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13A120

13 October 2016

09:00-10:45

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

European Committee of the Regions, SEDEC commission, and European Commission, DG RTD

**Chair/moderator:**

Doris Schroecker, Head of Unit Strategy, Industrial technologies, DG Research and innovation, and

Tanya Hristova, CoR Member, Mayor of Gabrovo, Bulgaria

**Speakers:**

Peter Dröll, Director Industrial Technologies, DG Research and Innovation, Belgium

Yoomi Renström, Chair of the SEDEC commission of CoR, Sweden

Hans Hartmann Pedersen, Advanced Materials and Nanotechnologies Unit, DG Research and innovation, Belgium

Maurice Mourad, project coordinator, TNO, Netherlands

Ane Irazustabarrena, Programmes Director TECNALIA, Business Development, industry and transport Division, Spain

Dr Babette Winter, CoR Member, State Secretary for Europe and Culture in the Thuringia State Chancellery, Germany

Goran Granholm, VTT, Finland

Roberto Fedrizzi, EURAC Research, Italy

Martin Wifling, VIF, Austria

Henning Kroll, Fraunhofer, Germany

**More information links:**

http://cor.europa.eu/en/activities/networks/Pages/kep.aspx

http://ec.europa.eu/research/industrial_technologies/index_en.cfm

# Industrial technologies for inter-regional cooperation and growth

## Summary

This thematic seminar on Key Enabling Technologies was organised by the SEDEC commission of the CoR and the European Commission's DG Research and Innovation under the umbrella of the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP). Participants, representing local authorities, scientists and the private sector, underlined the need for a greater connection between the centres of production of knowledge and the market by creating integrated, cross-border value chains. Projects promoting synergies and clustering in the field of industrial technologies were presented, emphasising solutions that help bridge the innovation gap among regions. Finally the need for sustainable funding and simpler funding procedures was stressed in order to maintain high standards and affordability of the products.

## Main messages/conclusions

* Europe is one of the leaders in knowledge, but this doesn't necessarily lead to production, signifying a problem when one attempts to scale up from academic knowledge to commercial products.

* There is a need to enable KETs to attain a better correlation between what we invest and what we achieve, between knowledge and production.

* There is a great opportunity in the field of industrial technologies to go back to producing tailored products, according to the needs of consumers.

* We need a transformation of the procedure from knowledge to a marketable product, this doesn't always happen mainly because enterprises lack human and financial resources

* The effectiveness of pilot line projects that aim at achieving the business potential by taking the results to the regional level, creating cross-border value chains and ensuring industrial-relevant application of industry participants and SMEs. For SMEs, pilot projects are of great value, since they can minimise risk by using open-access infrastructure, and directly connect knowledge and research centres with production.

* Promotion of one-stop shops for SMEs, in order to coordinate and organise services provided on a regional level and establish innovation hubs as match-makers. The aim is to make available knowledge and advice on business opportunities, gather regional and local resources and ultimately ensure that research reaches the market.

* Although KETs are useful, we also need to bring people together in person in order to facilitate synergies and deeper cooperation.

* We need to upgrade current structures and adapt to new challenges, such as digitalisation, which also creates great changes in the labour market.

* It is important that understanding and knowledge are spread among users and stakeholders. To do so, a comprehensive systems approach is useful, one that brings together technology, businesses and people. By bringing people together and including actor perspectives, we can move from businesses to collaborations and ultimately to system modelling. System modelling helps us develop tools and technologies in order to understand how value is created.

* Our goal should be to do things smartly and tailored to the specific environments. Although affordability is crucial, this shouldn't be to the detriment of quality of products.
<figure><img src="image_99.png" /></figure>

# Building capacities for Smart Specialisation in urban areas

## Summary

The workshop, explorative in nature, aimed at mapping the key issues in relation to the role that urban areas – meaning both cities at the institutional level and broader socio-economic spatial agglomerations beyond individual municipalities – play in the implementation of RIS3.

The order of presentations went from the general to the specific, starting from a policy overview of urban issues at Commission level, moving to the experience of a URBACT network of cities engaged in RIS3, followed by a description of the experiences of two urban areas (Rotterdam-The Hague, a metropolitan area in the Netherlands, and Ruse, a city of 250 000 inhabitants in Bulgaria), and concluding with an example of a project (RESPIRA) that is fully aligned with RIS3 principles.

## Main messages/conclusions

1) The urban level is an important institutional and socio-economic space for RIS3, presenting its own challenges and opportunities, related to the density of the population, the presence of specific infrastructure (e.g. energy, mobility) which demand innovation, and the presence of social disparities which call for RIS3 as a tool for inclusive growth.

2) It is important to recognise that urban areas are very varied (some of them are NUTS2 regions, others comprise different cities, and others are smaller conglomerations in sparsely populated regions, etc.). The way in which the urban level is taken up or interacts with RIS3 will vary depending on the different roles of urban areas and cities within the regional context. These configurations are to be taken into account when looking at the multilevel governance of RIS3. However, it is important that today we identify in the urban dimension a legitimate angle through which to look at RIS3.

3) In acknowledging such heterogeneity, it is necessary to commit to a clear communication strategy which allows stakeholders at the urban level to be aware of the opportunities offered by RIS3 as well as the challenges (for example, in terms of capabilities at local level). Important gains in efficiency are to be expected by engaging more closely with local authorities.

4) RIS3, as a place-based policy, is compatible with support for urban cultural identities. Moreover, urban actors and urban authorities are already collaborating beyond regional borders. The outward looking dimension of RIS3 could support further cooperation and mutual learning by sharing a common framework.

5) Conceptualising RIS3 at the urban level does not mean attempting to fragment strategies aimed at larger territories; rather, it means identifying ways to connect urban strategies to other strategies. There is a need to master and blend different disciplinary approaches and communities of professionals and policymakers.

6) RIS3 and the broader economic regeneration strategy that RIS3 promotes can support a comprehensive view of innovation and also help in tackling the interplay of skills, space and infrastructure that is often managed at the urban level. There are several examples of existing smart specialisation processes running at the urban level that could be scaled up thanks to their integration in the RIS3 framework.

7) Smart specialisation offers the opportunity to place city-specific issues in the field of R&I policy, not traditionally managed at the urban level.

13A124

13 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

Joint Research Centre,
European Commission

**Chair/moderator:**

Dr Elisabetta Marinelli,
Research Fellow, Joint Research Centre,
European Commission, Spain

**Speakers:**

Dr Martina Pertoldi,
Research Fellow, Joint Research Centre,
European Commission, Spain

Miguel Rivas,
Managing Partner, Grupo Taso, Spain

Hans Verdounk,
EU representative for the City
of Rotterdam – G-4 EU office, Belgium

Iliyan Stoyanov,
Representative of the Association
of Danube River Municipalities
'Danube' (ADRM), Bulgaria

Prof. Arturo Ariño,
University of Navarra, Spain
<figure><img src="image_100.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_101.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_102.png" /></figure>

13A126

13 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission, DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD)

**Chair/moderator:**

Dr Antonio di Giulio,
Head of Unit – Research Infrastructure –
DG Research and Innovation (DG RTD),
Belgium

**Speakers:**

Antonio Di Giulio,

Head of Unit Research Infrastructures,
DG RTD, Belgium

Mercedes Bresso,

Member of European Parliament,
Belgium

Witold Willak,

Deputy HoU, Competence Centre Closure
and Major Projects, DG REGIO, Belgium

Eugenia Kazamaki Ottersten,

Head of Smart Development Division,
JASPERS, Luxembourg

Carl-Albert Hjelmborn,

Director, Skåne European Office, Belgium

Salvatore La Rosa,

Ministry of Education, University
and Research, Italy

Sylvie Niessen,

Department of Research
Infrastructures, Ministry of Education
and Research, France

Jakub Uchytil,

Director, Ministry of Education,
Youth and Sports, Czech Republic

Ornela Degiacomo,

Deputy Executive Director CERIC
ERIC, Italy

Carlo Rizzuto,

Director General, ELI-DC, Italy

Ondřej Hradil,

Senior Analyst, CEITEC, Czech Republic

**More information links:**

https://ec.europa.eu/research/infrastructures/index_en.cfm?pg=events

# Sustainable Research Infrastructures and socio-economic impact: Opportunities and challenges for the regions

## Summary

This workshop was aimed at stimulating the discussion on the impact of Research Infrastructures (RIs) on the regions and exchange experiences on policy and planning cycles at national and regional levels. It showcased examples and methodology(ies) to assess the socio-economic impact generated by RIs and promoted discussion on the pre-conditions and main factors attracting productive investments in the regions and their relevance for RIs. Around 100 participants (local, regional, national and European decision-makers and experts) registered to attend the workshop.

## Main messages/conclusions

During the workshop it was underlined that RIs should be part of a larger ecosystem at regional and local levels, strictly connected to universities and companies. Using ESIF funds for creating a pole of excellence is strategically important. However the visibility of RI services in the regions is still not optimal and additional efforts need to be put in place to this purpose.

Participants stressed the need for RIs to be connected to innovation ecosystems in order to generate regional socio-economic development. It is possible to improve the research capacity of a region by investing in researchers, research centres, patents, students. The EP works to facilitate the creation of instruments that regions can implement to this purpose.

While the value of RIs for society is not easy to assess, it cannot however be overlooked because it affects society in the longer term. Similarly, it is not easy to assess the value of failure in research but it should not necessarily be perceived only in negative terms, being in itself still a valuable learning experience.

The socio-economic impact of RIs can be demonstrated and valued although it is not a straight-forward exercise. It is however important to consider that RIs do produce 'value flows' and not necessarily 'cash flows'.

The importance of engaging with all relevant stakeholders regionally and nationally was underlined. A good RIS3 with related coherent investments, together with a strategic use of EU funding and a sound prioritisation exercise at both national and regional level, were among the issues highlighted as fundamental during the discussion.

The presentations provided insights into the ongoing discourse on designing a comprehensive model for measuring the socio-economic impact of RIs. They took into account the outcomes of the Commission's stakeholder consultation on the long-term sustainability of Research Infrastructures and provided valuable inputs to the upcoming action plan.

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

CEITEC in the region of South Moravia (CZ) is a prestigious European centre of science benefiting from the support of FP7, Horizon 2020 and ESIF funds. CEITEC is a centre of scientific excellence in the fields of life sciences and advanced materials and technologies. The Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) is a distributed RI, a laser facility that aims to host the most intense beamline system world-wide. ELI is pioneering an innovative funding model, pooling FP7 and H2020 funds for the preparatory phase, EU Structural Funds and EIB loans for construction and Member States' contributions for operation. CERIC-ERIC is an integrated multidisciplinary and multiprobe research infrastructure open to external basic and applied users in the fields of materials, biomaterials and nanotechnology.
<figure><img src="image_103.png" /></figure>

International cooperation for improving the capacity to deal with waste management in the Mediterranean

Summary

Regions and cities are the key players in waste management. This workshop was a kind of follow-up of the activities undertaken by the CoR with the representatives of several Libyan municipalities in order to support them in delivering services in the field of the waste management. The City of Antwerp and ACR+ were involved in these activities. The Antwerp authorities will be available to jointly identify suitable recycling and waste-to-energy strategies to efficiently direct potential investors in the sector. ACR+ will involve Libyan municipalities in the European week for waste reduction and in all awareness campaigns at network level. Training material and awareness products are already available on ACR+ web site. Suez is also prepared to share its experience in cooperation projects.

Main messages/conclusions

Thanks to the region-to-region cooperation, several projects in waste management have been implemented in the Mediterranean. There is no need to reinvent the wheel in helping Libyan local authorities; experience should be shared and projects adapted to specific local needs.

13A129

13 October 2016

11:15-13:00

Organiser:

European Committee of the Regions,
CIVEX Commission

Chair/moderator:

Luc Van den Brande,
Member of the European
Committee of the Regions and
Chair of the Management Board
of the Flanders-Europe Liaison
Agency, Belgium

Speakers:

Christof Delatter,
Managing Director of Interafval,
the association of Flemish inter
municipal waste management
organizations, Belgium

Françoise Bonnet,
Secretary General, ACR+
(Association of Cities and Regions
for recycling and sustainable
resource management), Belgium

José Muñoz,
Director in charge of the Suez activities
in the Mediterranean Region, France
Workshops

<figure><img src="image_104.png" /></figure>

Inclusive economic growth
<figure><img src="image_105.png" /></figure>

## Skills guarantee in your region

### Summary

More than 64 million European adults do not have basic qualifications. In many cases that prevents them from getting and keeping a quality job.

* How can this situation be improved?

* How can we reach out to adults without basic qualifications?

* How can cooperation and partnership be encouraged between institutions and organisations that could support low-skilled adults?

* How can this kind of support be financed?

Together with representatives of the European Commission and authorities from Spain, Belgium, Hungary, Sweden and France we addressed these and other questions by discussing support for low-skilled adults and the European Commission's recent proposal on establishing a Skills Guarantee.

### Main messages/conclusions

1. Europe needs the Skills Guarantee. More than 64 million European adults do not have basic qualifications and more than 20% of Europeans do not have basic skills (literacy, numeracy or digital skills) – that means high costs, not only to the individual but to the economy and society as a whole, including public expenditure on unemployment and social benefits.

2. The Skills Guarantee means giving adults who lack the basic skills the opportunity to successfully enter or keep pace with the labour market and to actively participate in the society.

3. Carefully targeted outreach strategies are needed to encourage poorly-qualified people to develop their skills. They should be based upon an adequate overview of the many different sub-groups that are included in the low-skilled population, each of which may need a different approach.

4. A key feature of effective provision for poorly-qualified adults is to tailor the training to individual needs. Therefore a skills assessment is needed to identify the skills a person has, and any gaps to be filled. This may take the form of a 'skills audit', as proposed in the 2012 Council recommendation on validation of non-formal and informal learning.

5. The delivery of education and training for poorly-qualified adults should take place in appropriate learning settings, in which appropriately qualified teachers and trainers apply adult-specific teaching methods and exploit the potential of digital learning.

6. Validation will allow learners' progress to be recorded at different stages on the pathway so that they can collect credits towards a qualification or part qualification in the national qualifications framework. This is easier if national qualifications frameworks accommodate small, transparent steps toward full awards for poorly-qualified adults and allow learning outcomes to be achieved in different ways.

7. Supporting poorly-qualified adults requires the active involvement of a wide range of stakeholders including those organisations that are closest to the target groups.

8. In designing support for low-skilled adults Member States and regions can build on years of mutual learning and experience in the field of education, training and employment policies, and harness funding from the European Structural and Investment Funds and in particular the European Social Fund.

11B29

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission,
DG Employment, Social Affairs
and Inclusion

**Chair/moderator:**

Anna Nikowska,
Policy Officer, European Commission,
Belgium

**Speakers:**

Dana Bachmann,
Head of Unit, European Commission,
Belgium

Tamás Jankó,
Senior Advisor, Ministry for National
Economy, Hungary

Myriam Schauwers,
President Consortium de Validation
des compétences, Ministère
de la Fédération Wallonie-Bruxelles,
Belgium

Sagardui Goikoetxea Miren Gotzone,
Spain

Claire Ariston,
Deputy Head of the Office, Ministry
CVT of Education for Higher Education
and Research, France

Yoomi Renström,
Chair of SEDEC, Committee
of the Regions

Martina Ni Cheallaigh,
Policy Officer, European Commission,
Belgium
<figure><img src="image_106.png" /></figure>

11B38

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

Métropole de Lyon

**Chair/moderator:**

Ivan Tosics,
Director, Metropolitan Research Institute,
Budapest, Hungary

**Speakers:**

Kati Brenner,

DG REGIO, European Commission,
Belgium

Valérie Lapenne,

Coordinator of the EU partnership
on urban poverty, CGET, France

David Kimelfeld,

Vice President, Métropole de Lyon, France

Jonas Attenius,

Deputy Mayor, City of Gothenburg,
Sweden

Lloyd Broad,

Head of European and International
Affairs, City of Birmingham,
United Kingdom

Claire Hiscott,

Councillor and Cabinet Member for
Education and Skills, City of Bristol,
United Kingdom

Hanns-Ulrich Barde,

Project Manager, Sportgarten Bremen
e.V, Germany

Laia Ortiz,

Deputy Mayor, City of Barcelona, Spain

Perrine Ezelin,

Project Manager, Métropole européenne
de Lille, France

Stijnie Lohof,

Senior urban planner, City of Rotterdam,
the Netherlands

**More information links:**

www.grandlyon.com/metropole/insertion-et-emploi.html

http://distinctlybirmingham.com/eu-programmes/birmingham-and-solihull-youth-promise-plus-ypp

# Creating inclusive cities and combating urban poverty

## Summary

The event started with an introduction from both the European Commission on the EU initiatives on urban policies and the partnership for the EU on urban poverty. The workshop provided the participants with specific examples of how cities in Europe are combating urban poverty. Cities were divided into two panels according to the type of solutions they are offering: people-based solutions that focus on the socio-economic integration of people living in deprived neighbourhoods and territorial-based solutions and more specifically the urban regeneration of deprived areas. Various best practices in the fields of social inclusion and innovation, employment and education were presented by the two panels and discussed with the audience.

## Main messages/conclusions

Cities are welcoming the Urban Agenda which is finally recognising the role of cities and metropolitan areas at European level and fosters a direct link between cities and the European Union. Cities have high expectations towards the Urban Agenda and hope that it will achieve the objectives set in the pact of Amsterdam: better policies, better tools and a more integrated approach. On the latter, the speakers were quite interested in the integrated approach followed by the different partnerships that are emanating from the Urban Agenda and consider it as an interesting work method giving cities a stronger voice.

Integrated approaches are also an efficient method for combating urban poverty. The speakers agreed that in order to set up successful and comprehensive policies to combat urban poverty, one needs to combine both place-based and people-based solutions. For instance, the National program for Rotterdam South Bank presented by Ms Lohof, integrates social inclusion measures (linked to education, employment and housing) and urban generation measures.

A key message underlined by several of the workshop presentations was the importance of including local stakeholders in setting up the policies and also during their implementation in order to ensure their success. Thus, Lyon Métropole's Metropolitan Pact on Inclusion and Employment is the result of an extensive consultation process. NGOs are at the core of Barcelona's 'Citizens Agreement for an Inclusive Barcelona' which involves 12 networks of NGOs.

Concerning place-based approaches, several speakers stressed the importance of integrating deprived neighbourhoods in the city's transport network and better linking them to job markets, as it can sometimes be quicker to come from outside the city in order to reach these workplaces. Someone in the audience asked about the phenomenon of gentrification that can be triggered by place-based policies. Barcelona explained that it was an important issue for them and that they were still looking into possible solutions to be developed while Rotterdam explained that in their particular case the issue is not gentrification but to ensure accessible housing for families that have more difficulties than just low incomes when it comes to finding affordable housing.

Finally, some cities were favourable to an ITI plus, where cities would have a bigger role than just selecting projects. Lille Métropole mentioned the impossibility in the case of French local authorities to combine ESF and ERDF via the ITI.
<figure><img src="image_107.png" /></figure>

# Ensuring the social inclusion of the most disadvantaged through integrated Community-Led Local Development

## Summary

This workshop provided an opportunity to managing authorities and practitioners to share experience as regards opportunities, obstacles and solutions on how to best use CLLD for the purpose of the social inclusion of the most disadvantaged.

Practical examples were presented by the National HU Managing Authority in charge of ESF-funded CLLD and the UK ERDF Managing Authority, as well as by the Swedish Rural Network and the Cornwall FLAG on how social inclusion has been programmed and integrated into CLLD Strategies as well as on how to support LAGs in this field. These examples focused both on mainstream and target group approaches in urban and rural areas, on the basis of the social challenges identified with examples of coordinated use of ESI Funds.

## Main messages/conclusions

In his introductory remarks, Mr De Keersmaecker, from DG EMPL, particularly stressed the importance of the CLLD methodology as a bottom-up, innovative instrument that can swiftly adapt to new emerging social issues. In this regard, he outlined how the new CLLD opportunities under the ESI Funds Regulations for 2014-2020 can effectively contribute to providing innovative, efficient solutions on the ground to social exclusion and poverty issues.

Ms Horváth and Mr Derrick as Representatives of ESF and ERDF managing authorities described how CLLD is being implemented to tackle social issues in Hungary and the UK. They particularly stressed CLLD as a new powerful tool to help both rural and urban areas strengthen communities and social inclusion/ cohesion (Hungary) and unlock the growth and jobs potential of urban deprived areas (UK).

They raised the fact that CLLD represents the closest point of coordination/ integration between the different ESI Funds. The possibility given to local authorities, players (including NGOs) and communities to develop their own solutions in a cooperative manner around long-term initiatives is of particular relevance to delivering positive social results. The pre-requisite is to set the right parameters beforehand such as preparatory support and assessment criteria so as to select the right CLLD strategies.

Mr Fadai (Swedish Rural Network) and Mr Poole (Cornwall FLAG) outlined complementary views on how to ensure effective implementation of CLLD for social outcomes on the ground. Mr Fadai focused on the importance of the CLLD strategy for providing small-scale and hands-on support to migrants to accompany them along their pathway to labour market integration and how a national rural network can help in this regard. Mr Poole presented the methodology developed by the Cornwall FLAG to measure social returns and how this influences the CLLD strategy. In this regard, he underlined the crucial need to have quality leadership to engage with socially excluded communities as well as for capacity building including risk-taking.

This fruitful debate was followed by an interactive session where participants stressed key success factors like building up the capacities of local communities, equipping community leaders with the skills needed to reach out. Balanced and integrated CLLD strategies are also crucial to delivering effectively on social inclusion. Finally, the role of the EU level in providing more networking possibilities was raised.

11B42

11 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission, DG EMPL, DG AGRI, DG MARE and DG REGIO

**Chair/moderator:**

Edina Ocsko, Policy Analyst, ENRD, Belgium

**Speakers:**

Stefan De Keermaecker, Deputy Head of Unit, European Commission, DG EMPL, Unit F1, ESF and FEAD Policy and Legislation

Csilla Horváth, Programme Manager, Ministry for National Economy, Regional Development Programmes, Managing Authority, Hungary

Iain Derrick, Deputy Head of the ERDF 2014-2020 Policy and Partnership Team, ERDF UK Managing Authority

Sohrab Fadai, Regional Manager, Företagarna / Swedish Rural Network, Sweden

Robert Poole, Economic Rural Development Officer, Cornwall FLAG, United Kingdom

**More information links:**

http://enrd.ec.europa.eu/themes/social-inclusion_en

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/fpfis/cms/farnet
<figure><img src="image_108.png" /></figure>

EU Urban Agenda – Urban poverty partnership

Summary

The urban poverty partnership is one of the 4 pilot partnerships of the Urban Agenda for the EU. It focuses its work on the causes and effects of urban poverty, and has two priorities: the regeneration of deprived neighbourhoods and the fight against child poverty. The workshop enabled the partnership to present the work it had achieved so far (communication, study visits, recruitment of experts, drafting a scoping paper), its ongoing activities (drafting a scoping memo) and the expected short term outcomes (draft action plan). Moreover, the working method of the partnership was explained, as it is a multi-level partnership with 18 members (Member States, regions, cities, Commission DGs and relevant NGOs).

Main messages/conclusions

The challenges when addressing urban poverty are multiple and lie in access to education, housing, culture and public services, for instance. The partnership presented its approach to addressing urban poverty, focusing on integrated strategies based on three pillars (social, economic and urban regeneration).

The contributions of some members of the partnership enabled the audience to learn more about the reasons to get involved in such a partnership: the desire to find new solutions to tackling increasing urban poverty, linked to the impact of the crisis, or to be involved in empowering cities in the EU's Urban Agenda process. The integrated strategies of some members were also presented to give a broad idea of local projects launched to combat urban poverty.

The richness and the challenges of the partnership lie in the diversity of its members, of the tools they use to tackle urban poverty, and the different policies implemented.

The experts from the partnership presented the draft scoping paper and highlighted the complexity of the definition of urban poverty. The next steps will lead to the finalisation of the preparatory documents, including a scoping memo, i.e. a common understanding and vision about urban poverty for all members of the partnership, as well as the identification of key-building blocks for the action plan.

11B134
11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

Organiser:
Coordination team of the partnership

Chair/moderator:

Katalin Brenner,
Policy officer, DG REGIO, European
Commission, Belgium

Speakers:

Valérie Lapenne,
Head of office for territorial and urban
cohesion, CGET, France

Beverly Bernard,
Attaché, Public Planning Service,
Ministry of Social Integration, Belgium

Ivan Tosics,
Managing Director, Metropolitan
research institute, and URBACT Expert,
Hungary

Laura Colini,
URBACT Expert, Germany

Yann Thoreau La Salle,
Projects Director, City of Lille, France

Lloyd Broad,
Head of European and international
affairs, Birmingham City Council,
United Kingdom

Bruno Nys,
Head of Office, Urban development,
Brussels Capital Region, Belgium

Eduardo de Santiago,
Technical advisor, Ministry of public
works, Spain

More information links:
http://urbanagendaforthe.eu/partnerships/urban-poverty
<figure><img src="image_109.png" /></figure>

# Contribution of non-agricultural geographically-rooted products to regional inclusive economic development

## Summary

The speakers agreed that non-agricultural geographically-rooted products contribute to regional inclusive economic development. These products are important for maintaining economic activities, and hence population, in rural and remote areas. Better protection of geographical indications would provide consumers with better quality products, enhance the fight against unfair competition and increase the visibility and reputation of those products. This would be essential to attract youngsters into this sector, thereby facilitating know-how transmission and transmission of businesses. The positive link between these products and tourism-related activities was also underlined. Several examples of how EU cohesion policy could support activities related to these products were provided.

## Main messages/conclusions

Economic activity related to non-agricultural geographically-rooted products strongly contributes to regional inclusive economic development. A possible EU initiative on the legal protection of geographical indications for such products would have several positive effects in that regard.

1. Safeguarding quality and skilled jobs, in particular in remote and rural areas where many jobs are related to those products, contributes to the economic sustainability of those areas. The protection of geographical indications could help prevent the relocation of these jobs and facilitate the transmission of know-how to younger generations. Many producers/authorities are investing in training workers in various skills, including through top class apprenticeship schemes, helping young people to get marketable skills - thereby contributing to integrating youngsters into the job market and limiting migration to richer/urban areas.

2. Sustained economic activity within disadvantaged regions, since conditions for maintaining local businesses are improved - thus providing better opportunities to those regions. Fair competition conditions for regional businesses constitutes a key factor. Free-riding on others' (geographical) reputation weakens businesses producing the genuine geographically-rooted products and puts jobs and economic activity at risk. Businesses producing the genuine products would benefit from, inter alia, a single procedure for obtaining legal protection across the EU; higher visibility vis-à-vis consumers; more opportunities for ancient crafts to survive; higher attractiveness of the sector to youngsters, being enabled to transfer businesses; and increased product traceability.

3. Consumers who value authentic geographically-rooted products with a link to a particular area would be better protected against fake products and imitations.

4. Additional economic activity within regions, thanks to a strong positive link between geographically-rooted products and tourism-related activities and also to opportunities along supply chains. There are also strong links and synergies with the production of agricultural geographically-rooted products in the same regions.

5. Geographically-rooted products reinforce the link between generations, through the transmission of traditional know-how and cultural heritage.

EU cohesion policy provides for funding opportunities to support activities related to geographically-rooted products which aim at developing regional economies.

12B10

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission, DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs

**Chair/moderator:**

Slawomir Tokarski,
Director, European Commission,
DG Internal Market, Industry,
Entrepreneurship and SMEs (Innovation
and Advanced Manufacturing)

**Speakers:**

Vincent Labarthe,
Vice-president of the French region
of Occitanie and President of AREPO
(Association of European Regions
for Products of Origin), France

Kathleen Walker-Shaw,
Member of the European
Economic and Social Committee
(Workers' Group), European officer
for GMB Trade Union, United Kingdom

Davide Servadei,
National President of the craft artist
section of Confartigianato, also
representing CNA Artistico, Italy

Patrick Bernard-Brunet,
Programme Manager, European
Commission, DG Regional
and Urban Policy

Virginie Rozière,
Member of the European Parliament,
France

**More information links:**

http://ec.europa.eu/growth/industry/
intellectual-property/geographi-
cal-indications/non-agricultural-prod-
ucts_en
<figure><img src="image_110.png" /></figure>

# Promoting young entrepreneurship at regional and local level: The European Entrepreneurial Region experience

12B19

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**
European Committee of the Regions, ECON commission

**Chair/moderator:**
Carl Fredrik Graf,
Member of the CoR, member
of Halmstad Municipal Council

**Speakers:**
Francisco Álvarez Molina,
Director-General of Economy and
Entrepreneurship, Region of Valencia
(EER 2015)

Robert Maciaszek,
Director of Economic Development,
Sherpa's Office of Małopolska Region
(EER 2016)

Christine Chang,
Senior Advisor EU Affairs, iEER Project
Coordinator, Helsinki-Uusimaa Regional
Council (EER 2012)

Katarzyna Balucka-Debska,
Policy Officer - SME policy,
Directorate-General for Internal
Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship
and SMEs, European Commission

Dana Redford,
Professor of Entrepreneurship and
Innovation, Universidade Católica
Portuguesa; President of the Portugal
Entrepreneurship Education Platform
(PEEP)

**More information links:**

[cor.europa.eu/ee](https://cor.europa.eu/ee)

## Summary

Entrepreneurial learning enables young people to acquire essential skills and attitudes such as creativity, initiative, and an understanding of risk. It encourages business creation, while also promoting entrepreneurial mind-sets that significantly increase employability. Linking entrepreneurship education with support for early-stage entrepreneurs can help maximise the impact of regional and local entrepreneurship policies. The workshop showcased some of the EER's most successful schemes aimed at promoting entrepreneurial skills and spirit, boosting young entrepreneurship and creating partnerships between regions, and reflected on the best form and future of related public policies at different levels including the EU.

## Main messages/conclusions

In his opening statement, Mr Graf pointed out that the promotion of entrepreneurial attitudes can have a big impact on business creation and economic development in European regions and cities, and stressed the role of the CoR in fostering the exchange of good practices.

Three EER region representatives presented successful practices aimed at boosting young en-
trepreneurship. Francisco Álvarez introduced initiatives developed by a network of five public
Valencian universities ranging from summer school for university teachers to start-up contests
and a university patent bank. Robert Maciaszek focused on the motivational events organised
by the Małopolska region within Global Entrepreneurship Week, where young entrepreneurs
can network and get inspired by mentors and role models; he also emphasised cooperation
with the regional start-up community. Christine Chang presented the recently launched iEER
Interreg Europe project led by the Helsinki-Uusiimaa region, which aims to connect stakehold-
ers from ten European regional entrepreneurial ecosystems in order to help them learn from
each other and ensure holistic support for start-ups and young entrepreneurs.

Katarzyna Balucka, representing the European Commission, presented the initial findings from the public consultation conducted earlier this year under the Start-up Initiative with the aim of receiving direct feedback from stakeholders on the best ways to improve the start-up environment in the EU. Partnership, connectivity and skills are the watchwords that summarise the findings of the extensive survey and the direction to be taken by the Commission in the future. Europe must support peer-learning in its entrepreneurial communities, help intensify mutual contacts and strengthen partnerships and networks. Regions play an important role in this regard.

As regards the educational facet of entrepreneurship development, Dana Redford highlighted the long-term impact of the promotion of entrepreneurial attitudes among children and young people and of teaching entrepreneurial skills in schools. Underlining the importance of policy experimentation in entrepreneurial education, he also stressed the need for evidence-based policies and for continuous policy assessment and evaluation.

Among other factors, fear of business failure was identified during the panel presentations and the ensuing debate with the floor as an considerable obstacle to business creation in Europe that needs to be further addressed.
<figure><img src="image_111.png" /></figure>

# Smart homes for independent living – Opportunities for the growing Silver Economy

## Summary

Connected homes can help people stay independent in their homes as they age, improving quality of life, supporting inclusion and sustainable health and care services, and creating growth and job opportunities, e.g. in the building and ICT sectors. To make these goals attainable on a large scale across Europe, the European Commission is seeking to support investment in smart and age-friendly housing. This workshop showcased the need to build and retrofit homes with examples from England and Ireland, and discussed obstacles and success factors for successful implementation.

## Main messages/conclusions

The speakers and audience agreed that in most cases people, as they age, prefer to live independently in their own home for as long as possible. The existing housing stock in Europe, however, cannot provide for age-friendly living in all circumstances unless it is adapted.

Peter Wintlev-Jensen introduced EU-led initiatives around the silver economy, particularly the large scale pilot on internet of things-based environments for ageing well and the emerging Blueprint on Innovation for Active and Healthy Ageing.

A framework of reference with guidelines, good practices and definitions is needed to provide a basis for investment and commitment to building and retrofitting smart, connected, age-friendly homes.

Sue Adams emphasised the importance of home to older people's health and wellbeing, noting that connectedness (with family and friends, local shops and facilities, medical services and public transport) are as important as the design of the home e.g. adaptations, sufficient space.

Ms Adams illustrated the economic case for retrofitting homes with an example of health care costs caused by poor housing in the UK: they amount to GBP 1.4 billion per year. A common vision and accompanying legislation are additional drivers needed to address this shortage of adapted and adaptable homes.

Rodd Bond identified the confidence to stay at home, the prevention of falls and dealing with multiple chronic diseases as major elements to consider. All of these can be seen against a background of the convergence of public and private provision of health and care services.

It should be a major objective to help older persons to access services as they become increasingly responsible for awareness and planning. Empowerment can be achieved by community building and social connectivity. Technology can play an important role here, but also in the provision of health services and, most importantly, prevention and prediction. The Great Northern Haven project is a community model for smart, age-friendly housing which showcases this empowerment approach in cooperation with all relevant stakeholders.

During the discussion, the need for public and private investment was emphasised as it is needed to trigger network collaboration and to facilitate the retrofitting and adaptability of houses. Planning and housing projects must also take into consideration cultural aspects and differences in needs in rural and urban environments. In all cases, affordability remains a major challenge.

12B59

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

European Commission, DG CNECT

**Chair/moderator:**

Horst Krämer,
Programme Officer, European
Commission, DG CNECT

**Speakers:**

Peter Wintlev Jensen,
Programme Officer,
European Commission, DG CNECT

Sue Adams OBE,
Chief Executive, Care & Repair England,
United Kingdom

Rodd Bond,
Director, NetwellCASALA, Ireland

**More information links:**

http://europa.eu/!hV83qQ
<figure><img src="image_112.png" /></figure>

# Accelerating the digital transformation of government

12B60

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
European Commission, DG CNECT Unit H4 eGovernment & Trust

**Chair/moderator:**
Andrea Halmos,
Policy Officer, European Commission,
DG CNECT Unit H4

Szabolcs Szekacs,
European Commission, DG DIGIT

Rodrigues Frade Joao,
European Commission, DG DIGIT

Da Rosa Isabel Maria,
European Commission, DG GROW

Joran Frik,
Connectis

Debby van der Schuit,
Connectis

**More information links:**
https://ec.europa.eu/digital-single-market/en/european-egovernment-action-plan-2016-2020

## Summary

The workshop on Accelerating the digital transformation of government presented the Commission's eGovernment Action Plan 2016 – 2020 and associated EU funding instruments with a focus on how regions can contribute to achieving the objectives of the action plan. The participants got an overview of how funding opportunities at EU level (Connecting Europe Facility CEF Programme and the ISA2 Programme) could help local and regional governments accelerate the digital transformation in the public sector. Two case studies, one on eProcurement in Portugal and another on making local public services Eidas compatible to allow for the use of cross border eIDs, illustrated the benefits, the use of available EU funds and how the regions could get involved.

## Main messages/conclusions

To a full room, the Commission presented the opportunities for local and regional authorities provided by the eGovernment Action Plan, the Connecting Europe Facility and the ISA2 programme. Two case studies, one from Portugal and the other from the Netherlands, gave supporting evidence for the benefits of transforming the public sector and how it can be done with financial and administrative support at EU level.

Digital public services reduce the administrative burden on businesses and citizens by making their interactions with public administrations faster, more convenient and less costly. The new eGovernment Action Plan addresses these issues by setting out 20 practical measures to modernise public administrations using ICT, to enable the mobility of citizens and businesses in the EU and to facilitate digital interaction with administrations for high-quality public services.

Beyond the actions identified in the eGovernment Action Plan, further actions may be proposed either by the Commission or by stakeholders, including Member States and public administrations at all levels. This element is of particular importance for regions and local authorities as it allows them to contribute directly to the content and design of EU policy priorities in eGovernment.

The Action Plan and the associated funding instruments support regional and local governments in their efforts to accelerate the transition of eGovernment at their level. For instance, the CEF programme makes funding available in order to enable cross border availability of online services using so-called building blocks such as the eDelivery and eSignature components. The ISA2 programme provides a set of recommendations on the sharing and re-use of data and public services as well as legal support.

Transforming the public sector is not always easy but can be achieved, as the introduction and use of eProcurement in Portugal illustrates. The solution, partly financed by the EU Structural Funds, was introduced in 2011 and has resulted in significant benefits to the public sector and its users.

In the Netherlands, 81 regions are about to enable the cross border use of online local public services using electronic identity schemes as set out by the eIDAS Regulation. The CEF programme provided financial support to facilitate the transition.
<figure><img src="image_113.png" /></figure>

# Urban regeneration as a tool in creating sustainable Europe

## Summary

The workshop was organised by the City of Łódź as leader, assisted by Lubuskie Province as deputy, in cooperation with the following cities and regions: Pomorskie Province, Lubelskie Province, Maastricht, Rijeka, Bucharest-Ilfov Region and Aydın Metropolitan Municipality. During the workshop, best practices in urban regeneration were discussed with the aim of establishing effective solutions implementing inclusion policies for disadvantaged parts of cities. Panellists presented projects and processes implemented in their cities/regions to regenerate and revitalise urban areas. Moreover, ideas on how regeneration can enhance the competitiveness of cities and regions were discussed and exchanged.

## Main messages/conclusions

Speakers presented examples of good practices in their cities/regions regarding regeneration strategies, as well as the challenges encountered and problems solved. All the speakers concluded that the process of regeneration should not be considered the sole responsibility of local authorities, since it also requires social influence and citizens' involvement in creating urban areas.

Analysing the speakers' presentations, the following points emerge: the need to exchange experience between cities regarding the regeneration process, the importance of understanding regeneration as an ongoing process and not as a free-standing project or intervention, the value of communication with citizens and taking into account their needs, and dovetailing of the regeneration process with infrastructure policy, tourism and culture.

According to the speakers, the challenge is two-way communication between citizens and local authorities. It is important to precisely identify aims relevant to urban areas. Moreover, the crucial element is solid preparation before starting the urban regeneration process, i.e. strategy, diagnosis, analysis and planning. Regeneration should be understood in the broader context of influencing society, i.e. with the aim of improving the quality of life.

URB12B70

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

City of Łódź

**Chair/moderator:**

Mr Jan Olbrycht,
Member of the European Parliament

**Speakers:**

Wojciech Rosicki,
Deputy Mayor of the City of Łódź,
Poland

Marek Trznadel,
City of Łódź, Poland

Evrim Karakoz,
Deputy Mayor of Aydın Metropolitan
Municipality, Turkey

Anna Krzyżanowska-Orlik,
Stanislav Orlik, Mayor's Office of the Lubelskie
Province, Poland

Miroslav Matešić,
Deputy Mayor of the City of Rijeka,
Croatia

Jacek Sauter,
Mayor of Bytom Odrzański, Lubuskie
Province, Poland

Alicja Zajączkowska,
City of Łębork, Pomorskie Province,
Poland

Claudia Ionescu,
Bucharest-Ilfov Regional Develop-
ment Agency, Bucharest-Ilfov Region,
Romania

Sam Spoelstra,
City of Maastricht, Netherlands
<figure><img src="image_114.png" /></figure>

12B75

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

Harghita County Council organiser

Assembly of European Regions
co-organiser

**Chair/moderator:**

Iuliu Winkler,
Member of the European Parliament,
European Parliament

**Speakers:**

Csaba Borboly,
President of Harghita County Council
and member of the Committee
of the Regions, Romania

Andrea Bocskor,
Member of the European Parliament,
Hungary

Dr László Csák,
Specialist, Romania

Róbert Szabó,
President of Heves County
Government and member of the
Committee of the Regions, Hungary

Seszták Oszkár,
President of Szabolcs-Szatmár-Bereg
County Government and member
of the Committee of the Regions,
Hungary

Gloria Vitaly,
President of the Youth Regional
Network, Assembly of European
Regions, Norway

Marta Vialta Torres,
Chairwoman of the AER
Subcommittee on Youth, Spain

Roger Soler Marti,
Research technician of the General
Directorate of Youth of Catalunya,
Spain

Lóránd András,
representative of youth of Harghita
County, UIET, Romania

# EU regions – Partners for youth

## Summary

The workshop, entitled EU regions – Partners for Youth, focused on the priorities established by the partnership that represent support for youth not only in our regions, but also at European level. The programme provided a clear picture of how the partnership tries to overcome the challenges faced by young people in their everyday life and what solutions have been proposed to successfully implement the Europe 2020 strategy on this issue. Furthermore, since European societies face deep transformations with a particular impact on youth, the workshop tried to raise awareness at all levels of the need to jointly devise practical and reasonable solutions for the future of young generations in the areas of workforce integration, education and social inclusion.

## Main messages/conclusions

The theme of the event focused on important EU documents, such as the EU level report entitled *Implementation of the renewed framework for European cooperation in the youth field (2010-2018)*, which presented the opportunity to implement the proposed practical solutions, bearing in mind the dangers, needs and challenges young people face nowadays. Also, the presentations focused on the sharing of best practices and experiences – strategies, EU projects and other initiatives – that have successfully launched the support of youth at local, regional and European levels. All of these were put forward not only within the presentations of the institutional representatives from the EP, CoR and local authorities, but within the interactive debate of youth with the professional contribution of young representatives of the AER, the General Directorate of Youth from Barcelona and local youth associations. This enabled participants to learn about local and European level best practices on this issue related to youth, their education, workforce and social integration, as well as to openly join the debate with questions and problems in these matters.

The main success of this event was the setting up of a common Erasmus+ project in order to ensure the continuity and sustainability of the event and launch a European Youth Caravan in the following year. The main objectives of the project are the launch of a dialogue between young people and decision-makers, the organisation of events for the discussion of issues raised by European youth, consultation with youth about their needs for active participation, encouraging them to actively participate in democratic life and to reach those results that are useful for policy-making through structured dialogue. These will target the main issues youth faces, including workforce migration and how to motivate young people to establish in their area of origin; the need to put more emphasis on vocational guidance; ensuring a reliable financial institutional background; opportunities for the nurturing of sporting talent and devising talent programmes; continuous consultation with local, regional, national and EU level institutions; voluntary services; cultural programmes; young entrepreneurship support, as well as social services and employment. All of these activities will focus on the framing of a final joint action plan that will highlight proposals for the improvement of youth policies in the future.

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

* CreArt Project – funded by the European Commission http://www.creart-eu.org/presentation (Exhibition during the networking).

* Heves County Employment Pact to boost employment in the county – co-financed by the European Social Fund and the Hungarian Government.
<figure><img src="image_115.png" /></figure>

# Achieving social inclusion in Community-Led Local Development in the context of the results orientation of the ESI Funds

## Summary

A 'problem-oriented' workshop with a focus on the challenges facing CLLD in pursuing social inclusion while meeting the requirements of the results-oriented approach of the ESI Funds. These challenges have been growing throughout Europe with the rise of populations at risk, including migrants and refugees. Local development players from countries which have experienced economic crises and their social implications (Greece, Ireland), countries with a track record in integrating inclusion in the local development process (Sweden) and other countries addressing social inclusion in multi-funded CLLD (Poland) presented relevant experiences and led an open debate on EU-wide lessons.

## Main messages/conclusions

LDnet's workshop on 'Achieving social inclusion in CLLD in the context of the results-orientation of the ESI Funds' focused on the challenges of a results-oriented approach combined with the pursuit of social inclusion, especially in the context of Community-Led Local Development (CLLD).

The ESI Funds' new focus on results can help to focus on reaching objectives rather than on the disbursement rate and procedures, and to develop a culture of responsibility across the delivery chain. However, this results-orientation can have the effect of narrowing down the intervention and imposing additional conditions or bureaucratic barriers. In the context of CLLD, where the main added value of reaching the hard-to-reach groups and getting them involved is not easy to capture, there may be a temptation to focus on easier target groups to obtain the expected 'measurable results', e.g. jobs created. With the rise of populations at risk, including migrants and refugees, local development players may need to introduce flexible systems of adjusting their strategies to the changing situation.

The workshop presented and debated experiences in local development from different EU contexts. Dr Eileen Humphreys from Ireland presented the experience of the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme, which has achieved good results in terms of reaching disadvantaged groups, but involved a lot of top-down influence and a tight administrative system. Anastasios M. Perimenis from Greece demonstrated how a local development approach can help the community not only to successfully integrate sources of funding, but also deal with extreme situations such as the influx of refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos.

Sohrab Fadai from Sweden showed how local communities can deal with the integration of migrants through spontaneous action initiated by individual persons or businesses, effectively supported by the National Rural Network. Dr Ryszard Kaminski from Poland stressed the need for autonomy for the local community to address local challenges; this could be particularly difficult with CLLD financed from several Funds, including those with little experience in the approach, e.g. the ESF.

The discussion also showed the difficulty of measuring 'soft' results such as stronger community ties or adaptation to change; the importance of local grassroot leadership; and the need to better coordinate and ensure mutual learning between different CLLD funds.

12B76

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

LDnet (Local Development Network)

**Chair/moderator:**

Urszula Budzich-Tabor,
FARNET / Vice-President LDnet

**Speakers:**

Dr Eileen Humphreys,
Limerick City & County Council,
Ireland / President LDnet

Anastasios Perimenis,
Manager, Lesvos Local Development
Company S.A, Greece

Sohrab Fadai,
Regional Manager, Business
Association Företagarna, Sweden

Dr Ryszard Kaminski,
Kujawsko-Pomorskie Agricultural
Extension Centre / Polish Rural Forum,
Poland

**More information links:**

http://ldnet.eu
<figure><img src="image_116.png" /></figure>

Practical ways for local communities to foster inclusion
of mobile EU citizens

12B85

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

Organiser:
European Commission,
DG Justice and Consumers

**Chair/moderator:**
Caroline Loup,
Policy officer, European Commission,
DG Justice and Consumers, Unit D3:
European Citizenship Rights
and Free Movement

**Speakers:**
Katarina Dimitrakopoulou,
Policy officer,
DG Justice and Consumers

Niels Tubbing,
Policy advisor on education
and integration for the city
of Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Michael Ryan Andersen,
Policy advisor of the City
of Copenhagen, Denmark

Geert Daems,
Local coordinator of the Brussels
Agency of Integration, Belgium

**More information links:**
www.amsterdam.nl/immigratie/inburgering/europees-project-0

Summary

The Commission described the EU citizenship rights of European citizens, including free movement, and what the Commission is doing to help to develop local inclusion policies in this context.

This was followed by the presentation of a project, financed by the Commission and led by a network of 6 cities, which has helped develop welcoming policies for mobile EU citizens. Three speakers from Amsterdam, Copenhagen and Brussels, took their turn to explain how this project helped their respective city to improve and develop their own local policies and welcome newly arrived EU citizens. They also described their dissemination work and the toolkits they are currently developing to help other cities to put in place their own inclusion policies.

The workshop ended with a lively question-and-answer session.

Main messages/conclusions

Free movement is the most cherished right in the EU (for 57% of European citizens), and brings economic benefits to host countries. However, free movement can also create challenges for local communities faced with new inflows of inhabitants.

At the same time, as demonstrated by the 2015 public consultation on EU citizenship, mobile EU citizens are keen to receive information and help when they move abroad. To settle down, they wish to receive information and help, preferably through a one-stop-shop portal.

Addressing the needs of local authorities by promoting the exchange of best practices in this context was identified in 2013 as a priority by the European Commission.

The project 'Welcoming policies for mobile EU citizens' demonstrates that cities have a key role to play in the inclusion of mobile EU citizens in the host community. They are best placed to define the needs in their locality and put in place adequate policies to fill these needs.

Many useful local policies are already in place. Such a network of cities enables them to be showcased and also helps to generate a deeper understanding of an area's own local needs and therefore to develop new local policies that work in a given region/city/community.

In the absence of such network, the dissemination of existing policies/practical information and advice on how to develop inclusion policies at local level is very helpful.

The project is now working on creating a practical toolkit to give practical information to any interested city which wishes to develop its own local inclusion policies, for example on issues such as healthcare, collaboration with NGOs, education, housing etc.

As demonstrated by the question-and-answer session, it is important that inclusion policies do not focus solely on one type of mobile EU citizen and take into account the challenges that cities, including big cities, are facing, such as homeless people, which include mobile EU citizens. Policies have to be adapted on a case-by-case basis and take into account the needs/ concerns of inhabitants as well as of newly arrived EU citizens.
<figure><img src="image_117.png" /></figure>

# Jobs at the borders: How border regions can boost employment opportunities

## Summary

This workshop intended to shed light on the dynamics of cross-border labour markets and on how we can boost the opportunities for employment offered by such regions. 37.5% of the EU-population lives in border regions and cross-border employment therefore represents huge untapped potential for growth. Four panellists shared their thoughts around three key questions: the employment opportunities of cross border regions, the challenges of the cross border labour market and ideas for improvement of the situation. The initiative for the joint DG REGIO-EMPL workshop is to be seen in the context of the Commission's review of obstacles in border regions ('the cross-border review') and will be one element to feed into the communication that the Commission will publish in 2017.

## Main messages/conclusions

The four panellists represented different perspectives: While the two first panellists presented the perspective of the cross-border employer/worker, the two last panellists presented their experiences from having worked with a European instrument created to encourage cross-border cooperation and labour mobility. Their presentations were followed by an interactive debate with the audience. A few conclusions from this are as follows: The opportunities and challenges of the cross-border labour market depend on the border, the direction of the mobility flow and the sector. Moreover, there are several issues that create uncertainty or concern for workers: lack of language knowledge, difficulty in the recognition of diplomas, a lack of information on taxation and social security rights. Other issues are the lack of suitable public transport and difficult access to training opportunities since many training activities are only available to nationals and not to border workers. The pull factors for labour mobility change over time and the information available is scattered. For employers it is important that the skills of workers (including language) are tailor-made to the type of activity, which raises the issue of in-house training. Cultural differences even within the same language are not to be underestimated. While there is a European institutional framework that supports labour mobility in border regions (e.g. coordination of social security institutions, access to regulated professions etc.) problems still remain at local level. It is important to find pragmatic solutions that make a difference in practice such as joint employment teams, cross-border apprenticeships, upskilling of workforce using ESF funds etc. Solutions should also be adapted to the sector and more needs to be done to motivate employers to benefit from cross-border work. An important role of European programmes and cooperation structures is to facilitate access to specific information and to debunk myths about working or hiring at the other side of the border. Regions should be involved more actively to facilitate cross-border work. Participants mentioned the need for comparable data on cross-border labour mobility as well as specific issues such as cross-border traineeships and the specific situation of rural border regions. Finally, it was concluded that we need a more holistic approach to cross-border work also from the point of view of cohesion policy and more action at local level.

12B86

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission

**Chair/moderator:**

Lena Andersson Pench,
Director for Territorial Co-operation,
Macro-regions and Programmes
Implementation, DG REGIO,
European Commission, Belgium

Jordi Curell Gotor,
Director for Labour Mobility
DG EMPL, European Commission,
Belgium

**Speakers:**

Francis Beunnens,
HR-Manager Westvlees, Belgium

Katrin Distler,
InterRegional Trade Union
Confederation Dreiländereck,
Germany

Oliver Abrecht,
EURES German National
Coordination Office, Germany

Niels Boye,
Interreg-programme
Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak
(SE-DK-NO), Sweden

**More information links:**

http://ip-bt.com/english
<figure><img src="image_118.png" /></figure>

Europe's demographic – From challenges to local
and regional opportunities

12B92

12 October 2016

14:30 - 17:00

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

**Chair/moderator:**
Arnoldas Abramavicius, First Vice-President, EPP Group, European Committee of the Regions, Lithuania

**Speakers:**
Michael Schneider, President, EPP-CoR Group, Germany
An Hermans, President, the European Seniors' Union, Belgium
António Bragança Fernandes, Mayor & EPP-CoR Member, Maia, Portugal
Andrzej Buła, Marshall & EPP-CoR Member, Opolskie Voivodeship, Poland
Helen Campbell, Vice-President, AGE Platform Europe, Ireland
Arnoldas Abramavicius, First Vice-President, EPP-CoR Group, Lithuania
Andor Urmos, Policy Analyst, European Commission Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy, Belgium

Nearly 150 people attended the workshop on demographic change organised by the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions during the European Week of Regions and Cities on October 12 2016. "As Europeans grow older and continue to age – while fewer children are born – the political and societal situation is bound to change drastically. Many treat demographic change simply as a challenge. And while there are many issues to solve, demographic change also includes a hint of a possibility - of a chance for a better future" EPP-CoR President Michael Schneider opened the event.

The call for building intergenerational bridges to exchange experiences and foster inter-generational communication and interaction was a strong element in European Seniors' Union President An Hermans' keynote speech on their project "Life history" which enables senior citizens across Europe to able to tell their life stories - and also for younger people to listen.

The workshop continued with a panel of best practices of realising the potential of developing the silver cities of Europe. Examples from António Bragança Fernandes, Mayor of Maia in Portugal, and Marshall Andrzej Buła, from Opolskie Voivodeship in Poland, highlighted the key role of the local and regional authorities in providing programmes for social inclusion and activities for the elderly as well as developing the region from a holistic point of view, including all stages of life.

Altogether 42 billion euros of funding is available for tackling social inclusion challenges – including demographic change – but the lack of efficiency in their usage was the problem in the opinion of Andor Urmos from the European Commission's Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy. The final example came from Helen Campbell, Vice-President of AGE Platform Europe, on the Age Friendly Ireland initiative. The core of the initiative is an alliance of stakeholders from the public sector, businesses and NGOs launched around the elderly to include them in the decision-making and business development according to their needs – with usually the city mayor as its leader - and the results have been so encouraging that the initiative is now nation-wide.

First Vice President of the EPP-CoR Group and Vice-President of the Zarasai Municipal Council in Lithuania, Arnoldas Abramavicius, closed the workshop by emphasising that "Local and regional authorities that have been taking the lead in developing new innovative or ICT-based tools that support active and healthy ageing need the right supportive legal, financial and structural environment from both the national and EU levels to move those successful local initiatives to a larger scale. We now call for a broad coordinated and integrated European Strategy on demographic change."

This event is part of a wider set of initiatives around Europe's Demographic. It follows from the launch of the EU Covenant on Demographic Change last December, and the Committee of the Regions' recent opinion on "The EU response to the demographic challenge" led by EPP member Juan Vicente Herrera Campo, President of Castilla y Leon, Spain.
<figure><img src="image_119.png" /></figure>

## High Level Event on Urban Agenda for Europe

### Summary

The Political Event on the Urban Agenda for the EU would look back at the work being done so far and on the work that still needs to be done in the coming years. A new Urban Data Platform has officially been launched, a one-stop-shop is now online and a new Secretariat for the partnerships will start in January 2017. The four partnerships that will start on January 2017 were presented. Following two interesting panel debates and a presentation on the State of the European cities report the end of the session was reserved for the announcement of the 18 winners of the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA).

### Main messages/conclusions

The Political Event on the Urban Agenda for the EU would look back at the work being done so far and on the work that still needs to be done in the coming years. Corina Crețu (European Commissioner for Regional Policy) opened the session, which was moderated by an energetic Ruben Maes. Corina Crețu mentioned that the Urban Agenda for the EU will be connected with the New Urban Agenda next week during the Habitat III meeting in Quito. A new Urban Data Platform has officially been launched, a one-stop-shop is now online and a new Secretariat for the partnerships will start in January 2017. This means the European Commission is working hard to join all other partners in making the Urban Agenda for the EU a success. Both Markku Markkula (President of the European Committee of the Regions) and Maroš Šefčovič (Vice-president of the European Commission) were praising the efforts of all partners so far and thanked the Netherlands for realising the Pact of Amsterdam. Dutch Urban Envoy Nicolaas Beets responded by saying the Pact of Amsterdam is truly a joint European accomplishment.

Mr. Šefčovič also provided further information on the one-stop-shop stating that the European Commission responded to the call that all information needs to be gathered in a structured way. The one-stop-shop provides a point where all the information you need as a city on how to achieve EU objectives can be found. You can learn how cities can gain and share knowledge and get information on funding and other support.

Judit Törökné Rózsa presented the four partnerships that will start on January 2017.

* Circular Economy coordinated by Oslo (NO)

* Digital Transition coordinated by Estonia, Oulu (FI) and Sofia (BG)

* Urban Mobility coordinated by the Czech Republic and Karlsruhe (DE)

* Jobs and Skills coordinated by Romania, Rotterdam (NL) and Jelgava (LV)

Following two interesting panel debates with notably Hella Dunger-Löper (State Secretary, Representative of the Land of Berlin, CoR rapporteur on "Concrete steps for implementing the EU"), and a presentation on the State of the European cities report, the end of the session was reserved for the announcement of the 18 winners of the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA). Director General of DG Region, Marc Lemaître and Elizabeth Boulet Regional Councillor of Hauts-de-France announced the winners. This provided a festive end to a successful meeting and with the next call of UIA coming up, more opportunities arise for cities throughout Europe.

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

18 winners of the Urban Innovative Actions (UIA):

Theme of Energy transition: City of Gothenburg; City of Paris; City of Viladecans

Theme of Integration of migrants and refugees: City of Antwerp; City of Bologna; City of Munich; City of Utrecht; City of Vienna

Theme of Jobs and skills in the local economy: City of Bilbao; City of Madrid; City of Milan; City of Rotterdam

Theme of Urban Poverty: City of Barcelona; City of Birmingham; City of Lille; City of Nantes; City of Pozzuoli; City of Turin

More information available on UIA's projects: www.uia-initiative.eu/en/uia-cities

URB12B98

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission (DG REGIO) and European Committee of the Regions

**Chair/moderator:**

Ruben Maes, Strategic Communication Consultant, The Netherlands

**Speakers:**

Corina Crețu, European Commissioner for Regional Policy

Markku Markkula, President of the European Committee of the Regions

Maroš Šefčovič, Vice-President of the European Commission

Nicolaas Beets, Dutch Urban Envoy, The Netherlands

Judit Törökné Rózsa, Head of Unit Competence Centre Inclusive Growth, Urban and Territorial Development, European Commission, Belgium
Mark Boekwijt, City of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Elena Szolgayová, Ministry of Transport, Construction and Regional Development, Slovakia

Rene Korenromp, Ministry of Infrastructure & Environment, The Netherlands

Laura Colini, URBACT expert, Italy

Lewis Dijkstra, European Commission, Belgium

Marc Lemaître, Director General, European Commission, Belgium

Elisabeth Boulet, Regional councillor
Hauts-de-France, France

Jan Olbrycht, Member of the European Parliament

Hella Dunger-Löper, State Secretary, Representative of the Land of Berlin, CoR rapporteur on 'Concrete steps for implementing the EU Urban Agenda'

Andre Sobczak, Vice-President of Nantes Metropole

Stafania Giannuzzi, City of Turin, Deputy Mayor, Italy

Jean Louis Missika, City of Paris, Deputy Mayor, France

**More information:**

Urban Agenda for the EU: http://urbanagenda-forthe.eu/urban-agenda-for-the-eu-during-the-european-week-for-regions-and-cities

European Committee of the Regions and the Dutch Presidency: http://cor.europa.eu/euurbanagenda

Urban Innovative Actions: www.uia-initiative.eu
# Workshops – Inclusive economic growth

<figure><img src="image_120.png" /></figure>

## Urban Agenda for the EU – Partnership for Housing

12B131

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

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

**Chair/moderator:**
Merja Haapakka,
Policy Coordinator, Commission
Directorate-General for Regional
and Urban Policy

**Speakers:**
Andrea Meszaros,
Policy Officer, Commission
Directorate-General for Employment,
Social Affairs and Inclusion

Michaela Kauer,
Director, Vienna House, Brussels
Liaison Office of the City of Vienna

Sorcha Edwards,
Secretary General, Housing Europe
Comment contributions:

Dr Orna Rosenfelt,
Senior Housing Expert

Dr Laura Collini,
URBACT Expert
Silvia Ganzerla,
Policy Director EUROCITIES

**More information links:**
Housing Partnership coordinators:
Elena.Szolgayova@mindop.sk and
Michaela.kauer@wien.gv.at
http://urbanagendaforthe.eu

## Summary

This workshop was held to present the Urban Agenda Housing Partnership coordinated by Slovakia and the City of Vienna, and to discuss with the stakeholders participating in the European Week of Regions and Cities the work done so far and the main issues involved. The EU Urban Agenda is a framework bringing together cities, EU Member States, the EU Commission and other relevant stakeholders (NGOs, experts, etc.) to discuss and improve policies/legislation, financing and knowledge relevant for cities in key thematic areas – in this case in the field of housing and in particular affordable/social housing.

## Main messages/conclusions

The EU Commission introduced the Urban Agenda framework of the Housing Partnership. The Housing Partnership is one of the four pilot working groups set up under the Urban Agenda alongside the themes of Air Quality, Poverty and Migration. Altogether 12 partnerships will be set up to bring cities, Member States, EU institutions and other relevant stakeholders together to work towards the aim of improving policies/legislation, financing and knowledge, and to scale-up good projects and transfer them across Europe. A dedicated website will also be available next year to facilitate communication and links with wider stakeholders.

The City of Vienna and Housing Europe presented the Housing Partnership which involves the EU Member States Latvia, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Slovakia, Slovenia, the cities of Lisbon, Poznan, Riga, Vienna, the Scottish Cities Alliance and EUROCITIES, as well as AEDES (NL), Housing Europe, the International Union of Tenants, URBACT, the EU Commission and the European Investment Bank. The Partnership is coordinated by Slovakia and the City of Vienna.

In their presentations the City of Vienna and Housing Europe stressed that the overall state of housing in the EU remains unstable. Six years after the low point of 2009 many steps remain to be taken to respond to two very alarming issues: there are not enough affordable homes available in most European countries to meet increasing demand and there are more people without a home today than six years ago. Some key questions for the current work include: What is the overall contribution of housing policies to making cities places where all citizens can live, learn, work, and access opportunities equally? How can cities maintain social cohesion and decrease inequality through a broad affordable housing stock? What financial instruments and legal conditions do cities need for their housing policies at EU level and to boost long term investment in affordable housing with adequate recognition of their social and environmental returns? How can cities address affordability and security for tenants and small homeowners, including protection from speculation and expulsion?

The Partnership is currently carrying out further expert work and analysis in the areas of EU state aid and competition law, VAT, funding and instruments (incl. innovative funding) and general housing policies: construction standards, affordability and social cohesion, which are important to the Partnership's work.
<figure><img src="image_121.png" /></figure>

# Urban Agenda for the EU - Partnership on Inclusion of Migrants and Refugees

## Summary and conclusions

During the workshop organised by the Partnership on Inclusion of Migrants and Refugees, the partnership was able to share its process with the participants and include them in a panel discussion on how to best achieve the goal of smooth and comprehensive integration.

Firstly, the Urban Agenda was introduced by Fiona Wieland. Fiona stated that the Urban Agenda "strives to involve cities better in the decision making process, as a real example of multi-level governance." Sabina Kekic, coordinator of the Partnership, then introduced the Partnership on Inclusion of Migrants and Refugees and gave participants an overview of the aims, timeline, and progress of the Partnership. She explained the relevance of the partnership by asking: "Why is this a challenge in the Urban Agenda? Because 70% of refugees in Europe seek shelter in cities, and it is cities that provide access to housing, healthcare, education and work."

After the introductions, the panel discussion moderated by Sally Kneeshaw considered the shortcomings of current systems. The panel was made up of Moritz Munderloh from the City of Berlin, Thomas Jezequel from EUROCITIES, Agnese Papadia from DG Home Affairs and Migration, and Giovanni Pineschi from the Cohesion Agency of the Italian government. Opening the discussion up to the participants, Sally Kneeshaw remarked that "the Partnership is eager to hear your contributions, thoughts, and ideas".

The workshop covered issues such as the shortcomings of current integration systems, but also the promises, advantages and drawbacks of new innovative systems that are being implemented. Some interesting points were made during the workshop. For example, the best way to approach migration might be to view it not as a problem to deal with, but as a phenomenon that, if handled properly, could create a vibrant economic, cultural and social environment. On the other hand, the importance of respecting the existing community when bringing in a new group of people was stressed by participants: how can one expect a community to just accept an influx of new members from radically different backgrounds without being informed, having the situation explained to them and being able to provide their opinions on the matter beforehand?

Moving forward, the Partnership will hold the first of a series of working conferences in Amsterdam on November 10th and 11th, on the topics of housing, reception and community building. The working conferences aim to bring together relevant organisations, civil servants, and experts in this field in order to find solutions to problems with integration in these areas. Once all working conferences have been held, the Partnership's Action Plan is scheduled to be presented in July 2017, in order to be implemented and reviewed over the course of 2017 and 2018. A final report on the activities of the Partnership is scheduled to be presented in late 2018.

URB12B133

12 October 2016

11:15 - 13:00

**Organiser:**

Sabina Kekic

**Chair:**

Sabina Kekic,
Advisor to the Mayor,
City of Amsterdam, The Netherlands

**Moderator:**

Sally Kneeshaw,
Director, Kneeshaw Consultancy

**Speakers:**

Agnese Papadia,
DG Home Affairs and Migration

Giovanni Pineschi,
Italian National Governmental Agency
for Territorial Cohesion, Italy

Moritz Munderloh,
City of Berlin, Germany

Thomas Jézéquel,
Policy Officer, Eurocities
<figure><img src="image_122.png" /></figure>

Integrated services to NEET's, long-term unemployed
and other vulnerable groups

13B127

13 October 2016

11:15-13:00

Organiser:
European Commission, DG Employment,
Social Affairs and Inclusion

Chair/moderator:
Anita Vella,
Head of Unit, DG Employment,
Social Affairs and Inclusion

Speakers:
Tommi Eskonen,
Director of Tampere City Region
Multidisciplinary Employment Services
– Multidisciplinary joint service for
long-term unemployed, Finland

Ilkka Haahtela,
Head of Unit of Immigration and
Employment Services of the City
of Helsinki – Helsinki One-Stop-
Guidance Centre for youth, Finland

Mark Koetsier,
Programme Manager City of Zaanstad,
Zaanstad Social Community Team,
the Netherlands

Marijn Freud,
Project Manager, City of Zaanstad,
Zaanstad Social Community Team,
the Netherlands

Summary

Public services throughout Europe are facing challenges in finding synergies, increasing their efficiency and ensuring their quality as well as in ensuring equal access to these services. This workshop discussed how integrated services can address these challenges.

The focus of the workshop was to provide the audience with information and examples of how integrated services can facilitate access to employment, education and/or to social and health care services for people in vulnerable situations. The workshop presented the advantages of integrated service models as illustrated by three different examples from two countries – Finland and the Netherlands. Presentations included service models targeted at young people, the long-term unemployed and deprived people.

Main messages/conclusions

Building up an integrated service is a long-term project which requires commitment from politicians and different administrative layers. The integrated service model has the potential to strengthen the role of municipalities and better meet local challenges. Different services such as employment, social and health care services are used to working in silos. Integrat- ed service models are challenging this old way of thinking, but bringing staff with differ- ent backgrounds together can be a difficult task. To make an integrated service model really functional, a change of mindset and working culture together with modern management skills are needed from the people who are engaged in the process.

It is essential to build a network of stakeholders who are committed to common targets. The involvement of various stakeholders such as local enterprises is important in order to open pathways to employment, apprenticeships or subsidised work. Local NGOs can bring in their expertise for example in working with the migrant population. The parties involved should realise that negotiating on shared responsibilities can be a long process. There are different approaches to how an integrated service is successfully built up: in some situations a bottom-up approach is the correct one, but in other cases it may require first a top-level strategy and a formal decision on pooling resources in order to strengthen commitment among different services. Regardless of the chosen approach, a well-designed integrated service should be more results-oriented and cost-effective and create a more motivating environment for staff than traditional service models.

The client must always be at the centre of the measures, and individually customised path-
ways are the key element in provision of services. Assessment of the client's needs as well
as creating an individual action plan should be done together with the client in order to
strengthen the client's commitment to it. Moreover, multi-professional teamwork is required
from the experts and counsellors involved in the process. All staff in the service points must
be flexible enough to be able adapt to different clients and their individual situations. On the
other hand it may be challenging especially if more clients are coming into the services than
going out. One of the risks identified with the integrated service model is saturation, which
may lead to a weakening of the individual touch.

In general the speakers had a positive opinion on the prospects for integrated services.
Workshops

<figure><img src="image_123.png" /></figure>

Making European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds simpler
<figure><img src="image_124.png" /></figure>

## The post-2020 growth and jobs agenda – What do local and regional authorities want?

### Summary

Questions raised at the workshop included how Europe's rapidly changing economy will affect the future of the strategy, along with internal and external issues such as migration and Brexit. Participants also criticised the strategy for so far failing to have the political impact initially hoped for, with others questioning whether a medium- and long-term growth strategy is relevant for today's fast-moving world.

### Main messages/conclusions

* Cohesive territorial development is crucial for economic growth and job creation as well as international competitiveness.

* A bottom-up, place-based approach to future policy is key. Cohesion policy needs to be based on real local and regional needs.

* Global trends and external factors will shape future policy and the EU's institutions must be prepared for future challenges.

* We need data that reflect the reality on the ground so as to enable us to better respond.

* TEU and national governments should cut costs wherever possible to ensure funding is used appropriately and effectively.

* There is a need to address the low absorption of Funds and simplify procedures.

* There is a need to make sure that citizens better understand the positive outcomes of cohesion policy by delivering the message to ordinary people. There is a lack of understanding of the current policy.

* Funds should be used predominantly for infrastructure projects.

* It should be considered whether EU 2020 and cohesion policy need to be tied together or whether it would be better to start from scratch rather than amending existing strategies and policies.

* Experiences from the past programming period should be shared so as to learn for the future.

* Outcomes need to be tangible, specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.

**Extracts from speakers:**

Gordon Keymer: *Importance of involving local and regional government – local and regional government is not only affected by some 75% of EU policies but they manage two thirds of all public investment.*

Oldřich Vlasák: *A post-2020 vision should include a place-based, bottom-up approach to policy-making and a holistic strategy on urban and rural matters that empowers local and regional authorities in development.*

Andrew Lewer, MEP: *Important to look at the impact of EU law on local and regional authorities and take EU action based only on added value.*

Jerzy Zająkała: *We should not decrease the allocation of funding to cohesion policy.*

Iain Begg: *People want growth and jobs. That should be our focus.*

11C04

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

ECR Group in the European Committee of the Regions

**Chair/moderator:**

Gordon Keymer CBE FCA,
Former ECR Group president and
CoR rapporteur on Mobility in
geographically and demographically
challenged regions (EN)

**Speakers:**

Andrew Lewer MEP,
Member of the European Parliament
for the East Midlands, United Kingdom;
ECR Group coordinator on the
Regional Policy Committee and
chair of the Subsidiarity and Localism
Policy Group

Jerzy Zająkała,
Mayor of Łubianka, Poland;
Member of the National Development
Council, Poland

Oldřich Vlasák,
ECR Group vice-president and CoR
rapporteur on Territorial Vision 2050;
Member of the Council of Hradec
Králové, Czech Republic; Director
of the Water Supply and Sewerage
Association of the Czech Republic

Professor Iain Begg,
Professorial Research Fellow at
the European Institute, London School
of Economics and Political Science;
Associate fellow at Chatham House,
United Kingdom

**More information links:**

http://europa.eu/!KG67cG
<figure><img src="image_125.png" /></figure>

Effective and efficient use of ESI Funds:
Regional best practices

Summary

The first part of the workshop focused on ways of making policy implementation more ef-
ficient through strategic planning, simplification and concentration. Good practices which
make ESI funds simpler for beneficiaries were highlighted, while asking what kind of sim-
plification is needed and recommended by regional managing authorities. The second part
considered whether RIS3 is an effective tool for better use of ESI funds. RIS3 allows regions
to exploit synergies between EU, national and regional funds. It can lead to effective smart
specialisation, thus increasing the impact of ESI funds. The aim was achieved of showing how
regional good practices and projects can contribute to more effective use of ESI Funds, while
also discussing ways of making programme management more efficient.

Main messages/conclusions

Terri Thomas began by stressing the importance of overcoming public authorities' reluctance to cooperate. A holistic approach is needed to simplify the use of ESI funds for beneficiaries by using standardised and integrated processes and IT systems. Javier Celdrán also focused on beneficiaries, outlining the benefits of using financial instruments (FI). The key to providing tangible simplification is focusing on the lifecycle of the company and adapting FI accordingly. To deal with adverse audit findings, Myriam Fernández focused on Simplified Cost Options, which can also reduce the administrative burden if they are internalised. Finally, Clemens Esser outlined ways of increasing effectiveness and efficiency through the use of stakeholder-focused bottom-up approaches such as community-led local development.

David Dunn then showed that opportunities can be given to the local software industry. This requires linking education and industry at local level and giving clusters full autonomy. Multinationals need to be engaged and persuaded to invest in local software technology. It is important to provide dynamic business support and focus on communicating successes. Eszter Tóth showed that while some financial tools are used by local governments, their availability is limited. Non-profit companies are a valid bottom-up approach for identifying local needs, transferring good practices, and enabling cooperation and training. This results in higher levels of trust and reduced cost. Frédéric Pinna stressed that there is still a lot to learn about the entrepreneurial discovery process (EDP). A clear methodology needs to be developed to take into account the regional context. EDP is not only relevant to ERDF, but can provide knowledge which stakeholders are not usually ready to share. At the same time, effective use of EDP requires highly skilled staff. Finally, Marcin Wajda highlighted that stakeholder engagement is often a key factor in framing effective policy. However, the way in which actors are involved in the process should be adjusted to the specific conditions and characteristics of the region. Sometimes the additional activities intended to strengthen cooperation capacity are just as, or even more, important than institutional solutions.

11C12

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

11:15-13:00

Organiser:

Representation of Saxony-Anhalt
to the EU

Chair/moderator:

Marek Przeor,
Team leader, DG REGIO,
European Commission Belgium

Richard Tuffs,
Director, ERRIN, Belgium

Speakers:

Terri Thomas,
Head of Rural Development Division,
Welsh Government, United Kingdom

Javier Celdrán,
General Director, INFO MURCIA, Spain

Myriam Fernández,
Director General for Financing and
European Funds, Ministry of Finance
and Economy, region of Valencia, Spain

Clemens Esser,
Policy Officer, State Chancellery
of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany

Frédéric Pinna,
CEO, ARITT (Regional Innovation
Agency Centre-Val de Loire), France

Marcin Wajda,
Department Director, Office of the
 Marshal of Mazowieckie Voivodeship,
Poland

David Dunn,
CEO, Sunderland Software City,
United Kingdom

Eszter Tóth,
Lecturer, University of Debrecen,
Hungary
<figure><img src="image_126.png" /></figure>

Inter-city approaches to funding and delivering
Smart City Ambitions

11C15

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

Organiser:
Smart cities - Smart ambitions

**Chair/moderator:**
Prof. Martin Brynskov,
Chair of the Open and Agile Smart
Cities Network

**Speakers:**
Alastair Brown,
Director, Localities and Infrastructure,
Stirling Council, United Kingdom

Hanna-Maria Urjankangas,
Senior Officer, Ministry of Economic
Affairs and Employment, Finland

Kim Speigelberg-Stelzer,
Smart City Senior Advisor, City of
Copenhagen, Denmark

Tomasz Nadolny,
Head of Mayor's Office, Gdansk City
Hall, Poland

Marta Marin,
Delegate of the Basque Country to the
EU, Spain

Summary

Recognising the opportunities available to cities within a Member State if they collaborate to deliver on their smart cities ambitions, seven Scottish cities, six Finnish cities, five Danish cities, the Basque Country in Spain and Gdansk in Poland hosted a workshop to share their experience of working in partnership with each other and across their wider city regions on the smart cities agenda. The workshop focused in particular on the experience of cities which had adopted an inter-city approach to make progress towards their smart ambitions, accessing funding to deliver their collaborative programmes.

Main messages/conclusions

The six Finnish cities were the most advanced in terms of accessing EU funding to make progress on a collaborative programme of smart cities activity using an integrated territorial initiative and the ERDF. This enabled them to create a joint operating model for urban development worth EUR 80m which will hopefully outlive the available EU funding.

The Scottish cities used the workshop to profile their Smart Cities Scotland Blueprint, which describes the Smart Cities Scotland collaborative programme, as well as to share their experience of developing co-designed smart cities projects across the Scottish cities as part of their £10m 'Scotland's 8th City - the Smart City' programme.

The Danish cities had not really focused on EU funding to further smart cities activity but instead focused their efforts on working with public/private partnerships to access a potential DKK 1.5m.

The Basque Country had a holistic and strategic vision for smart cities for the region, with cooperation focused on learning from other cities through lighthouse programmes.

Gdansk presented the 'Tristar' intelligent transportation system, on which it had cooperated with the neighbouring cities of Sopot and Gdynia to improve the efficiency of the existing road infrastructure.

Lessons learned:

1. to enable cities to collaborate and co-design smart cities projects using EU funding, the EU funding frameworks need to be more flexible and elastic;

2. funding calls for smart cities currently tend to be tailored to applications from single cities and their region. There would perhaps be an opportunity to inspire more cities to collaborate, share resources, create economies of scale and share learning and experience with each other in the process, if funding calls were tailored to inter-city networks;

3. the level of funding is key. The Finnish cities used the ERDF to create a much bigger funding pot than the Scottish cities but the administration/resource demands placed on cities to access this funding suggest that there may be an optimum funding level at which it is advantageous for an inter-city network to use the ERDF. There was a feeling that smaller funding pots with less regulation may allow inter-city networks to access funding more easily for pilot projects. Open calls with smaller calls within their framework would make smaller projects more feasible, creating an innovative environment for inter-city networks to experiment with smart solutions.

European ESIF/EFSI-funded project presented:
Scottish Cities Alliance - Scotland's 8th City - the Smart City - ERDF Programme
<figure><img src="image_127.png" /></figure>

## Public procurement meets open data

### Summary

This workshop discussed the concept and importance of the 'open data' approach to public procurement and presented a few ongoing initiatives in this field, both at EU and national level. Jachym Hercher from the European Commission outlined the EU vision and activities in relation to open public procurement data. Luciana Cingolani from the Hertie School of Governance presented the DIGIWHIST project (http://digiwhist.eu/). The key objective of the project is to make available broad datasets of public procurement data and combine them with relevant indicators for analysis. Jiří Skuhrovec, developer of the zIndex tool, shared his experience of using procurement and other data to benchmark the performance of contracting authorities in the Czech Republic.

### Main messages/conclusions

Public authorities in the EU spend approximately 15% of GDP on the purchase of services, works and supplies via public procurement. Nearly 50% of funding from the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds is spent on public procurement. In a number of EU Member States, ESI Funds are the main source of financing for public investment. Taking all of this into account, it can be concluded that the efficiency and effectiveness of public investment depend to a large degree on the quality of procurement processes.

The open data approach and the latest IT technologies offer new opportunities for improving performance and governance in public contracting. Open data implies that public spending data are published in standardised and useable formats, available for everyone to access, use and re-publish. This not only leads to increased transparency, but is also expected to improve the decision-making of government organisations, businesses and individuals. The underlying assumption behind the open government data approach is that complex societal and governance issues cannot be solved by governments alone: cooperation among and insights from different players are needed.

The importance of data is recognised in the EU Single Market Strategy of 2015: one of the strands of action the Commission is pursuing under the strategy is to improve the transparency and quality of procurement systems through better collection and use of procurement data. Data on public procurement conducted according to EU-rules have been made available on the EU Open Data Portal. In the coming years, open data covering all EU public procurement should be gathered, published, and enhanced under the DIGIWHIST project financed by the EU HORIZON 2020 programme.

There are a number of specific examples of how procurement data can be used for analysis and to trigger discussions on the necessary improvements. The workshop presented the Single Market Scoreboard for public procurement as a tool at EU level and the zIndex benchmarking tool as an example from an EU Member State (Czech Republic). The workshop concluded that the work towards further improvement of openness and quality of procurement data will continue, and will require a consistent effort. In this endeavour, it is also important to ensure the proper link with activities to promote administrative capacity in public procurement in order to facilitate positive change.

12C32

12 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

European Commission

**Chair/moderator:**

Pascal Boijmans,
Head of Unit E1, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission, Belgium

**Speakers:**

Jachym Hercher,
Policy Officer, Directorate-General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs, European Commission, Belgium

Luciana Cingolani,
Post-doctoral Researcher, Hertie School of Governance, Germany

Jiří Skuhrovec,
EconLab and Charles University Prague, Czech Republic

**More information links:**

EU Open Data Portal:
https://data.europa.eu/euodp/en/data

Single Market Scoreboard:
http://ec.europa.eu/internal_market/scoreboard/

DIGIWHIST project:
http://digiwhist.eu/zIndex

Benchmarking tool in the Czech Republic:
http://wiki.zindex.cz/doku.php?id=en:start
<figure><img src="image_128.png" /></figure>

12C87

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**
European Commission, DG REGIO

**Chair/moderator:**
Witold Willak,
Deputy Head of Unit, Competence Centre
Closure and Major Projects, DG REGIO,
European Commission, Belgium

**Speakers:**
Dr Joanna Archutowska,
Ph.D., Head of Cost-Benefit Analyses
Division, Centrum Unijnych Projektów
Transportowych, Warsaw, Poland

Camelia M. Kovács,
Project Officer, Competence Centre
Closure and Major Projects, DG REGIO,
European Commission

Carlos Gonzalez-Finat,
Case Handler, Unit H-1, Infrastructure
and Regional Aid, European
Commission, DG Competition

Georges Kremlis,
Head of Unit D.1, DG Environment,
European Commission

Claus Kondrup,
Policy Officer, Adaptation Unit,
DG Climate Action, European Commission

Maurits Van Der Hoofd,
Transport sector specialist, JASPERS

**More information links:**
The slides are still available on the EWRC
2016 site for a few months.

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/projects/major

https://ec.europa.eu/sfc/

https://ec.europa.eu/clima/publications/index_en.htm#General

http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/environment/index_en.htm

http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:52016XC0719(05)&from=EN

http://ec.europa.eu/competition/state_aid/studies_reports/state_aid_grids_2015_en.pdf

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/funding/special-support-instruments/jaspers/

## How to efficiently apply for EU funds?
## Good practices with major projects' application forms

### Summary

The workshop focused on the application form and presented good examples and suggestions for ensuring that it is completed in full and properly with a view to quick decision-making by the European Commission. DG CLIMA, DG COMP, DG ENV, JASPERS and Poland were represented on the panel, providing advice and sharing their experiences. It was confirmed that significant resources and time are necessary to prepare projects to the appropriate quality standard. Poland stressed the importance of incorporating quality control, building sufficient administrative capacity for this and treating all project beneficiaries in a consistent and equal manner. Climate change and environmental and state aid considerations were highlighted as horizontal aspects to be addressed for all types of projects and early on in the preparation process.

### Main messages/conclusions

Given their size and importance, major projects require special attention with regard to planning, preparation and implementation. In addition, they require significant resources (human, financial, time) in order to be successful.

The European Commission's information requirements are quality-focused and serve the purpose of helping the Member States have viable and sustainable investments that society is better off with than without, and which also do not harm the environment and are not cancelled out by climate change or other extreme weather events. With this in mind and based on previous experience, the Commission has provided additional guidance in the major projects application documents, and also produced specific guidance (climate change, state aid, environment, cost-benefit analysis, etc.) and streamlined its relevant decision-making procedures.

It is important for Member States and their project beneficiaries to continue the culture of high quality for their major projects, so that the implementation phase runs smoothly and that projects are completed in time and on budget, or in the worst case with minimum delays and cost overruns. The Commission operates an open-door policy and Member States are encouraged to contact it in case of doubt or need for further advice. In addition, the special technical assistance partnership, JASPERS, is also available to the Member States with advisory services on quality of projects.

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

Extracts from application documents submitted by the Member States have been included in the slides as examples of good practice or examples of information that generates questions.
<figure><img src="image_129.png" /></figure>

## Key to success for a performant programme

### Summary

The European Commission, the European Court of Auditors and the Member States – who administer funding – all see simplification as a way forward to reduce the administrative burden and reduce error rates. The workshop presented the view of the speakers on the topic with a clear focus on the various simplification possibilities provided by the current regulation and by the proposals made in the 'Omnibus' regulation, which is to be adopted by the end of 2017.

### Main messages/conclusions

The results of surveys launched by DG Regional and Urban Policy and DG Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion show that stakeholders experience a substantial reduction in administrative burden once simplified cost options are implemented. On the other hand, some stakeholders are reticent about the development of these options and the uncertainty e.g. in terms of audit. In addition, simplified cost options are very much a European Social Fund issue since it is very difficult to develop SCOs for the ERDF and any results are therefore quite far down the line.

A lot of progress has been made in the setting and monitoring of performance-based, reliable data. This makes it possible to demonstrate the added value of the funds and also to focus more on results and outputs.

The Commission is currently working on a 'Budget focused on results' initiative, since there is less funding available and hence the challenge is how to 'do more with less'. Also, the challenge of the Commission, where considerable progress is already being made, is to demonstrate the added value of its funding implemented in the various policy areas.

There are of course still some hurdles faced. The issue of compliance with state aid rules is of importance here, and the Commission is seeking to clarify the areas in which these apply. As mentioned during the workshop, currently some 80-90% of all operations implemented under the ERDF fall under the General Block Exemption Regulation, but further guidance or clarification is needed in order to provide legal certainty for Managing Authorities.

12C88

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

European Commission,
DG Employment, Social Affairs
and Inclusion

**Chair/moderator:**

Mark Schelfhout,
Head of ESF Audit Unit,
DG Employment, Social Affairs
and Inclusion

**Speakers:**

Juan Ignacio González Bastero,
Head of Unit, European
Court of Auditors

Andreas Schwarz,
Deputy Head of the Private Office of
Commission vice-president Kristalina
Georgieva, European Commission

Andriana Sukova-Tosheva,
Director, Investment, DG Employment,
Social Affairs and Inclusion

Louis Vervloet, Director,
ESF Agency, Belgium

Peter Berkowitz,
Head of Unit, Policy Development,
Strategic Management and Relations
with the Council, DG Regional and
Urban Policy

Santiago Loranca García,
Head of Unit, Evaluation and Impact
Assessment, DG Employment, Social
Affairs and Inclusion

**More information links:**

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/
sources/thefunds/fin_inst/pdf/sim-
pl_cost_en.pdf
<figure><img src="image_130.png" /></figure>

# Supporting S3 strategies through H2020 and ERDF: Synergies, barriers and best practices

12C91

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**
Regional Partnership 'Local authorities promoting synergies between ESI Funds and H2020'

Hauts-de-France Region, Kent County Council, North-East Romania, Madrid Region, Province of West-Flanders, East-Netherlands

**Chair/moderator:**
Emmanuel Boudard, Senior Consultant, La Rochelle Consult, France

**Speakers:**
Romain Nivelle, Hauts-de-France region Brussels office, France

Stefaan Matton, Director, POM West-Vlaanderen, Province of West-Flanders, Belgium

Gabriela Macoveiu, Executive Director of Communication, Cooperation and Business Development Directorate, North-East Regional Development Agency, Romania

Jean-Marie Pruvot, Director, Nord-France Innovation Development, Hauts-de-France region, France

Michiel Scheffer, Representative of the East Netherlands region and member of the Executive Board of the province of Gelderland, East Netherlands, Netherlands

Sara Alfonso Romero, Head of Unit, Technology Transfer and European Programmes, Madri+d – Madrid, Spain

## Summary

Smart specialisation provides a strategic tool for guiding innovation and economic development spending towards regional needs. Although the ERDF requires smart specialisation to be used in setting spending priorities, other local, national and European programmes also fund innovation and there are clearly opportunities for better alignment. Under the Horizon 2020 programme, for example, ERA-NET schemes are used to coordinate regional and national programmes to create thematic calls for cross-border research and innovation. This seminar, organised in partnership with the H2020-funded project SYNAMERA, looked at how research and innovation and smart specialisation strategies can be supported by different EU programmes and how national and EU sources can be aligned to maximise return on investment.

## Main messages/conclusions

It is important to align different strategy levels (e.g. regional and S3 strategy, national, European) in order to be more efficient in public spending. These strategies, especially S3, must be narrowed to focus on a few sectors.

Synergies between Horizon 2020 and the ERDF/ESF operational programmes are possible but limited: the ERDF can be used to help build an ecosystem (e.g. funding training for potential applicants for Horizon 2020 calls) or to fund research infrastructure for use in Horizon 2020 projects.

ERA-NET projects are good instruments for fostering international cooperation, but it is difficult to combine funding (ERDF and direct European funding) for the same project partner because of differences in approach, timing of calls, requirements, criteria, etc.

Projects meeting Horizon 2020 selection and award criteria but which cannot be funded due to budget constraints can be funded through the ERDF if they match the S3 and the operational programme. But state aid rules do not allow the same funding rate for ERDF-funded projects as for H2020-funded projects. State aid rules are also problematic for INTERREG projects, which involve different types of partners and measures.
<figure><img src="image_131.png" /></figure>

## Joint REGI-COTER Meeting: Achieving better performance in Cohesion Policy

### Summary

The COTER commission of the Committee of the Regions held a joint meeting with the Committee for Regional Development of the European Parliament (REGI). The discussion underlined the benefit of this ongoing cooperation, especially in light of challenges faced by European regions and cities. Local leaders and MEPs welcomed a wide range of speakers, including the EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Crețu, and the president of the Committee of the Regions, Markku Markkula. Speakers and members addressed current and future challenges to the effectiveness of cohesion policy, in particular the need to focus on achievable targets and the broader objectives of the EU, while also bringing in the perspective of the local and regional authorities tasked with implementation.

### Main messages/conclusions

The conference opened with statements by the joint chairs. Raffaele Cattaneo of the COTER commission noted: 'Cohesion policy improves the quality of citizens' lives and fosters EU solidarity, including by tackling major challenges such as migration, climate change and energy dependence. But programmes have not always focused on results and targets have not been consistent or clear enough'. REGI chair Iskra Mihaylova added: 'European citizens make their own personal evaluation of cohesion policy every day in their cities and regions, and we should keep this in mind when focusing on regional policy results'. REGI and COTER members' statements addressed the ongoing need for simplification, and for a balanced approach to the application of ex-ante conditionalities, with Petr Osvald suggesting that on questions of simplification and ex-ante conditionalities the capacity of local and regional actors to meet bureaucratic requirements should be taken into account. Lambert Van Nistelrooij urged cohesion policy players to better communicate their successes, in order to highlight the ongoing importance of the policy. Marc Lemaître then highlighted the impressive return on investment of €3 for every €1 spent, while calling on stakeholders to be even more ambitious in the future, and to work with new instruments.

Looking to the future of cohesion policy, Commissioner Corina Crețu observed: 'Working on the present is the preparation for our future – we have no better argument than what we have already achieved'. President of the European Committee of the Regions Markku Markkula noted: 'We must trust those who do things at a regional level, and not let a focus on what has been done wrong stop us learning from the many positive examples of successful implementation. In addition, one of the major challenges for our Union nowadays is how to bridge the investment gap'. Michael Schneider underlined that the future benefit of financial instruments would be determined by how much they correspond to the real needs of regions, while Constanze Krehl noted the importance of simplification in rebuilding trust with citizens, and pointed to the need to support the implementation of cohesion policy in all regions and all Member States, given that cohesion was an explicit goal of the TFEU. In light of potentially difficult times ahead for cohesion policy, it was agreed that continued cooperation between the COTER commission and the REGI Committee was of utmost importance.

12C95

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

COTER commission, European Committee of the Regions

**Chair/moderator:**

Raffaele Cattaneo,
chair of the COTER commission,
European Committee of the Regions

Iskra Mihaylova,
chair of the REGI Committee,
European Parliament

**Speakers:**

Petr Osvald,
COTER commission member

Lambert Van Nistelrooij,
REGI Committee member

Marc Lemaître,
Director-General, DG REGIO,
European Commission

Corina Crețu,
Commissioner for Regional Policy,
European Commission

Markku Markkula,
President of the European
Committee of the Regions

Constanze Krehl,
REGI Committee member

Michael Schneider,
COTER member
<figure><img src="image_132.png" /></figure>

# Maximising the potential of e-Governance: How to build on the experience of 2014-20 to deliver a more user-friendly approach to accessing ESI Funds

12C108

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
European Commission, DG Regional and Urban Policy

**Chair/moderator:**
Kadri Uustal,
Policy coordinator, DG Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission,
Belgium

Terri Thomas,
Member of the High-Level Group of Experts on Monitoring Simplification for Beneficiaries of the European Structural and Investment Funds (ESIF),
Wales, United Kingdom

**Speakers:**
Katri Seier,
Counsellor on EU Budget and Cohesion Policy, Permanent Representation of Estonia to the EU

Rachel Stephens,
ESI Programme Manager, Welsh European Funding Office, Wales,
United Kingdom

**More information links:**

https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/simplify-esif

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/how/improving-investment/high-level-group-simplification

## Summary

The purpose of e-governance is to simplify the implementation of ESI Funds by promoting the electronic exchange of information between beneficiaries and programme authorities to reduce the administrative burden for the former.

This workshop took as its starting point the recommendations on e-governance made by the High-Level Group on Monitoring Simplification for Beneficiaries of the ESI Funds (HLG) in March 2016. The workshop allowed regions and cities involved in managing ESI funding to explore the good practice examples of Estonia and Wales. They also had the opportunity to engage with the HLG's rapporteur for e-governance, Terri Thomas, and with the representative of the European Commission, Kadri Uustal, and to discuss how the recommendations could be put into practice in their own regions.

## Main messages/conclusions

Kadri Uustal introduced the simplification initiative on behalf of the European Commission and explained the role of the High-Level Group of Independent Experts in this context, as well as the importance of e-governance here.

Terri Thomas gave more details on the work of the group on e-governance and their conclusions and recommendations, which were sent to the European Commission in March 2016. She also presented an overview of the Commission's immediate follow-up to the legislative and non-legislative recommendations for 2014-2020. The following recommendations were highlighted:

* dissemination of best practice examples;
* encouragement of a business process approach, accepting IT as a core part of the business, accurately assessing the need for guidance to final users and beneficiaries, and appropriately communicating the goal of e-governance;
* use of Technical Assistance funding to facilitate the implementation of e-governance including guidance and training;
* clarifying the relationship between capacity to archive electronic documents and the opportunity for auditors to request original documents.

All the conclusions and recommendations finalised by the group are publicly available on the on-line Simplify ESIF platform (https://ec.europa.eu/futurium/en/simplify-esif). All stakeholders were invited to use the platform more intensively in order to feed into the ESIF simplification process.

Two good practice examples (Estonia and Wales) were presented to the participants, each with their experience, challenges and solutions.

Participants and speakers converged on the great potential of e-governance to reduce the administrative burden for all stakeholders and beneficiaries. They nevertheless noted the ongoing challenges for implementation, such as:

* establishing more stable and simple processes and procedures;
* harmonisation of terminology, processes and structure between the funds;
* the difficulty experienced by some partners in changing their mindset and approaching e-governance in a constructive manner;
* adequate training and support at all levels;
* involvement of stakeholders.

Sharing of experiences between Managing Authorities can play a key role in a smoother transition to e-governance in all Member States.
<figure><img src="image_133.png" /></figure>

Policy Lab for Managing Authorities I – Working
together to develop arenas for exchange between
managing authorities/itermediate bodies.

Summary

This was the first of three workshops for managing authorities/intermediate bodies of Investment for Growth and Jobs programmes financed by the ERDF/Cohesion Fund. Information was provided on work by DG REGIO and the Joint Research Centre's EU Policy Lab in close cooperation with representatives of different managing authorities, and opportunities were explored for developing areas where experiences and good practice could be exchanged between managing authorities and intermediate bodies. The innovative working method (policy lab) was explained. Feedback and ideas/topics for future work were collected through dialogue with the audience.

Main messages/conclusions

There has been long-standing demand among Managing Authorities (MA) and Intermediate Bodies (IB) for more horizontal interaction. Additionally, exchange on problematic issues and ways to tackle them, as well as sharing information and practices, were identified as highly relevant for MAs and IBs. The Know Share process is one approach that has been adopted by REGIO to accommodate this demand and introduce ways for MAs and IBs to engage in the process. Activities to date were presented in a dialogue between facilitators and various representatives of MAs that were part of the project.

Three phases have been identified for the process. The first phase involves analysing the issue/problem (finding ways to exchange experience and practices) and co-designing, as well as prototyping, a solution together with a group of MAs and IBs. The second phase includes functional prototyping and testing of solutions. The third and final phase is dedicated to further development, up-scaling and mainstreaming of the proposed tool for interaction. A group of around 30 people from MAs and IBs in 16 Member States has been actively engaged in the project, with a further 20 following it.

During the first phase, a series of meetings and a lab session were organised between REGIO, the JRC and MAs/IBs to explore the issue/problem and create user-led knowledge-sharing. Solutions are co-developed with MAs/IBs and not for them, the idea being to achieve peer-approved solutions to problems complementing REGIO-endorsed (audit-proof) answers to questions. The tools used for interaction include web meetings, workshops and seminars as well as emails and Facebook discussions. The first phase ended in March 2016 and the moderators encouraged participants to reflect on future ways of tackling common issues through the proposed tools.

In the dialogue with the audience that followed MAs and IBs attending the workshop showed their interest in future active participation in the next phases. Moreover, positive feedback was collected on the idea of developing a more structured exchange space/platform, given that the need for cooperation and dialogue between MAs/IBs was emphasised by all.

13C43

13 October 2016

09:00-10:45

Organiser:

Competence Centre for Administrative
Capacity-Building, DG REGIO,
European Commission

Chair/moderator:

Pascal Boijmans,
Head of Unit E1, Directorate-General
for Regional and Urban Policy,
European Commission, Belgium

Xavier Troussard,
Head of Unit, Foresight and
Behavioural Insights, EU Policy Lab,
Joint Research Centre (JRC),
European Commission

Speakers:

Malina Kroumova,
Director of the Central Coordination
Unit, Council of Ministers, Bulgaria

Emanuele Cuccillato,
Policy Analyst, EU Policy Lab, JRC,
European Commission, Belgium

Christian Svanfeldt,
Policy Analyst, EU Policy Lab, JRC,
European Commission, Belgium

Alessandro Rancati
Policy Analyst, EU Policy Lab, JRC,
European Commission, Belgium

More information links:

Communities of Practitioners:

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/
en/policy/how/improving-investment/
regio-communities-practitioners
<figure><img src="image_134.png" /></figure>

Policy Lab for Managing Authorities II – Knowledge
mapping on State Aid in the R&D sector

13C104

13 October 2016

11:15 – 13:00

**Organiser:** DG REGIO, Competence Centre for Administrative Capacity-Building, European Commission

**Chair/moderator:** Pascal Boijmans,
Head of Unit E1, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission

**Speakers:**
Palma Muñoz Morquilla,
Senior consultant, Innovation and Development Agency of Andalusia,
Spain
Christophe Gouache,
Consultant, Strategic Design Scenarios (SDS), Belgium

**More information links:**
Communities of Practitioners:
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/policy/how/improving-investment/regio-communities-practitioners

Summary

This was the second of three workshops for managing authorities/implementing bodies of Investment for Growth and Jobs programmes financed by the ERDF/Cohesion Fund. It demonstrated the results of knowledge-mapping on state aid in R&D performed by experts from different authorities using a mapping method applied in a policy lab environment. Together they identified the main documents relating to state aid that they use to produce a practical, hands-on map of documents relevant for everyone working on this topic. Audience feedback helped to further develop the map.

Main messages/conclusions

Sharing of resources was identified by practitioners as a valuable tool in the first phase of the REGIO Know Share project. One tool that emerged from this was knowledge-mapping on topics related to implementation of programmes.

Results were presented of the knowledge-mapping on state aid in the R&D sector carried out by a team of experts from different managing authorities in Europe using an innovative working method (policy lab). Together they listed the main documents related to state aid that they use in their work, blending different information sources, official documents and memos in order to produce a practical, hands-on map relevant for everyone working on this topic.

During the interactive workshop half of the participants spent time adding more documents to the map as well as details on chapters, sections and page numbers indicating where to find the necessary information. Another group discussed how to make the existing map more user-friendly from a design perspective as otherwise the resource would not be used. The current idea is to enter the map with guiding questions and for more detailed questions to give direct links to the resources.

However, it was recognised that it is impossible to map all eventualities and issues a practitioner might face, and the need was emphasised for 'champions' among colleagues who can be consulted directly. Work will continue on further developing the mapping of information sources on state aid in the R&D sector.
<figure><img src="image_135.png" /></figure>

Policy Lab for Managing Authorities III – How to support
beneficiaries, the policy lab working method in practice

Summary

This was the last of three workshops for managing authorities/implementing bodies of Investment for Growth and Jobs programmes financed by the ERDF/Cohesion Fund. Representatives of authorities shared their experience with support to beneficiaries. With the help of policy lab designers, participants had the opportunity to discuss and exchange views on how to best support beneficiaries using a policy lab approach. The 'journey of beneficiaries' from development of project ideas to project closure formed the background for this workshop.

Main messages/conclusions

The participants were given an opportunity to test and experience policy lab working methods in practice in order to exchange knowledge on a number of topics. Participants were asked to use the storytelling method to share examples of beneficiary support. Amongst other good practices, Peter Ryland shared an example of raising the capacity of beneficiaries for audits. Through visiting beneficiaries beforehand and ensuring that they have located all the evidence they will need and that they understand the implications of getting things wrong during an audit, the number of 'false negatives' are greatly reduced. This good practice leaves more time to deal with any genuine issues that emerge and reduces the risk of unnecessary (and ultimately wrong) corrections. Another experience shared by Maciej Aulak was the idea of supporting beneficiaries and evaluating project documents before a project is submitted for assessment, and of helping the beneficiary to correct documents. Due to distance from the beneficiary and tight scheduling on the beneficiaries' side, the project did not have the positive outcomes the MA expected. However, Mr Aulak emphasised the added value and faster procedure for projects that had been included in this pre-consultation.

After these presentations and exchanges participants were divided into groups and shared experiences, as well as lessons learned, in a smaller setting, with peers able to comment and brainstorm on possible strategies for resolving issues.

In conclusion, participants felt encouraged to continue exchanging expertise and experiences and commented positively on the opportunity the workshop provided for guided discussion.

13C129

13 October 2016

14:30-17:00

Organiser:

DG REGIO, Competence Centre
for Administrative Capacity-Building,
European Commission

Chair/moderator:

Pascal Boijmans,
Head of Unit E1, Directorate-General
for Regional and Urban Policy,
European Commission

Speakers:

Peter Ryland,
Deputy Director, Welsh European
Funding Office, United Kingdom

Maciej Aulak,
Head of Unit, Ministry of Economic
Development, Poland

François Jégou,
Director, Strategic Design Scenarios
(SDS), Belgium

More information links:

Communities of Practitioners:
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/
en/policy/how/improving-investment/
regio-communities-practitioners
<figure><img src="image_136.png" /></figure>

Financial instruments under ESIF (2014-2020) – Public
banks sharing experiences and best practices

12C73

12 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**
European Association of Public Banks (EAPB)

**Chair/moderator:**
Silke Wettach,
EU correspondent,
WirtschaftsWoche, Germany

**Speakers:**
Csaba Harsányi,
Director, Brussels Representative
Office, Hungarian Development Bank,
Hungary

Dariusz Wieloch,
Deputy Director of Financial
Instruments Department,
Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego
(State Development Bank, BGK),
Poland

Marcel Roy,
Secretary-General, European
Association of Public Banks, Belgium

José Fernando Figueiredo,
Executive President, Instituição
Financeira de Desenvolvimento,
Portugal

Summary

The workshop showcased experience gained by, and good practices of, public banks im-
plementing programmes supported under the European Structural and Investment Funds.
The workshop presented best practices in urban development, integrated territorial
investment programmes and community-led local development. The EAPB brought to-
gether high-level representatives from its member organisations who provided an over-
view of their relevant activities and of the challenges they are facing. The panel included
representatives of the Hungarian Development Bank (MFB) and the State Development
Bank of Poland (BGK).

Main messages/conclusions

▸ Simplify the legal framework for public banks

The legal framework public banks currently face is too complicated: eleven guidelines have to be taken into account; rules (e.g. for public procurement) are often not flexible enough; at times regulation is even contradictory. Less bureaucracy would bring huge benefits.

▸ Special regulatory treatment for public banks

Public banks differ from commercial banks, the most obvious difference being that they are not profit-oriented. Their anti-cyclical behaviour has been acknowledged by the European Commission. Public banks can even act to reinvigorate the market in times of crisis. Their different nature should be taken into account in the regulatory framework.

▸ Welcome trend away from grants towards financial instruments

Using financial instruments rather than grants is far more efficient and enables public banks to draw on funds more than once. It also ensures a level playing-field for companies. However, the institutional set-up should be adapted to take into account this recent trend. Ex-ante assessments, justified when handing out grants, seem less appropriate when it comes to financial instruments.

▸ Facilitate the combining of different funds

At this point in time, combining resources from different sources (EFSI, ESIF, COSME, InnovFin) is proving rather difficult in practice. Huge benefits could be expected if obstacles were removed.
University workshops

<figure><img src="image_137.png" /></figure>
<figure><img src="image_138.png" /></figure>

Introduction

The University sessions are organised by the European Commission (DG for Regional and Urban Policy), the European Committee of the Regions (CoR), and the Regional Studies Association (RSA), along with the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) and the Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP).

The aim is to bring the latest academic research and international case studies to the European Week of Regions and Cities and an audience comprised mainly of those working on policy and managing authorities.

The sessions are organised interactively and offer the possibility for vibrant discussions, allowing for a real exchange of knowledge be-
tween policy makers, practitioners and the academic community. Practitioners can use the sessions to make new contacts in academia
in order to support their local work.

In 2016, twelve University sessions were hosted and proved popular with attendees. The topics ranged from smart specialisation, micro-business and sustainable innovation to climate change, economic and ecological development. They also touched upon demographic challenges, territorial aspects of migration and territorial approaches to implementing Cohesion Policy.
<figure><img src="image_139.png" /></figure>

# Pearls of Knowledge: How can the city-university nexus contribute to closing the innovation gap?

## Summary

Lublin has always been an academic city. With its development strategy the municipality has helped three sectors start to meet and talk. A series of activities have been carried out as part of the new strategy, for example the Lublin IT Upland (LITU) programme and the Study In Lublin project. Plans for the future for Lublin: the city where innovation takes place in universities and is introduced in businesses every day, 15% of international students in 2025, engaging academic staff in internationalisation and international research, 100 programmes in English, leading centre of creativity, IT and start-ups in Poland. Challenges: developing a system for commercialisation in universities, fostering cooperation in marketing the academic nature of Lublin, promoting practical education, restructuring public universities.

## Main messages/conclusions

Lublin has always been an academic city. Private higher education institutions have been far more successful in adapting to new standards. The challenge has been and will be very tough for large public universities: old structures, ineffective teams, university authorities taking too much for granted, courses not meeting the needs of the job market, and fear of change itself place a heavy burden on them. Businesses were the first to send out the message: 'You need to change and adapt'. When universities failed to react, businesses gave up and started focusing on their own affairs. The city of Lublin stood on the side-lines and observed the entire game. The perspective was far clearer from that angle and representatives of the municipal administration thus became natural intermediaries and subsequently 'directed' the game being played between businesses and higher education institutions.

It was necessary to put things in the right order. In Lublin's development strategy, academic spirit became one of the four development axes. In addition, the Department of Strategy and Investor Relations was established and the academic relations team was set up. They have been responsible for establishing and fostering relations between the city, higher education institutions and businesses. Finally, all three sectors started to meet and talk. A local support group was founded and various projects were established to be implemented together.

A series of activities have been carried out as part of the new strategy, for example the Lublin IT Upland (LITU) programme and the Study In Lublin project. LITU's aim is to integrate the IT sector in Lublin by organising 'IT Breakfasts', establishing a cooperation network between businesses, the city and higher education institutions. Project Study in Lublin is a project aimed at supporting higher education institutions in Lublin, maintaining the number of students and graduates (study.lublin.eu). Plans for the future for Lublin: the city where innovation takes place in universities and is introduced in businesses every day, 15% of international students in 2025, engaging academic staff in internationalisation and international research, 100 programmes in English, leading centre of creativity, IT and start-ups in Poland. Challenges: developing a system for commercialisation at universities, fostering cooperation in marketing the academic nature of Lublin, promoting practical education, restructuring public universities.

UNIV11A08

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

European Commission, DG RTD, in cooperation with EUniverCities Network, AESOP and RSA

**Chair/moderator:**

Olivier Brunet,
Policy officer, European Commission,
DG RTD, Belgium

**Speakers:**

Willem van Winden,
Professor of Urban Innovation,
University of Amsterdam, Netherlands

Jan Axelsson,
Director of Valorisation, University
of Linköping, Sweden

Mariusz Sagan,
Head of the strategy and investor
relations department, Poland

Athena Yiannakou,
Professor of Urban Policy and Urban
Development, Aristotle University
of Thessaloniki, Greece

**More information links:**

http://lwit.lublin.eu/en

http://study.lublin.eu/en
<figure><img src="image_140.png" /></figure>

# Sustainable societies of tomorrow: Addressing the demographic challenge and the dynamics of the silver economy

UNIV11A110

11 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

European Committee of the Regions, SEDEC commission

**Chair/moderator:**

Franck Debié,

Team leader, European Parliament 2025, Member of the ESPAS (European Strategy and Policy Analysis System) Steering Committee

**Speakers:**

Arnoldas Abramavičius (LT/EPP), CoR member and rapporteur, Zarasai District Municipal Council, Lithuania

Professor Francesco Billari, Professor of Sociology and Demography, Fellow of Nuffield College, University of Oxford, UK

Dr Katarzyna Kajdanek, Faculty of Sociology, University of Wrocław, Poland

Dr Ruby Gropas, Leader of Social Affairs Team, European Political Strategy Centre (EPSC), European Commission and visiting professor at the College of Europe, Bruges, Belgium

**More information links:**

http://europa.eu/espas

www.cor.europa.eu/sedec

## Summary

The moderator, Franck Debié, referred to the 'Golden Aging' Report by the WB, emphasising the social disparities that exist across regions. CoR member Arnoldas Abramavicius stressed the need for clearer definition of the roles and responsibilities of all key actors in responding to the challenges of demographic change. Professor Billari outlined the challenges of evaluating demographic change and the problems arising when using projections in order to determine policy responses. Dr Kajdanek presented the forecasts for 2050 with regard to demographic change, emphasising the booming silver economy (cluster of 'silver services', silver villages and old people's homes). Dr Gropas emphasised the importance of active ageing, referring to the changing working trends with older people willing to continue working longer

## Main messages/conclusions

1. There are substantial social disparities that exist across regions in terms of public policy responses to aging and longevity;

2. Clearer definition of the roles and responsibilities of all key actors and stakeholders is needed, in order for vertical and horizontal coordination and networked governance arrangements to be created to respond to the challenges of demographic change;

3. Experts called for local and regional authorities to provide researchers with more, and more frequent data;

4. In practice, in order to achieve a higher quality of life in local and regional communities, a more qualitative approach is necessary towards demographic problems and aging;

5. Future policies shouldn't be based on a linear approach (study-work-retire) but rather give people of all ages the opportunity to enter the learning process at different stages of their working careers;

6. Curiously enough, the private sector is acutely aware of the capacities and productivity of different population groups. Social innovation should be deployed in order to facilitate the lives of the elderly in their own community.

## Key messages:

'There is a clear challenge to see the demographic challenge', 'Demography is not easy and it unravels pretty fast', 'We need 'stress tests' for demographic challenges', 'A 'silver age tsunami' is awaiting Poland in the next 20 years', 'Brexit showed an age-gap', 'Living in a society that is old is fundamentally different'.
<figure><img src="image_141.png" /></figure>

# Urban development/territorial policy provisions and the challenge of creating simplified and user-friendly implementation systems

## Summary

Territorial provisions have gained prominence in cohesion policy as part of a shift to more place based policy approaches. In particular, the urban dimension of cohesion policy has been strengthened for the 2014-20 period. Provisions such as Sustainable Urban Development (SUD - Article 7), Integrated Territorial Investment (ITI) and Community-led local development (CLLD) provide opportunities for integrated approaches and therefore more strategic implementation of ESI Funds. These approaches are intended to engage local stakeholders in the implementation and management of ESI Funds. The extent to which these tools are used is flexible across the Member States and their implementation has raised some important challenges.

## Main messages/conclusions

Merja Haapakka from DG REGIO provided an overview of the state of play with regard to territorial provisions in cohesion policy for 2014-20, which include provisions for areas with certain territorial specificities as well as provisions for urban areas. The main objectives of the urban and territorial dimension in cohesion policy are to help address territorial challenges in their full complexity and to align specific local development needs with thematic priorities, as well as to promote multi-level governance. Some of the main outstanding issues in relation to the implementation of urban development strategies are:

* very little information about territorial strategies,

* investment in capacity-building activities,

* links to the urban agenda.

Professor Kristine Kern placed the development of territorial provisions in cohesion policy within the wider context of the EU urban dimension, highlighting the importance of transnational city networks and the role of cities in multi-level governance frameworks and pointing to hierarchical, vertical and horizontal Europeanisation processes. She also stressed the importance of upscaling according to different capacities:

* voluntary upscaling (leaders),

* embedded upscaling (latecomers),

* obligatory upscaling (those lagging behind).

Peter Ramsden reflected on some of the paradoxes of integrated approaches, particularly that ITI offer more potential but are too tied to the cohesion policy framework, which is facing a 'silent' and multifaceted crisis (e.g. fear of audit, continuing focus on spending, lack of focus on long-term results). The concentration of thematic objectives can work against integrated approaches. In some cases there is a lack of continuity whereas in others projects are continued without any real results. He also argued that the focus on results may have an inverse effect, that particularly the synergistic effects of ITI are hard to measure and that the inclusion of a wide range of stakeholders that are able to build for the long term is also valuable.

UNIV11C07

11 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**

RSA and AESOP

**Chair/moderator:**

Dr Arno van der Zwet,
Research Fellow, European Policies
Research Centre, University
of Strathclyde, United Kingdom

**Speakers:**

Merja Haapakka,
Senior policy officer, DG Regio, Finland

Professor Kristine Kern,
University of Potsdam, Germany

Peter Ramsden,
Urbact Pole Manager, United Kingdom
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UNIV12A100
12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**
European Regional Science Association (Leader), Association of European Schools of Planning and Regional Studies

**Chair/moderator:**
Leïla Kebir,
Ecole des Ingénieurs de la Ville de Paris,
Lab'Urba, Paris Est University, France

Dominique Mignot,
Head of the Transport, Health, Safety
department at the Institut français
des sciences et technologies des
transports, de l'aménagement et des
réseaux (IFSTTAR), France

**Speakers:**
Simin Davoudi,
Professor of Environment Policy & Planning at the School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape and Associate Director of Newcastle Institute for Sustainability, Newcastle University, United Kingdom

Torsten Klimke,
Deputy head of the Research and Innovative Transport Systems Unit at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Mobility and Transport,
Brussels, Belgium

Matthieu Perrin,
Researcher at INRA, AgroParisTech, France

Cristina Pronello,
Professor at the Politecnico di Torino,
former president of the COST Transport and Urban Development domain committee, member of ECTRI, member of the scientific advisory board of JPI Urban Europe, France

André Torre,
Professor of Economics at Paris Saclay
University and INRA - AgroParisTech,
France

Olivier Sykes,
Lecturer in European Spatial Planning,
University of Liverpool, United Kingdom

# Challenges and opportunities of climate change: Focus on smart transport

## Summary

Territories are nowadays key places in the development of actions dealing with global warming. This workshop addressed the issue of the territorial implications of climate change. It started with a round table on the challenges faced by EU regions and cities and how they take action to cope with them, with particular focus on environmental and socio-economic impact on the development of EU territories. The subject of the second round table was action to be taken on the transport issue and in particular the impact of the roadmap on accessibility and connectivity developed by JPI Urban Europe (2015).

## Main messages/conclusions

Leïla Kebir started by presenting the global challenges of climate change related to territorial approaches.

The first round table addressed three key issues of the relationship between climate change and territories. First, Matthieu Perrin and André Torre showed how spatial planning is both a 'producer' of climate change and tool for mitigating it. For instance, they explained how research has highlighted the substantial influence land use has on weather and air quality of regions. They ended with the possibility of extending the scope of climate action to a regional scale. Simin Davoudi followed on, saying that reducing energy demand is an important part of tackling climate change. Environmental behaviours are therefore fundamental. Three types of understanding of such behaviour can combine and should be considered in sensitisation policies: rational economic (utility maximisation, etc.), psychological (habits, etc.) and sociological (social pressure, mimetic, etc.). Olivier Sykes ended this first round table with the issue of consensus-building on climate. Despite strong scientific consensus, rising populist discourses, for instance, tend to dismiss expert knowledge and to weaken the implementation of climate change policies. There is an urgent need for reestablishment of expert knowledge and of more awareness among policymakers.

The second round table addressed few key factors related to smart transport for smart cities. Cristina Pronello started by addressing the effects of multimodal real time information on travel behaviour. She presented the results of the Opticities project (multimodal real time navigator). She highlighted the role of psychological and cultural aspects and presented clusters of users. Torsten Klimke presented first European initiatives concerning smart transport and smart cities, and then smart cities support actions under the Horizon 2020 programme. He highlighted the new tools proposed by the Commission, such as ELENA (technical assistance programme) and JESSICA (advisory service). Dominique Mignot concluded the round table by presenting new challenges for transport and mobility owing to huge, rapid development of ICT and autonomous vehicles. He highlighted that ITS and new mobility services improve multimodal practices and accessibility in suburbs and rural areas, but also bring new paradoxes. He concluded by pointing out the risk of an increase in social inequalities.
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# Moving micro-businesses towards the productivity frontier

## Summary

Relatively little policy attention has focused on productivity upgrading of micro firms. Recent research has suggested a 1:5 ratio between productivity in micro and leading-edge firms, a gap which is larger in many developing economies. This session clarified current OECD thinking on upgrading productivity in micro-firms, explored issues around the mind-set of micro-entrepreneurs in terms of upgrading and considered policy to formalise informal companies. The key conclusions were: the importance of addressing productivity deficits in micro-enterprises; the importance of framework conditions in enabling and incentivising change; and the importance of policies which can promote a positive attitude to change by micro-entrepreneurs.

## Main messages/conclusions

Micro-enterprises play a significant role in all economies, accounting for 80-90 percent of businesses. Productivity in these firms lags behind that in larger, more internationally oriented firms and this productivity gap is increasing in most countries. Recent OECD thinking emphasises three steps which need to be taken to enable productivity upgrading in micro-enterprises. First, it is important to identify characteristics and bottlenecks using better data which can inform effective policy development. Second, providing global framework conditions conducive to productivity upgrading is vital, and leveraging the local dimension of growth is also important. This relates largely to the value of local networks, collaboration and support organisations.

Beyond these external supports it is also important to consider the mind-set of micro-business leaders. Is there the appetite for change? Are the incentives right to encourage innovation and risk-taking? Measures were discussed which might increase firms' ambition, including the use of successful case studies, media publicity for successful growth stories and business networks.

The challenges of informality were discussed in the context of Mexico. While the government is doing little to work directly with informal firms they are actively promoting the benefits of formality and participation in other government support schemes. Questions were raised as to whether it may be appropriate to support productivity upgrading in informal firms and how this might be done.

The discussion emphasised the importance of skills as an enabler of change in micro-businesses and their ability to adopt new technologies and ways of doing business. Final remarks by contributors emphasised this point and stressed that this went beyond leadership and management skills to include more technical competencies.

UNIV12B99

12 October 2016

14:30-17:00

**Organiser:**

Regional Studies Organisation and AESOP

**Chair/moderator:**

Prof. Stephen Roper,
Professor of Enterprise and Director
of the Enterprise Research Centre,
Warwick Business School,
United Kingdom

**Speakers:**

Alexander Lembcke,
Economist and policy analyst
in the Directorate for Public
Governance and Territorial
Development, OECD, France

Prof. Rene Rivera Huerta,
Professor, Universidad Autonoma
Metropolitana Unidad Xochimilco,
Mexico

Paul Braidford,
Independent consultant,
United Kingdom

**More information links:**

http://ip-bt.com/english
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UNIV13A111
13 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
Regional Studies Association and JRC
Smart Specialisation Platform

**Chair/moderator:**
Francesco Grillo,
Oxford University; Advisor to Italy's
Minister for Education, Universities
and Research, Italy

**Speakers:**
Katerina Ciampi Stancova,
Policy officer, JRC, Spain

Dr Edurn Magro,
Researcher, Orkestra, Basque
Institute of Competitiveness
& Deusto University, Spain

Dr Monika Matusiak,
Head of Centre for Public Policy,
Knowledge Transfer Company,
Poznan University of Economics
and Business, Poland

Prof Philip McCann,
Professor of Economic Geography,
University of Groningen, Netherlands

**More information links:**

*   Francesco Grillo - Oxford University, Advisor to Italy's Minister for Education, Universities and Research: www.vision-website.eu/UserFiles/Grillo_EWRC2016
*   Philip McCann, University of Groningen: https://danube-inco.net/object/document/1517/attach/s3_mccann_ortega.pdf
*   Monika Matusiak, Poznań University of Economics and Business: http://www.cetc-egtc.eu/download/category/18-smart-specialisations?download=32:specialisations-analysis-monika-matusiak-english
*   Ciampi-Nikolova, IPTS JRC, S3 Platform: http://s3platform.jrc.ec.europa.eu
*   Edurne Magro, Orkestra and Deusto Business School: www.orkestra.deusto.es/en/about-orkestra/team/423-edurne-magro-en

# Smart Specialisation five years on: From design to implementation

## Summary

Policy experts discussed the challenge for smart specialisation to move from a design phase to an implementation phase. Whereas the design phase was driven by the obligation imposed by Structural Funds regulation for smart specialisation to be a condition for access to the programmes, the implementation phase will be successful only if regions really buy into the innovation argument and if smart specialisation is not overwhelmed by public administrations' routine.

The debate provided an overview of the main issues related to implementation of the strategies, focusing on monitoring and evaluation, which are key to linking implementation to (re)design and making implementation as an opportunity to learn.

## Main messages/conclusions

Introduced about five years ago, smart specialisation is a new, innovative policy concept encouraging regions and cities to find and build on their competitive advantages. Experts noted that mainstreaming smart specialisation and focusing on evaluating and monitoring recent policy outcomes are the key priorities now.

'It is important that smart specialisation goes beyond the domain of experts, practitioners and administrators of cohesion policies', Professor Francesco Grillo from Oxford University stressed, as this policy concept remains relatively unknown among business people, policymakers and the public. Participation is key to smart specialisation, together with innovation and choice, and a focus on knowledge management – as a mechanism to generate knowledge from projects.

Philip McCann from the University of Groningen traced a short history of smart specialisation as being as at a crossroads between different academic research threads. The concept has now become interesting even beyond the European and cohesion policy domains. Moving forward, it is important for regions and cities to share experiences on implementing smart specialisation, as 'learning from other regions is crucial', and the Smart Specialisation Platform plays a key role as a learning network.

The platform was created to offer advice to EU countries and regions and to facilitate marking and peer review. Katerina Ciampi-Stankova from the IPTS - Joint Research Centre (where the S3 Platform is operating) provided an overview of the draft of the Handbook for the implementation of RIS, stressing the role of the inclusive and continuous Entrepreneurial Discovery Process in achieving good S3 governance.

Monika Matusiak from Poznań University of Economics and Business added: 'It is in the regions' best interests to monitor and evaluate [outcomes of S3] but there is also a need to involve more stakeholders.' Additionally, she listed few monitoring experiments (both diagnostic, cognitive and behavioural), identifying adaptive monitoring as an interesting approach once the learning phase of monitoring is under way.

Edurne Magro from Orkestra and Deusto Business School focused on challenges for monitoring and evaluation of RIS3 which 'are based on the distinctive elements of territorial strategies and especially on the Entrepreneurial Discovery Process novelty of RIS3 approaches'. Ms Adurno also provided some insights into the Basque Country's strategy and its implementation mechanisms.
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# Sustained and sustainable economic growth: Balancing economic and ecological development in cities and regions

## Summary

Although the concept of sustainable development suggests the reconciliation of economic, social and ecological goals, the right balance has not yet been found. The first conclusion from the session is that in addition to enhancing eco-efficiency, local strategies should critically consider the level of overall consumption. Secondly, it became clear from the example of a post-socialist city that – despite significant environmental achievements – catching up economically has been prioritised. This highlights the relevance of distributional justice. Finally, results from the JPI Urban Europe project Governance of Urban Sustainability Transitions showed that Urban Living Labs might help by initiating and testing sustainability innovations directly involving public and private actors.

## Main messages/conclusions

For more than 20 years the concept of sustainable development has suggested the reconciliation of economic, social and ecological goals on a global scale. However, it is obvious that the right balance has not yet been found. Cities and regions do have a certain capacity to act. How can they support, in particular, achieving the right compromise between some kind of economic material or non-material progress on the one hand and retaining appreciated and essential ecosystem services on the other hand?

The three speakers shed light on the problem from different perspectives. Prof. Dr Petter Næss of the Norwegian University of Life Science in Ås, Norway, challenged the very idea of green growth. He pointed out that recycling strategies are technically limited and that significant improvements in eco-efficiency are often offset by rebound effects. It is possible, for instance, for efforts to reduce carbon emissions through improving public transport to be cancelled out by the shift of expenditure from cars to holiday flights. This means that future urban strategies should also critically consider the level of consumption, which involves the difficult question of distributional justice.

Then Dr Yuliya Voytenko Palgan of Lund University in Sweden presented results from the JPI Urban Europe project on Governance of Urban Sustainability Transitions (GUST). She showed that Urban Living Labs might help by initiating and testing sustainability innovations directly involving public and private actors. Promising key characteristics of these labs are geographical embeddedness, experimentation and learning, participation and user involvement, leadership and ownership, as well as evaluation.

Finally, Dr Marek Stępa, deputy mayor of the City of Gdynia in Poland, gave valuable insights from the perspective of practical local policymaking and planning. Having had responsibility for spatial development, municipal investments and public transportation since 1998, he could point to significant environmental initiatives and substantive environmental improvements. Nevertheless, it became clear that catching up in economic terms has been made a priority. This highlights once again the relevance of distributional justice and emphasises that responsibility for sustainable development needs to be shared among all political and administrative levels.

UNIV13A123

13 October 2016

11:15-13:00

**Organiser:**

Regional Studies Association, AESOP, DG Research

**Chair/moderator:**

Dr Gerd Lintz, Senior researcher, Leibniz Institute of Ecological Urban and Regional Development, Germany

**Speakers:**

Marek Stępa, Deputy mayor of the City of Gdynia, Poland

Dr Yuliya Voytenko Palgan, Associate senior lecturer, Lund University, Sweden

Prof. Dr Petter Næss, Head of the Urban Sustainability research group, Norwegian University of Life Science, Ås, Norway
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# Spatial data requirements for effective spatial policy

UNIV13C112

13 October 2016

09:00-10:45

**Organiser:**
Regional Studies Organisation,
AESOP and ERSA

**Chair/moderator:**
Dr Alasdair Rae,
Senior Lecturer, University
of Sheffield, UK

**Speakers:**
Oliver Müller,
Eurostat, Luxembourg

Prof. Ron Martin,
Professor of Economic Geography,
University of Cambridge, UK

Prof. Stefanie Dühr,
Professor of European Spatial Planning
Systems, Radboud University,
Nijmegen, Netherlands

Martin Gauk,
Project Expert - Data, Toolbox and IT,
ESPON, Luxembourg

## Summary

In recent years, we have seen an increasing amount of newly available data for policymaking, particularly in relation to local dimensions of economic growth and competitiveness. This session therefore brought together data experts from across Europe to present their thoughts on 'spatial data requirements for effective spatial policy'; particularly in relation to the subnational level. A key idea discussed in the session was the question of whether 'evidence-based policy' is actually, quite often, more like 'policy-based evidence' rather than being about truly transformative knowledge. Another key idea discussed during the session was the fact that good data does not necessarily mean good policy - a key point emphasised during the discussion at the end of the seminar.

## Main messages/conclusions

This session focused on uses of, and the need for, better spatial data at subnational level. In order to design, implement and evaluate spatial policies properly and effectively, we must have the necessary data to do so, but across European Member States this is not always the case.

After the chair's opening comments, Oliver Müller from Eurostat discussed 'A selection of sub-national indicators available at Eurostat'. This focused on datasets at the NUTS2 and NUTS3 levels, in addition to data on cities and different territorial types. There was also some discussion of how such data is disseminated, before numerous examples were presented to the audience.

Following this scene-setting paper, Ron Martin then presented his view of research and data requirements for evidence-based spatial policy. This was helpfully framed using an OECD quote from 2014 which emphasised the need – and demand – 'for better, more diversified and detailed statistical data'. This then led into a discussion on 'the new age of data', which it can be argued we are currently in. The question of what 'good' data is was also highlighted as a key point here. In relation to critical data gaps, a significant idea put forward here was the need for data that permit 'total place analysis'; not possible in the current environment. Three concrete examples (UK cities, smart specialisation, Brexit and EU regions) were given before concluding that constructing effective and far-reaching datasets should be an integral part of national economic development management.

Following Ron Martin, Stefanie Dühr presented her thinking on 'A 'European spatial planning and territorial cooperation' perspective on spatial data'. This provided particularly useful conceptual framing of the issue, in relation to the ontological and epistemological aspects of 'what can be known' from spatial data. Further elements of this talk focused on political and policy agendas and 'transboundary spaces'. A key idea embedded in the talk was the idea of the map as 'an argument' rather than an objective representation of reality.

Martin Gauk's presentation then logically followed on from this to present the ESPON perspective, in relation to filling data gaps and the need to keep developing our European data infrastructure.

In a nutshell, the session might best be summarised by saying that there was agreement that more, better data is needed in order to understand social and economic processes at subnational level.
Master Class

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Held for the fourth time in 2016 as part of the European Week of Regions and Cities' University, the aim of the Master Class is to foster greater understanding of EU Cohesion Policy and its research potential for selected PhD students and early-career researchers.

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The Master Class is organised and led by the European Commission, the DG for Regional and Urban Policy, the EU Committee of the Regions (CoR) and the Regional Studies Association (RSA) in cooperation with the European Regional Science Association (ERSA) and the Association of European Schools of Planning (AESOP). A selection panel drawn from these organisations was responsible for reviewing the applications and selecting participants.

Following a call for paper proposals, 28 participants from 17 EU Member States attended the Master Class and discussed three topics in particular:

* Promoting inclusive growth and social cohesion, including the territorial dimension and the integration of urban and rural development.

* The significance of the network economy: policy learning; transfers between regions and cities; knowledge spill-overs.

* Improving the Cohesion policy delivery system: performance, simplification and accountability.

35 speakers and moderators from partner institutions were involved and the selected participants attended the various modules offered as part of the Master Class, namely: lectures, presentations of selected students' papers, networking sessions, the European Week of Regions and Cities' opening session, interactive debates, role-play sessions, social events (the RegioStars Awards) and city walking tours with specialists in urban planning.

The most important aspect of the Master Class is its impact on the research trajectories of the attendees. Feedback from alumni has made it clear that the Master Class has a major impact on many of its students. It provides the opportunity for students and ECRs to come to Brussels to visit the institutions, engage with senior officials and experts and network with peers. By doing so, the Master Class facilitates the exchange of knowledge and learning, and builds both capacity and an international community of experts.

Earlier cohorts of Master Class students have reported that their attendance has led to: successful applications for funding, joint projects or publications, new contacts and networks (both within the student body and at the institutions), additional knowledge about the work of policy makers at the European Commission, the European Parliament and the European Committee of the Regions, increased skills and employability and promotions or a new job.

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This experience has also encouraged them to stay in the regional development field and to work on Cohesion policy; many of the students are staying in contact with each other and working/publishing together. This is critical to the EU institutions, especially now as currently much of the expertise in this area is British. Another important element bringing added value to the Master Class is that institutions can also see where there are gaps in current PhD research. This year there were 115 applications which is a reasonable survey of PhDs in Europe in this field taken on an annual basis.

<figure><img src="image_152.png" /></figure>

After the Master Class, students and lecturers were invited to take part in an online evaluation and 21 of the 28 participants responded. For 77% of them, the Master Class is a real opportunity to meet EU institution representatives and to learn about new trends in regional and urban development research. The participants' main expectation was to network with other students/researchers. This expectation was met in some 86% of cases.

The session with the European Parliament Service was the most appreciated module with 81.82 % rating it as 'excellent'. The role play session was also appreciated, with 59.09% rating it 'excellent' and 36.36% as 'good'. The academic programme was perceived as 'excellent' by 36.36% and 'good' by 54.55%. Regarding communication tools, the EWRC website was the most useful tool (54.55% found it 'useful').

**The presentation of PhD students' research will be re-thought as it was the subject of the main recommendations for future events. Recommendations included: 'more time for reacting to the feedback of paper reviewers', 'shorter presentation on the policy results', 'predefining the presentations to maintain a reasonable time schedule' and 'smaller groups for the discussions'.** Another suggestion was to involve EU political representatives and local project leaders.

An Alumni Network is being formulated at the moment and will probably work as part of an RSA Funded Research Network on Cohesion Policy in the first instance.

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Investors' Café

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## Investors' Café at the European Committee of the Regions

Support for investment in Europe is a key priority for the European Committee of the Regions and for the European Commission. Local and regional authorities are responsible for more than half of public investment in the EU and investments in areas such as infrastructure, energy, public transport education, healthcare, etc., have a direct impact on local economies, the dynamism of businesses and the life and well-being of European citizens.

Local and regional leaders call on the EU to improve regulation and attract greater private-public investment in order to create more jobs and tackle the investment gap. The EU has many successful tools for investment, which can contribute to tackling Europe's large and harmful investment gap. However, major obstacles exist, including a lack of administrative know-how at local and regional level. With improved awareness, information and expertise, Europe's cities and regions could get more out of EU investment, including through the European Fund for Strategic Investments and other existing investment platforms.

In 2016, the Meeting Place at the European Committee of the Regions hosted an Investors' Café featuring information stands on advisory services relating to EU financial instruments, European Union SME-support and support for junior enterprises, as well as networking opportunities. The partners of the Investors' Café 2016 included:

* the European Investment Bank (Jaspers, Fi-Compass),

* the European Association of Public Banks,

* the European Commission Executive Agency for SMEs (Enterprise Europe Network, Horizon 2020 programmes, LIFE and EMFF),

* Eurochambres, as well as

* entrepreneurial associations such as Entreps, EURADA, JA Europe and JADE,

* and the Committee of the Regions' EER initiative.
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As well as providing an opportunity to meet and network with these representatives, the International Board of Business Owners and Entrepreneurs provided a TV platform and an 'app', in order to produce and broadcast live-streamed pitching videos via YouTube, presenting projects and initiatives from all over Europe. By signing in to the ByLeaders app (available at World GeoCommunity/Google Play), representatives of regions and cities were able to pitch their best projects and ideas to the entire community.
Regiostars Awards

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This year for the second time, the European Commission's RegioStars Awards were included in the European Week of Regions and Cities' Official Reception. The reception took place in the BOZAR's Henry Le Boeuf Hall. This major social and networking event was an opportunity to find out the winners of the RegioStars Awards, an initiative by the European Commission to foster innovative and inspiring projects in the European regions. EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Crețu, and the President of the RegioStars Awards jury, MEP Lambert van Nistelrooij, presented the winning projects with the RegioStars trophy and a certificate.

This yearly EU-wide competition showcased the best EU projects that illustrate, through real-life examples, how Cohesion Policy supports the creation of economic growth and jobs. In addition to giving recognition to the selected projects, the competition aimed to encourage the exchange of good practices between Cohesion Policy practitioners, as well as to inspire other project managers and managing authorities.

During the first round of the competition, an independent expert jury shortlisted 23 finalists out of 104 applications. Then, during the second round, five winning projects were selected to receive the prestigious RegioStars trophy. In addition, this year, the project 'Circular Ocean' from the Artic regions received a 'Public Choice Award', based on votes from attendees at the event.

This year, the submitted projects competed in 5 categories: support to businesses operating in the global economy, the circular economy, social inclusion strategies, sustainable urban development and, finally, a new category for projects that look at innovative solutions to manage EU funds more effectively. The projects that took home a trophy were:

## CATEGORY 1 – SMART GROWTH:

EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE GLOBAL ECONOMY

### COPENHAGEN CLEANTECH CLUSTER (Denmark/Capital Region of Denmark):

With the help of EUR 9 738 500 from the European Regional Development Fund, the Copenhagen Cleantech Cluster project created networks of companies and research institutes to spark ideas for new cleantech products and services and develop them into viable businesses. The project's overall vision was to develop a world-leading cluster of cleantech researchers and businesses in Copenhagen and the country's Zealand region. Over 600 companies were included, active in many different service and manufacturing industries. As a result, many local cleantech companies grew their businesses despite the financial crisis. Over 40% took on more employees and over half increased turnover.

## CATEGORY 2 – SUSTAINABLE GROWTH:

CIRCULAR ECONOMY

### CENTRO BIO: BIO-INDUSTRIES, BIOREFINERIES AND BIO-PRODUCTS (Portugal/Centro)

In the forested mountains of Portugal's Centro region, a technology and innovation centre is developing a bio-based rural economy that sources fuel and raw materials sustainably, creating new jobs and businesses, while limiting imports and preserving the area's natural beauty. Inspired by agricultural/forestry waste and residues that were a local hazard but have the potential to interact with different value-chains, the 'Centro Bio: Bio-industries, Biorefineries and Bioproducts Project' works with researchers and local farmers, foresters and entrepreneurs to develop new industries from by-products, improve the efficiency of businesses and train future scientists and entrepreneurs. The project is working towards a sustainable 'circular economy' for the area – one where businesses interact and share resources to avoid waste – and is funded to the tune of EUR 2 640 000 from the European Regional Development Fund.
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## CATEGORY 3 – INCLUSIVE GROWTH:

INTEGRATED LIVING – BUILDING INCLUSIVE AND NON-SEGREGATED COMMUNITIES

**ACADEMY OF SOCIAL ECONOMY (Poland /Malopolska Region)**

To enhance the impact of non-profits, charities and other social enterprises in the Malopolska Region in Poland, the European Social Fund-supported 'Academy of Social Economy Development Project (ASEDP)' helped to centralise cooperation between these private entities and the public sector. It focused its attention on building a social economy capable of supporting at-risk individuals such as the unemployed, disabled persons, homeless persons, substance abusers and the mentally ill. The result was the establishment of an Information & Consultation Point, a hub where social economy stakeholders could meet for knowledge sharing, training, consultations and promotional activities. The hub served as the go-to-place for both existing and potential new social economy entities. In total, 1711 individuals benefited from the programme, along with 245 social economy entities and 126 local partners. Altogether, 208 financial subsidiaries were transferred to newly-established social cooperatives thanks to the project's success.

## CATEGORY 4 – CITYSTAR:

SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

**REVITALIZATION OF LOWER TOWN DISTRICT IN GDANSK (Poland /Pomorskie Voivodeship)**

Gdańsk's Lower Town has historically been one of the most neglected districts of the city, with little investment or renovation taking place. In order to address this, a project has been carried out to revitalise historic parts of Gdańsk with the aim of both attracting sustainable long-term investment and encouraging greater social inclusion. The project, which received EUR 5792000 from the European Regional Development Fund, involved regenerating existing buildings and infrastructure and creating new social opportunities. Locals were asked about their needs and expectations, and their

responses were taken into consideration during the final drafting of the proposals. In order to attract investment and businesses, infrastructure such as street surfaces and public spaces have been repaired and revitalised, and an incubator for creative industries created.

## CATEGORY 5 – EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT:

MAKING A DIFFERENCE BY MANAGING DIFFERENTLY

**TRANSPARENCY INITIATIVE JONVABALIAI (FIREFLIES) (Lithuania)**

The issue of transparency – and the public's misperception of it – consistently ranks as one of the biggest challenges for EU-funded projects. FIREFLIES tackled the problem by decentralising the reporting process, allowing project managers to show the public how they use EU funds directly. This meant they could promote the benefits of their work to the public directly, and the public could see first-hand how EU funding was being implemented – thus removing one of the major barriers to public trust. At the centre of this approach was the formation of a voluntary coalition of social partners and opinion leaders, operating under the name FIREFLIES, – a name symbolic of light, transparency and inner energy – who work directly with project managers to encourage them to be more open about how they use EU funds. Via a website (www.jonvabaliai.lt), project managers can voluntarily submit information about project results, prices, public procurement, stakeholders, risk management practices, etc. The more information provided, the more 'transparency fireflies' they receive. When a user visits the website, they see a map highlighting all EU-financed projects, with each project's number of fireflies being fully visible – giving them a clear visual understanding of how transparent a project is. In less than two years, more than 630 project managers have joined and over 35500 people have visited the site. Even more impressive is the impact the project has had on public perception.

**More information:**

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/en/regio-stars-awards
Networking

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## Networking during the European Week of Regions and Cities

The European Week of Regions and Cities also provides an excellent networking opportunity for discussions and informal meetings between local, regional, national and European decision-makers, policy experts and practitioners.

The social events, which included an opening event at the European Committee of the Regions featuring an exhibition of the RegioStars finalists, and the Official Reception preceded by the RegioStars award ceremony (see page xx) at BOZAR, were key moments for networking and mingling among the participants, speakers and politicians.

The Meeting Place at the European Committee of the Regions headquarters offered participants a central location for attending workshops, networking and developing new partnerships. At the Investors' Café, event participants also had

the opportunity to meet representatives from EU SME-support mechanisms and advisory services relating to EU financial instruments, as well as representatives of organisations offering support to junior enterprises. The European Commission's conference centre, the Centre Borschette, provided areas for spontaneous networking in line with the three themes of the event: 'Sustained and sustainable economic growth' (ground floor), 'Inclusive economic growth'(first floor) and 'Making ESI Funds simpler' (second floor).

Moreover, the event's mobile application offered a new tool making it possible to browse through the list of participants to identify key contacts, get in touch with them and exchange e-business cards thanks to the application's integrated messaging and match-making features.

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Sustainable urban development:
Exploring and networking

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The 14th European Week of Regions and Cities provided a platform for practitioners, officials and experts from all over Europe interested in the urban dimension of EU policies. It was built on the Pact of Amsterdam, the CoR Forum on the EU Urban Agenda (30 May 2016) and last year's OPEN urban DAY. The European Commission's DG for Regional and Urban Policy and the European Committee of the Regions joined forces with the Brussels-Capital Region and local institutions, representatives from other cities and European networks and initiatives to facilitate an exchange of best practices on sustainable urban development. It was the perfect opportunity for them to debate urban development issues such as the challenges facing European cities and the urban impact assessment and to attend specific interactive sessions, workshops, project visits and key events on the Urban Agenda for the EU. The European Week of Regions and Cities was also the key moment to reflect upon the progress made and the next steps to be taken to move the Urban Agenda forward, notably during with the Political Event on the Urban Agenda for the EU on Wednesday 12 October.

## Guided visits organised by the Brussels Capital Region and project teams

On 11 and 12 October, event participants, and urban practitioners in particular, could choose to visit some Brussels-based projects relating to sustainable urban development. Objective: fostering international exchange in this field and spotlighting inspiring practices and experiences.

## Community Land Trust Brussels (CLT), an innovative initiative for housing

This non-profit organisation helps low-income families to solve their housing problems through access to property. To do so, CLT renovates or constructs buildings to facilitate the purchase of housing and to encourage the development of value-added activities in the neighbourhood. By separating land ownership from building ownership, a family can buy the building at an affordable price, whilst CLT retains the ownership of the land. This highly innovative project receives support from the Brussels Capital Region.

www.cltb.be
PORT SUD, promoting intangible heritage
for sustainable quality of life and Bruxelles-
Ecopôle/RecyK, a recycling project

Participants also discovered PORT SUD, a project con-
tributing to dynamic growth in the canal area. This ERDF
co-funded project promotes heritage and will generate
jobs. PORT SUD is expected to add value to the area and
improve services to the population. The project includes
the renovation of emblematic buildings, to accommodate
e.g. companies and a research and innovation centre.

Participants then moved on to the Bruxelles-Ecopôle/Re-
cyK. This project sets up a platform of circular and social
economy stakeholders specialised in the re-use, repair,
reduction and recycling of waste/resources, as well as in
training and professional reintegration.

www.portsud.be

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Greenbizz, a new development hub for the green economy, sustainable development and environmental entrepreneurship

This ERDF co-funded project provides companies and start-ups with facilities and services to create and develop their sustainable economy project. It is a new development hub for the green economy, sustainable development and environmental entrepreneurship. With a total floorspace of 5000 m², which complies with low-energy standards, the facility is flexible and is set up as a modular incubator and modular workspaces. The aim of Greenbizz is to help new entrepreneurs to get their project off the ground as soon as they arrive at Greenbizz.

www.greenbizz.brussels

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Local events

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Since 2006, regions and cities participating in the European Week of Regions and Cities as 'partners' have to organise at least one local event. In 2016, some 144 'Europe in my region/Europe in my city' local events have been organised between September and November, in 29 different countries, all around Europe.

Local events were structured around the European week of Regions and Cities' three thematic priorities, namely: Sustained and sustainable economic growth, Inclusive economic growth and Making ESI Funds simpler. They encouraged 'interactive/citizens' dialogues and engaged local politicians. Their targets were the general public, regions and cities, potential beneficiaries of EU regional policy, expert audiences, academics and the media. The events could take various formats such as conferences, workshops, radio/TV broadcasts, information days or exhibitions. They could also be organised in conjunction with the launch of EU regional policy projects or as part of the annual information measures required by the Structural Funds' regulations.

Regional and local administrations, institutions or organisations which were not members of a regional partnership could also organise local events as part of the European Week. These are called local events organised by 'independent partners'. This year, 138 local events were organised by regional Partnerships and 6 by independent partners.

The events, and their upcoming summary reports, can be consulted on the interactive map on the European Week's website:

http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/regions-and-cities/2016/local_events.cfm

Contact:

localevents-ewrc@cor.europa.eu

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Media analysis

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**The 14th edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities was attended by more than 170 journalists from 28 countries, including most of the European Union Member States, as well as some non-EU countries. Journalists had the opportunity to learn more about the Cohesion Policy, as well as the importance of regions and cities, not only during the media programme, but also during a series of more than 100 workshops, debates, exhibitions and networking events.**

A specifically designed media programme, taking place from Monday 10 October to Wednesday 12 October, was prepared for the journalists participating in the European Week. The media programme started with a press briefing on 'EU Regional Policy and Challenges Ahead', followed by a press roundtable with the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Corina Crețu, and the President of the European Committee of the Regions, Markku Markkula. In the afternoon, the European Week of Regions and Cities 2016 was officially launched by Commissioner Crețu, President Markkula, Ramón Luis Valcárcel Siso, Vice President of the European Parliament, and Anton Marcinčin, Plenipotentiary of the Slovak Government for support of least-developed regions. In the evening, a networking reception and exhibition of RegioStars Awards projects was held, at which journalists had the opportunity to interview the finalists of the RegioStars Awards.

The journalists met experts from the European Commission on the second day of the media programme, which allowed them to get background information on Cohesion Policy and the use of cohesion funds in their countries. Later on, two workshops were held, focusing on the past and future of the policy and on the performance of European cities, respectively. On the same day the journalists met the winners of the 'Europe in my region' Photo Competition 2016 and the winners of RegioStars Awards. In the evening, the RegioStars Awards Ceremony acknowledged the most innovative projects funded in the framework of the EU Cohesion Policy.

The media attending the European Week of Regions and Cities 2016 took part in a guided tour of the Canal Zone in Brussels on the final day. The aim of the visit was to showcase several projects supported by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) with a major cultural, social and economic impact on the municipality of Molenbeek.

## Key findings

The 2016 edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities was attended in larger numbers by journalists working for the print press with online outlets, in line with the trend towards digital publishing, but there was also an increase in the number of TV journalists in comparison to 2015. The participating journalists generated at least 279 reports that were published in the European national and regional media.

More than half of the coverage collected was published online and it included written media reports, as well as TV and radio. Reports in the print version of media outlets accounted for a fifth of total coverage. A positive trend observed is that this year's edition of the event saw a doubling in coverage generated by news agencies. As expected, most coverage of the event came from media in countries that benefited the most from European Structural and Investment Funds (ESI Funds). The reports analysed reflected an interest in ESI Funds, with more than half covering the topic. In most cases, the media adopted a national and/or regional stance and reported on the use of funds in their country or region of origin. In line with the idea of communicating about Cohesion Policy in direct proximity to the people and communities concerned, the analysis found that nearly 60% of the media coverage was distributed by regional media outlets, continuing the trend of previous editions of the event.

Among the thematic priorities of the event, sustained and sustainable growth and the new opportunities linked to innovation with reference to energy efficiency, the low-carbon economy, promotion of the circular economy and smart specialisation proved to be of high relevance for the media, being featured in nearly a quarter of the reports. Inclusive economic growth and social inclusion policies for disadvantaged sections of population, measures for the creation of micro-businesses and measures facilitating a self-employment-friendly working environment accounted for more than a fifth of the coverage analysed.

The RegioStars Awards Ceremony, a major item on the agenda of this year's edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities, attracted significant coverage from the media. Journalists from the countries of the winners reported the most on the RegioStars Awards, with a total of 39 reports covering
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the ceremony and the winners. Nevertheless, countries with no direct relationship to the winners, such as Bulgaria and Romania, also mentioned the initiative.

The projects visited in the Canal Zone and the Molenbeek neighbourhood of Brussels were also covered by journalists in their reports. Following the press trip, 'Molenbeek' was mentioned in 19 reports by journalists from 11 different countries. The journalists who took part in the visit discovered the stigmatised neighbourhood and learnt more about the diverse entrepreneurial initiatives supported by the European Regional Development Fund.

## Quantitative analysis

### Media participation

This edition of the European Week of Regions and Cities was attended by 208 media representatives from 26 Member States, as well as from Serbia and China. Of the EU Member

States, only Luxembourg and the Netherlands were not represented at the event by the media. As in previous editions the largest number of journalists came from Member States that are receiving large allocations of European Structural and Investment Funds. Italy was represented by 21 journalists, followed by Poland and Spain with 17 journalists each.

Most of the journalists work for the print press with online versions (38%). There was a slight increase in the number of TV journalists (24%) as compared with the previous edition (21%). Journalists working for online outlets (14%), radio (11%) and news agencies (8%) were also present at the event. National press agencies from 10 countries (Belgium, Croatia, France, Greece, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain) were represented by 14 journalists.

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Distribution of journalists by media type

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Media coverage

A total of 279 reports by journalists attending the Europe-
an Week were identified, which represents a decrease in
comparison with the 2015 edition. On average, the jour-
nalists that covered the event produced 1.6 reports about
the event. Most coverage came from the countries with the
highest number of journalists attending the event, i.e. Spain
(41 reports), Poland (40 reports) and Italy (39 reports).

Distribution of media coverage by country

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