Projects

This project analyses ESIF financial instruments for energy efficiency and renewable energy sources and their implementation. The results suggest that, because implementation is highly context-dependent, transferability of lessons and good practice is limited. EE and RES FIs require specialist support and are constrained by operational programme lifecycles. More could be done to measure the impact of EE and RES FIs, though assessing the performance of both low carbon policies and financial instruments is highly challenging.

This project involved research on the take up and effectiveness of financial instruments (FIs). The new regulatory framework for EU Cohesion policy in 2014-20 has reinforced the scope for (repayable) financial instruments to deliver Cohesion policy objectives, as an alternative to using grants. The research focuses on: identifying the rationale for using FIs within Cohesion policy programmes; providing a ‘stocktake’ of how EU Member States are making use of FIs in 2014-20; identifying the issues which influence uptake of FIs; and analysing complementarities and interaction between Cohesion-policy funded FIs and other sources of funding such as the European Fund for Strategic Investments.

The project involves a background statistical review and area analysis of the North Sea Region to support the development of a revised North Sea Region 2020 Strategy.

The project is about promoting stakeholder engagement and public awareness for a participative governance of the European bioeconomy. Funded by Horizon 2020, it BioSTEP aims to engage citizens and various stakeholder groups in discussions about the future development of Europe’s bioeconomy. Its objective is to increase the overall awareness and understanding of the bioeconomy as well as its consequences and benefits by considering citizens' needs and concerns. In order to overcome the current lack of public knowledge on the bioeconomy, BioSTEP makes existing data on bio-based products and processes accessible to the general public and various stakeholder groups. In addition, BioSTEP involves identifying and disseminating best practices on the participatory development of national and regional bioeconomy strategies.

The project, for the European Parliament REGI Committee, involves examining synergies between ESIF and other EU instruments, particularly Horizon 2020, RIS3, CEF, COSME, EaSI, EFSI. It includes research on Commission bodies and actors involved in the maximisation of synergies between ESIF and other EU instruments, among authorities involved in the implementation of these instruments and in relevant Member State authorities. The study  assesses the pursuit of synergies via different means: regulatory provisions, strategic frameworks, operational structures and processes.

The project, funded by Italian Agency Invitalia in the framework of the technical assistance to the Italian Ministry of Economic Development involves an overview of aid schemes for firms aimed at increasing the territorial attractiveness of regions and their structural change through the development of tourism, particularly that linked to the full exploitation of historical, cultural, environmental and social assets. The research involves assesment of successful measures implemented in the 2007-13 OPs from across Europe, six case studies and the detailed examination of the implementation and performance of selected schemes, an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of each intervention examined and the lessons learnt and transferrable practices for the 2014-20 Italian programmes.

The project involved research on the development of an Arctic regional collaboration mechanism funded by the Northern Periphery Programme. The aim was to consider the need for improved collaboration across regional economic development programmes in the Arctic and how a collaboration mechanism can be optimally structured and delivered. In doing so, the project will critically assess the potential for synergies, the benefits for stakeholders of improved collaboration and options for systems/platforms for collaboration and knowledge sharing and building.

This study assess the implementation of financial instrument in Cohesion policy in terms of their economy, efficiency and effectiveness during the 2007-13 programming period.  The study takes stock of existing knowledge on the operation of FIs as reflected in the academic literature and policy documents, as well as undertaking eight case studies. A comparative analysis of the case studies, focusing on the different stages in the lifecycle of FIs, provides the basis on which to draw lessons from the implementation of FIs in 2007-13, highlighting implications for 2014-20.

The project, undertaken for the European Parliament REGI Committee, provided a comprehensive analysis and assessment of how Cohesion Policy objectives have been delivered through measures that involved the EIB Group. Specifically, it focused on: the role of EIB Group in the implementation of Cohesion Policy; the effectiveness of EIB activities in Cohesion Policy; accountability, transparency and visibility of EIB Group activities; relationships between EU institutions and EIB Group; and future expectations of the EIB Group.

The project, commissioned by the World Bank, examined the development, management and implementation of integrated sustainable urban development strategies.