rewarding users who recycle as necessary; SmartCross for an
intelligent pedestrian crossing; Tuciudapp, a communication channel using QR codes, SMairT,
an environmental monitoring system with low-cost sensors; and SmartAparc for parking space
detection based on computer vision.

Both cities stressed the need for circular economy-related projects to have monitoring systems
measuring the impact at local level.
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# Smart Specialisation Strategy: From planning to funding

## Summary

'Smart specialisations' is a territorial innovation strategy aiming to make efficient use of public funds. Instead of distributing them to too many sectors, thus reducing the effectiveness of operational programmes, smart specialisation identifies and focuses on the strengths of a particular region. The areas of specialisation are the drivers to be switched on in order to boost the regional system. The moderator introduced the event explained briefly what S3 is. Later on both theoretical or programmatic approaches and specific examples of implementation were illustrated by each speaker, conveying the message that smart specialisation is a flexible instrument to boost any development policy.

## Main messages/conclusions

The process of smart specialisation is not a unified model that is equal for all Member States, but is the entrepreneurial process that is based on the use of territorial capital and innovation.

The workshop focused on the Smart Specialisation Strategy 'S3' to show the different scopes and implementations in each partner territory.

Through the debate the participants had the chance to learn about the approaches chosen by different regions and compare the different areas of smart specialisation of each partner.

Galicia region started with their innovative public procurement, followed by the Smart Specialisation Academy in Värmland region. Basilicata region presented their Smart Specialisation Strategy as focused on the Bioeconomy Cluster. Lazio region went through a brief overview of their strategy and the example of startup and creative industries.

The region of Istria's contribution focused on their most successful projects aimed at providing support for innovative startups in the field of innovative research and development.

Tripolis smart specialisation strategy is based on cooperation between Greek and European academic institutions as a way to enhance the contribution of universities to common development.

The Kujawsko-Pomorskie region pointed out the importance of bringing business and academia close to each other in order to involve university staff in the process of smart specialisation development.

Nordland county's smart specialisation contribution was about how it would be possible to expand value chains and transform the economy for future green growth in the region.

Veneto region focused on an innovative funding approach to increase the resources available and the impact of programmes through the 'leverage' effect and also improve the quality of funded projects.

Opolskie region illustrated the development of the smart specialisation potential in steel and machine industries discussing collaborations between the participants of the regional innovation system: workshops, training, activities.

Martinique region presented their specific example of the Blue Tourism model, for the sustainable territorial development of blue ecotourism and ecomobility, and the local event for Smile 2016.

Finally stakeholders in the Norte region of Portugal using the participative methodology of the RIS3 strategy developed a collective broadly shared vision for 2020 with shared priorities in the NORTE 2020 Operational Programme and the RIS3 strategy for growth.

12A90

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

Regione del Veneto

**Chair/moderator:**

Francisco de Calheiros,
Coordinator of Consortium MINHO IN,
Norte de Portugal Region, Portugal

**Speakers:**

Olsson Anders, Manager Research and
Innovation, Region Värmland, Sweden

Luca Braia, Agricultural and Forestry Councilor,
Basilicata Region, Italy

Manuel París, R&I project officer, Axencia
Galega de Innovación, Spain

Rossana Bellotti, Regional Director for
Economic Development and Productive
Activities, Lazio Region, Italy

Patrizia Bosich, Head of Administrative De-
partment for International Cooperation and
European Affairs, Region of Istria, Italy

Pavlis Dimitrios, Mayor, City of Tripolis, Greece

Korolko Michał, Head of Department of
Economic Development and International
Cooperation, Kujawsko-Pomorskie
Region, Poland

Mona Fagerås, Executive of Economic Devel-
opment, Nordland County, Norway

Giuseppe Pan, Regional Councillor for agricul-
ture, hunting and fishing, Veneto Region, Italy

Manzella Gian Paolo, Councillor of Lazio
Region, Lazio Region, Italy

Adam Pienio, Senior Officer in the Section
for innovation, Opolskie Centre for Economic
Development, Poland

Michał Durzyński, Senior Officer in the Section
for innovation, Opolskie Centre for Economic
Development, Poland

Eugène Larcher, President / Territorial
councillor, Espace Sud Martinique /
CTM, France

Rodolphe Désiré, Mayor, Le Marin,
Martinique, France

Ester Gomes da Silva, Vice-president of the
CCDRN, Norte de Portugal Region, Portugal
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12A93

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

# EU LIFE programme: A chance for green business, innovation and job creation preserving the environment

## Summary

Local and regional authorities count amongst the LIFE programme's major beneficiaries. They play an indispensable role in bringing eco-innovations and environmental best practices to a wider audience. The workshop showcased best practices in LIFE projects implemented or supported by local and regional authorities, with a particular focus on the recently launched Integrated Projects and projects that support the circular economy. It also looked at how the projects successfully managed to support local and regional green business, innovation and job creation, and the implementation of EU environment legislation. Finally, the European Commission provided an overview of the ongoing midterm evaluation of the programme and an outlook on its future prospects.

## Main messages/conclusions

Since 1992, the EU LIFE programme has co-financed 1 083 projects coordinated by local and/or regional authorities. LIFE Integrated Projects have been launched as a new type of catalyser action aimed at implementing, on a larger territorial scale, environmental plans or strategies with the involvement of stakeholders. The example of the Małopolska Region Air Quality Plan has proved that such a type of project has the potential to create additional employment, capacity building, cooperation networks and the exchange of experience at all levels, as well as increase public awareness about the need to improve air quality. The Belgian 'Natura2000 project' which focuses on the development and implementation of site management plans and species actions plans also confirmed how LIFE integrated projects can be a driver for mobilising additional regional and EU funding.

LIFE is also investing in the local and regional circular economy as witnessed by examples at EU level with the ACR+ initiatives, and local level in Spain and Italy. ACR+ has been able, through their LIFE projects, to reinforce and deepen understanding on waste prevention, preparing for reuse, and recycling (European Week for Waste Reduction), to reduce energy consumption and waste production by means of simple and easy measures (Green Commerce); to minimise municipal organic waste in EU Member States (MiniWaste); and to promote green public procurement for urban furniture (Urban FUrniTURE). One of the partners of the latter is AIMPLAS, a centre of innovation and technology in the Valencia region, which through other LIFE projects has also been able to develop a demonstration plant to produce new packaging raw materials from waste products of the bakery industry (BREAD4PLA project) and to implement a new solution in the plastics recycling industry leading to more efficient and environmentally friendly processes as well as a higher quality recycled material (EXTRUCLEAN). Finally, the LIFE+ project LOWaste in Ferrara municipality (Italy) showed a pattern towards a circular economy based on the prevention, reuse and recycling of waste under a public-private partnership. Starting from some pilot tests, it is creating the foundation for a genuine local green circular economy.

The debate with the audience revealed that despite some challenges in terms of administrative burden, LIFE is a genuine instrument contributing to better implementation of the EU environmental laws at local and regional levels across the EU.

**European ESIF/EFSI-funded project(s) presented:**

The LIFE Belgian Nature Integrated Project (BNIP) has triggered complementary funding of EUR 33 745 000 from the ERDF in the regions of Flanders and Wallonia.

**Organiser:**

European Committee of the Regions – ENVE Commission & European Commission – DG Environment

**Chair/moderator:**

Babette Winter, CoR rapporteur on the Circular Economy Action Plan, State Secretary for European Affairs and Culture, Region of Thuringia, Germany

**Speakers:**

Herve Martin, Head of LIFE Unit, DG Environment, European Commission, Belgium

Tomasz Pietrusiak, Project Coordinator, Małopolska Region, Poland

Tom Andries, Project Coordinator, Agency for Nature and Forests, Flanders Region, Belgium

Lisa Labriga, Project Manager, Association of Cities and Regions for Recycling and Sustainable Resource Management (ACR+), Belgium

Liliana Chamudis-Varan, Deputy Director and Head of International Projects Area of Plastics Technology Centre AIMPLAS, Valencia Region, Spain

Michele Pancaldi, Municipality of Ferrara, Italy

**More information links:**

http://ec.europa.eu/environment/life

http://powietrze.malopolska.pl/en/life-ip

www.LIFE-BNIP.be

www.acrplus.org/index.php/en/activities/acr-projects

www.lowaste.it/en/index.html
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# Overcoming obstacles to investment

## Summary

In the wake of the financial crisis, the level of investment in the EU fell considerably and has remained relatively depressed ever since. To reverse the situation, relaunching public and private investment was set as a top priority of the European Commission in its 2016 Annual Growth Survey, the first step of the 2016 European Semester. This workshop focused on the territorial dimension of obstacles to investment and how to overcome them so as to help bridge this investment gap. CoR president Markku Markkula, in his capacity as rapporteur for a CoR opinion on this topic, discussed the issue with representatives of the OECD, think-tanks and academia. The results of a CoR survey and findings of a study on obstacles to investment at the local and regional level were also presented.

## Main messages/conclusions

Whilst obstacles to investments are often presented from the national perspective, many are territory related, meaning that they either have a territorially differentiated impact within countries or are relevant to the functions of the local and regional authorities (LRAs). Considering the results of the CoR online survey regarding obstacles to investment at the local and regional level, the commissioned study on the same topic, and the various contributions from the panelists, various challenges to deploying further investment, from a territorial perspective, were mentioned such as deficiencies in the quality and efficiency of public administration; a lack of administrative capacity; a lack of coordination with other levels of government, sectors, and localities; burdensome rules, regulations, and administrative procedures; low awareness of financing opportunities through EU funds and difficulties in accessing and managing these funds; high levels of public debt; complexity or inefficiency in the public procurement framework; weak management of public-private partnerships; among others.

In order to address these issues, as CoR President Markku Markkula stated, 'it is essential to fully involve [local and regional authorities] in decision-making processes, give cities and regions the chance to learn from each other and support them at EU level so that we can bridge the investment gap'. Additional recommendations put forward by the panelists included: the need to simplify the cohesion funding framework so as to further facilitate access by local and regional authorities; better communication between the different tiers of government; seek partnerships with other players such as local development banks; improve administrative capacity to access various funding opportunities such as through the creation of special units within the administration that deal with EU funds or the development of public procurement platforms; formally integrate local and regional governments in the European Semester governance process through the adoption of a code of conduct by the relevant parties involved; among other measures.

The panelists agreed that many obstacles to investment need to be addressed taking into account their territoriality. They noted, however, that not all territorial obstacles are equally important in terms of their relevance to the competencies and functions of LRAs or because of the actual impact they create.

**European ESIF/EFSI-funded project(s) presented:**

In the context of assessing the EFSI program, the ECOTITANIUM project was mentioned as an innovative and more risky type of project that EFSI needs to target.

12A94

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

European Committee of the Regions,
ECON commission

**Chair/moderator:**

Ton van Lierop,
news manager, Flemish public
broadcaster VRT

**Speakers:**

Bert Kuby,
Head of unit, CoR ECON commission,
Belgium

Markku Markkula,
CoR president, Finland

Grégory Claeys,
Research Fellow, Bruegel, Spain-France

Claire Charbit,
Deputy Head of regional development
policy division, OECD, France

Haris Martinos,
independent local and regional
development expert, Greece

Michael Thöne,
Managing Director, FiFo Institute for
Public Economics, Germany

**More information links:**

Event website to consult documents
discussed in workshop:
http://cor.europa.eu/en/events/Pages/
obstacles-investment-ewrc.aspx
<figure><img src="image_92.png" /></figure>

# Agriculture and innovation in the Mediterranean Regions: High potential for boosting rural areas

12A96

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**
European Committee of the Regions, NAT Commission, Occitanie / Pyrénées-Méditerranée Region, ACTA

**Chair/moderator:**

Randel Länts (EE/PES), member of the NAT commission and rapporteur for the innovation and modernisation of the rural economy, Estonia

Guillaume Cros, Vice-Chair EUROPE, Occitanie Pyrénées Méditerranée Region, France

Philippe Lecouvey, Managing Director, Representative of ACTA, France

**Speakers:**
Jaume Sió Jaume, General Sub-director for Agrifood Innovation and Knowledge Transfer, Regional Council Catalunya, EIP Operational Groups and the multi-actor innovation scheme in the agrifood sector in Catalonia, Spain

Mateu Ginard i Sampol Mateu, Director-General of Agriculture and Cattle Industry Region Isles Balearic, The insular reality of Balearic Islands, Spain

Claudio Bogliotti, Senior counsellor, University of Bari, CIHEAM-IAMB, Euro-Mediterranean joint-programming to enhance long-term cooperation on agriculture, Italy

Damiania Maiz, Project manager, Euromontana, Mountain areas: a spirit of innovation, Belgium

Adrien Guichaoua, Head of European and Regional affairs unit, National Contact Point H2020 BIO – Societal Challenge 2, ACTA, Improve synergies between EU funds to boost agriculture potential in rural areas, France

## Summary

The 2014-2020 European programming period, led by the flagship initiative 'The Innovation Union' for 'smart, inclusive and sustainable growth' is characterised by huge potential in innovation for agriculture and rural development. Sustainable use of natural resources while enhancing productivity and creating jobs in rural areas are common objectives of the EU Mediterranean regions enabled by EU policies and their related funding mechanisms. With the intention of entering the discussion on the future of cohesion but also the research and innovation policies after 2020, the region LRMP and ACTA focused on the current measures being implemented in the rural areas of the Mediterranean region and also underlined the initial results of the programming period.

## Main messages/conclusions

The MED region is an innovative area, diversifying tools to support rural and agricultural development and innovation. The stakeholder panel was chosen to reflect these innovations across all sectors (digital, organisational, disadvantaged geographical areas, quality of products, competitiveness...). The evidence and the shared experiences gathered during this debate will feed into the vision of a Rural Agenda, based on a land approach, territorial vision and public and private needs.
<figure><img src="image_93.png" /></figure>

# Supporting urban climate change adaptation with cohesion policy funds and the new Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy

12A105

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

## Summary

Urban areas are increasingly hit by the already visible, negative impact of climate change. Both gradual climatic processes (such as rising sea levels) and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events (such as heat waves or floods) cost lives and cause damage to urban infrastructure.

What is needed from cities to become better prepared? What support and funding does the EU provide? What are the costs and benefits (including avoided costs) of investing in adaptation? What good practice examples can national, regional and local authorities share? These questions were at the heart of the workshop's discussions.

## Main messages/conclusions

The Paris international climate agreement recognises the important role of cities and regions in reducing emissions and building resilience to the effects of climate change. To inform, mobilise and support cities in taking climate mitigation and adaptation action, the Commission, together with cities, launched the Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy in 2015. The new Covenant offers cities recognition, visibility, guidance, exchange of experiences and financial opportunities.

Urban adaptation has also has benefits for citizens' health and quality of life, and the low-carbon economy, and it also creates employment and innovation opportunities.

The presentation from the European Environment Agency (EEA) on the economic case for urban adaptation highlighted resilient and attractive cities have many benefits and that it is possible to turn challenges into opportunities. The EEA recommends that cities combine financing tools, try to find financing on other related areas, bear in mind that initial money can trigger bigger activities and look at how regulations can promote financing.

Urban climate change adaptation is an important feature of EU cohesion policy and significant funds have been allocated to urban climate adaptation actions. The involvement of national, regional and local authorities and of stakeholders is the key to success. Implementation of urban adaptation is now taking off, making it possible to protect millions of citizens from floods or forest fires. European Structural and Investment Funds can finance projects from preparing strategies to climate-proofing infrastructure, reinforcing institutional capacities, and integrated, sustainable, innovative and ecosystem-based approaches. Additional opportunities for cities include guidance and URBACT networks.

**The workshop also showcased inspirational good practice examples of the use of EU funds for urban adaptation:**

The Polish Ministry of the Environment is supporting the development of adaptation plans and actions in the country's main cities, which have been identified as a vulnerable sector.

The region of North Rhine-Westphalia (Germany) is calling for projects using EU Structural Funds to support climate change adaptation in urban environments. The region has experienced heavy storms and rains causing casualties and millions of euros in damage. It has developed an adaptation strategy involving municipalities, regions, companies and citizens.

**Organiser:**

European Commission,
Directorate-General for Climate Action

**Chair/moderator:**

Beatriz Yordi,
Head of Adaptation Unit,
Directorate-General for Climate Action,
European Commission, Belgium

**Speakers:**

Beatriz Yordi,
Head of Adaptation Unit,
Directorate-General for Climate Action,
European Commission, Belgium

Birgit Georgi,
Project manager regional vulnerability and adaptation, European Environment Agency, Denmark

Colin Wolfe,
Head of Unit, Competence Centre
Sustainable Growth, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy,
European Commission, Belgium

Szymon Tumielewicz,
Deputy Director, Ministry of the
Environment, Poland

Cornelius Laaser,
Desk Officer, Adaptation Unit, Ministry
for Climate Protection and
Environment, North Rhine-Westphalia,
Germany

Christine Rambaud,
Deputy Mayor for Urban Planning, city
of Rouen, France

Céline Fréchet,
Head of urban development project,
city of Rouen, France

Lina Liakou,
Deputy Mayor, city of Thessaloniki,
Greece

**More information links:**

www.covenantofmayors.eu
<figure><img src="image_94.png" /></figure>

# How to aggregate small energy investments into a large regional project

13A21

13 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**
Krapina-Zagorje County (supported by REGEA North-West Croatia Regional Energy Agency), FEDARENE, European Committee of the Regions' ENVE Commission

**Chair/moderator:**
Mislav Togonal, Editor, Croatian Radiotelevision, Croatia

**Speakers:**
Željko Kolar, Prefect, Krapina-Zagorje County, Croatia

**Michel Lebrun,** Member, Committee of the Regions, Rapporteur of ENVE Commission, Belgium

**Dr Julije Domac,** President of FEDARENE and Managing Director of REGEA, Croatia

**Ralf Goldmann,** Head of Energy and Solid Waste Division, EIB, Luxembourg

**Anette Jahn,** Head of the Energy Efficiency Finance Team, Energy Unit - EASME, Belgium

**Paul Kenny,** Chief Executive Officer, Tipperary Energy Agency, Ireland

**Timothée Noël,** Policy Officer, European Commission, DG Energy, Belgium

**More information links:**

www.fedarene.org

www.regea.org

## Summary

Regions and cities play an essential role in the implementation of energy efficiency policies and are the most appropriate decision makers for investment actions in energy efficiency. As public funds alone are not sufficient for delivering EU energy targets, a different approach relying on market-based solutions is required. The main aim of this debate was to guide and motivate regions and cities to aggregate small investments into bigger projects in order to maximise their feasibility and success for financing. This event was organised in two parts – a policy panel involving the Committee of the Regions, European Commission, FEDARENE, European Investment Bank and EASME, and a networking session co-organised by partners from Austria, Croatia, Finland, France, Ireland and Slovenia.

## Main messages/conclusions

The event attracted around 200 participants and was built upon recent successful examples such as the ELENA-supported NEWLIGHT project where Krapina-Zagorje and Zagreb County (Croatia) aggregated street lighting reconstruction projects in 57 cities and municipalities into a single regional project with total investment exceeding EUR 20 million. The debate intended to explore options to encourage and support the creation of regional platforms aimed at aggregating small energy efficiency projects of the same type in order to maximise the use of and access to the EFSI.

The opening speeches given by Željko Kolar and Michel Lebrun emphasised the benefits of energy projects and the important role of regions in achieving the Europe 2020 objectives, which can only be done through large investments, with regions as the main actors in attracting and facilitating those investments.

The panel debate that followed gave participants the opportunity to hear first-hand views from policymakers and experts, from both European and local levels. The role of the regions was emphasised several times, but the task of the European Union is to create an environment in which private investors will also find energy efficiency investments attractive. Work has to be done on standardisation, making projects solid and robust, and have attractive projects ready to be invested in. Representatives of the energy agencies agreed that the EU provided the financial means to start working on energy projects, but in addition to money, they also need expertise, guidance, knowledge, and for that strong communication between regional actors and Europe, and also between actors from different regions, is crucial.

The debate touched upon the Commission's efforts to promote innovative financial models, and despite there being some positive developments in the use of these models in the Member States, there is still lack of knowledge, understanding and trust, which are the main barriers that have to be addressed.

The response from the audience, the number of questions raised and the fact that the time proved to be too short for the panelists to address all of them showed the interest this topic raises in European regions. The organisers of the debate planned the event as a first step in creating Europe-wide momentum in the aggregation of energy investments and attracting investment into the energy sector. A position paper will be prepared which will indicate future activities needed to this end.
<figure><img src="image_95.png" /></figure>

# Culture and creative industries in the Regional Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3): How are regions handling it?

## Summary

This workshop brought together regions that have chosen cultural and creative industries to be a priority of their regional smart specialisation strategy. Representatives from Wallonia (BE), the Basque country (ES), Ile de France and Friuli Venezia Giulia (IT) shared their experiences from designing and implementing the RIS3, looking at successful developments, but also addressing specific challenges on the ground. The workshop turned into a lively debate – also with the audience – about how Structural Funds can help EU regions to become wealthier and more prosperous, by supporting their regional cultural and creative assets. It also enabled a wider look at other EU initiatives, which benefit creativity in the regions, such as the European Capital of Culture.

## Main messages/conclusions

The cultural and creative industries play an important role in the economic development of cities and regions. This workshop confirmed the importance of a cross-cutting approach to creativity, to boost competitiveness, job creation and innovation and to develop cross-sectoral collaborations.

How can such an approach work in practice? It is all about creating partnerships. Cap Digital in Ile de France supports innovative start-ups in the area of digital creation and, to do so, is working with associations and NGOs in the region, creating links not only with technology, but also with education. A 3D approach was developed in the Basque country, linking industry (entrepreneurial development and business models), culture (talent, creativity and creation) as well as research, innovation and technology. Friuli Venezia Giulia focuses on interconnecting efforts and players to enhance the sustainability of cultural heritage.

The speakers agreed that smart specialisation strategies should take into account the specific context of a given region and be based on evidence. They should also link to a broader political setting and overreaching development plans, as confirmed by the recent study on the competitiveness of CCIs.

For Wallonia, for example, key ingredients of a successful creative strategy include business support, tailored financing tools and the involvement of intermediaries (local platforms, incubators or agencies). A participatory approach is essential.

But speakers also pointed to challenges for regions related to the implementation of creativity-based strategies: insufficient funding, silos between culture and industry, including in the administrations and shortcomings in the management of regional funds.

The discussion also focused on other EU initiatives benefiting creativity in the regions. All speakers agreed on the added value of participating in Interreg Europe projects and other initiatives like the Creative Europe-funded project Culture for Cities & Regions and the European Capital of Culture. They all help to build cohesive governance systems and create bridges. In this context, engagement, inclusiveness and legacy were the key words. The new Smart Specialisation Platform on Industrial Modernisation will also facilitate cross-regional cooperation.

Networking among regions and exchange of good practice is essential, therefore initiatives such as the Regional Initiative for Culture and Creativity (RICC) can benefit regions that have made or will make creativity a priority.

13A113

13 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

European Commission (DG EAC in cooperation with DG GROW)

**Chair/moderator:**

Walter Zampieri,
Head of Unit of Cultural diversity and Innovation, Directorate General for Education and Culture (DG EAC), European Commission

**Speakers:**

Patrick Cocquet,
Délégué Général Cap Digital, France

Carlo Corazza,
Head of Unit of Tourism, Emerging and Creative Industries; DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW), European Commission, Belgium

Vincent Lepage,
Director, Creative Wallonia, Belgium

Marta Marin,
Basque Government Delegate to the European Union, Regional Initiative for Culture and Creativity (RICC), Belgium

Elena Mengotti,
Directorate for Culture, Sports and Solidarity of Friuli Venezia Giulia Autonomous Region, Regional Initiative for Culture and Creativity (RICC), Italy

**More information links:**

http://ec.europa.eu/DocsRoom/documents/18001
<figure><img src="image_96.png" /></figure>

# Mind the gap! Cross-border rail investment in EU border regions

13A114

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
European Commission, DG Regional and Urban Policy, Unit D2 Cross-Border Cooperation

**Chair/moderator:**
Agnes Monfret, Head of Unit, DG Regio, European Commission, Belgium

**Speakers:**
Martin Guillermo, Secretary General, Association of European Border Regions, Germany
Alfred Nagelschmied, Office of the Regional Government of Styria, Austria
Gudrun Schulze, Policy Officer, DG Move, European Commission, Belgium

Michiel Scheffer, Member of the Executive Board of the Province Gelderland and Chairman of the Monitoring Committee of Interreg V-A Deutschland-Nederland, Netherlands

**More information links:**
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/cooperation/european-territorial/cross-border
https://ec.europa.eu/inea/connecting-europe-facility/cef-transport
http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/infrastructure_en

## Summary

This workshop focused on the consequences of the fragmented European railway market for EU border regions. While significant progress is being made along TEN-T core network corridors, regional and local cross-border rail connectivity remains an issue. This gap derives from different technical standards, national planning as well as diverging national interests. Cross-border mobility and the accessibility to TEN-T corridors is sometimes not taken into account. The fact that one third of the EU's population lives in border regions increases the importance of an advanced infrastructure, including a 'capillary' rail transport system which ensures the access of citizens to major EU transport axes.

## Main messages/conclusions

One of the main conclusions was that more attention should be paid to 'smaller' cross-border rail projects which ensure regional accessibility to TEN-T nodes. This investment is needed to make 'large' investment in TEN-T corridors viable.

Overall, the need to better coordinate funding and planning activities was recognised: while Interreg programmes could act as a catalyst and preparation tool, ESIF mainstream programmes and the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) could serve as investment platforms. One issue raised was that Interreg had only limited financial means for regional and local transport projects, whilst ESIF mainstream programmes with large financial capacities would often prioritise national projects over cross-border transport. In that context, the newly opened call for proposals under the CEF was announced which will address the issue of cross-border bottlenecks in the TEN-T network.

However, it was also pointed out that funds per se could not eliminate bottlenecks, if there is a lack of political will and trust at the local/regional/national level. Therefore, the speakers appeared to the citizens of border regions to take the reins and fill the gap of potentially lacking motivation among authorities. In the discussion, the example of a cross-border connection between Germany and Poland was mentioned. In that case, serving commuters was relatively difficult but the high demand and public pressure from citizens forced the authorities to act and the track could finally be realised. A multi-level approach could also resolve the issue by putting cross-border needs on the national agenda. The point made was that policy-makers have to understand that missing links in border regions affect the economic performance not only of regions but also of the whole country because one cannot live without the other. In other words: regional cross-border rail is needed for the proper functioning of the TEN-T networks at pan-European level.
<figure><img src="image_97.png" /></figure>

# Specialisation and Energy Platform: Energy and innovation tendencies of European regions

13A116

13 October 2016

09:00-10:45

## Summary

The Smart Specialisation platform on Energy (S3PEnergy) is an EU-wide initiative that engages contributions of three different departments of the European Commission: DGs REGIO, ENER and JRC. The main objective is to assure an optimal uptake of EU Cohesion Funds for energy. Among the smart specialisation strategies to be implemented in the period 2014-2020, energy-related priorities feature in more than 2/3 of the Member States and regions.

This workshop highlighted how smart specialisation priorities on energy can contribute to the EU cohesion and energy policies. The latest activities of the S3PEnergy were also presented including the creation of interregional cooperation partnerships on bioenergy, smart-grids, offshore renewables and sustainable construction.

## Main messages/conclusions

A. Rainoldi emphasised the role of S3PEnergy in promoting interregional cooperation leading to better implementation of S3 energy-related priorities. Tudor Constantinescu pointed out that the share of renewable energy in the EU will increase in all possible scenarios by 2030. Technology energy mixes are a key aspect for smart specialisation in energy as new technologies can come into the picture. G. Miladinova highlighted that 'energy' is one of the winners of the cohesion policy reform: before there was a maximum possibility to finance energy efficiency; now there is a minimum obligation to finance the low-carbon economy. Interregional cooperation is a driver for S3 implementation. M. Klawiter-Piwowarska said that eco-effective technologies in the generation, transmission, distribution and consumption of energy and fuels and in construction will contribute to decreasing energy consumption in the Pomorskie economy. She also called for more cooperation with other regions in order to achieve the smart specialisation aims. I. Havukainen highlighted that the bio-economy is a pillar in the smart specialisation of Lapland. Five 'arctic clusters' have been implemented, including one on the circular economy and another on smart rural communities. J. Villar stressed that S3 energy priorities in Andalusia are aimed at promoting the energy rehabilitation of buildings and urban rehabilitation. Implementation of these priorities is taking place by establishing synergies with other EU cohesion policy instruments, such as for example the Interreg project BUILD2LC for priorities of sustainable construction. C. Oyón presented the energy strategy in the Basque Country identifying marine renewables as a priority. The Basque Energy Cluster gathers 350 companies, with a total turnover of nearly EUR 50 billion and more than 64000 jobs worldwide. Regional challenges cannot be tackled alone and therefore interregional cooperation in energy priorities is crucial. The participation of the Basque Country in the Vanguard initiative is an example of cooperation among regions, something which can also be synergized with the S3PEnergy work. In the wrap-up session it was concluded that: cohesion policy plays a significant role in the delivery of the Energy Union. Research and innovation is one of the five pillars of the Energy Union and the S3PEnergy platform provides key support to the EU Member States and regions with energy-related priorities. S3PEnergy spills over the concept of S3 by facilitating synergies with the TO4.

**Organiser:**

European Commission:
DGs REGIO, ENER and JRC

**Chair/moderator:**

Ales Gnamus,
Scientific Officer,
Joint Research Centre, Spain

**Speakers:**

Alessandro Rainoldi,
Head of Territorial Development Unit,
European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Spain

Tudor Constantinescu,
Principal Advisor to the Director
General, European Commission,
DG ENER, Belgium

Gergana Miladinova,
Team Leader Sustainable Growth,
European Commission, DG REGIO,
Belgium

Małgorzata Maria Klawiter-Piwowarska,
Office of the Marshall of Pomorskie Region, Poland

Ilari Havukainen,
Project Manager, Regional Council
of Lapland, Finland

Joaquín Villar Rodríguez,
Head of Department Internationalisation and Prospection, Andalusian Energy Agency, Spain

Cristina Oyón,
Head of Strategic Initiatives at SPRI,
business development agency in the Basque Country, Spain

**More information links:**

www.s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
s3p-energy