Projects

This study provided an overview of good practice in addressing horizontal themes in EU Structural Funds programmes, feeding in to the University of Tartu evaluation of the horizontal themes in the priority axis “Good-quality and long working life” of the Human Resource Development OP in Estonia.

The project involved research reviewing the use of innovative financial instruments as well as an analysis of relevant aspects in the 2007-13 programme period and to formulate strategic and operational recommendations to the European Parliament with a view to refining the European Commission's proposals on FIs for 2014-2020.

The project involved a stock-take of knowledge and experience on the use of financial instruments in the 2007-13 period and lessons for the EIB for 2014-20. Specifically, the project comprised: an overview and analysis of financial engineering instruments (FEIs) used in 2007-13; exploring the use of technical assistance in designing and implementing FEIs; assessing the scope for financial instruments to be used in 2014-20 under the 11 thematic objectives; and developing a recommended action plan for the EIB.

This project assessed the long-term economic impact of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) from 1989 to 2012. Undertaken in collaboration with the London School of Economics and a network of nine other research institutes across Europe, the study involved a mix of in-depth quantitative and qualitative research in 15 case study regions in 10 countries. It provided new insights into the relevance, effectiveness and utility of Cohesion policy in the EU15.

The project analysed the factors which facilitate or discourage local stakeholders' and businesses' decision to apply for support from Structural Funds. Through a wide-ranging literature review, case studies, questionnaires and interviews, this study tried to answer questions about what could be done to attract more applications during the recession of the late 2000s, and how the participation of successful applicants could be made more effective. It put forward a number of specific recommendations for policy makers at local, regional, national and EU level.

This study provides a description of the general nature of SMEs and their development factors as well as the support that Cohesion Policy and other EU policies provide to SMEs. It then assesses practical aspects and effects of Cohesion Policy on enterprises and SMEs on the basis of a review of published materials and eight case studies drawn from SME-relevant ERDF OPs from 2007-2013; where possible, it also includes lessons learnt from 2000-2006. The conclusions and policy recommendations put forward clearly highlight the complex relationship between EU policies and SMEs as final beneficiaries of support in the EU multilevel governance system.

The project contributes to the ongoing evaluation of the Lombardia Competitiveness OP (2007-13). The EPRC contribution involves three studies on: (i) the reform of Cohesion policy for the 2014-2020 period and the application of the earmarking principle in selected 2007-13 programmes from across the EU; (ii) an assessment of financial instruments for business development in Cohesion policy; and (iii) a review and appraisal of the measures implemented in 2007-13 programmes to support innovation, particularly through the enhancement of collaboration between firms and research.

Theproject examined the types of innovation that occur in peripheral, sparsely populated areas. It used a broad definition of innovation, ranging from the commercialisation of research and development, to the introduction of new services, business models and ways of working. It focused on sectors where innovation is rooted in the natural resources or sparse population of peripheral areas (e.g. alternative energies; wildlife/landscape tourism; food processing and marketing; cultural industries; and the use of ICT in public service delivery). It also examined the kinds of interaction that are important for innovation in remote areas and considered how innovation is shaped by local strengths (e.g. natural resources) and by external demand and supply-side factors (e.g. regulatory frameworks, external markets, government and business decisions). It focused in particular on peripheral areas of the Austria, Finland, Norway, Sweden and the UK.

This study involved an ex post evaulation of the management and implementation systems for the ERDF in Objective 1 and 2 programmes in 2000-6, across 25 EU Member States.

The project comprised an evaluation of the potential for regional policy instruments (2007-13) to contribute to the Lisbon and Gothenburg objectives for growth, jobs and sustainable development. It focused on the role of the Operational Programmes for the 2007-13 period, and their relationship to the National Sustainable Reference Frameworks, as well as the National Reform Programmes and National Sustainable Development Strategies for the operationalisation of the Lisbon and Gothenburg agendas at national level.