Projects

Theproject comprised and evaluation of the transnational LEADER project "Slow Travel", implemented by partner regions from Austria and Luxembourg.

The project comprised an evaluation of the transnational LEADER project "Slow Travel", implemented by partner regions from Austria, Poland and Spain.

The project was conducted as part of a World Bank contract with the Romanian Government to deliver technical assistance, to identify project selection models for the Regional Operational Programme 2014-2020. As part of the analysis, EPRC undertook a comparative review of project selection models and criteria across six EU Member States, including a description of the main models, a review and analysis of applicable criteria and main lessons learned and good practice.

The project involved an assessment of the evidence on EU Cohesion policy concerning whether and to what extent the objectives of the relevant policies have been met, and whether these policies and funds have delivered value for money – and an understanding of how this varies within and between policies. The review also considered EU infrastructure expenditure that might contribute to the broad aim of cohesion, specifically Trans-European Networks. The study contributed to the UK Government's EU Balance of Competences Review

The project involved an assessment of external coherence of the Structural Funds programme in Austria as part of the ex-ante evaluation of the Austrian ERDF OP 2014-20

This project, funded under FP7, assesses economic growth and social cohesion trends in Central and Eastern Europe, in particular the effects of EU accession on national and regional economic development (Growth - Investment - Cohesion, GRINCOH). The work-package led by EPRC focused on the contribution of EU Cohesion policy to regional development in Central and Eastern European countries, particularly in the period 2007-2013.

The project involved an assessment of the Europe 2020 strategy with particular reference to its seven Flagship initiatives (Innovation Union, Digital Agenda, Industrial Policy, Resource-efficient Europe, Youth on the Move, New Skills and Jobs, and the European Platform against Poverty). It explores their coherence with Cohesion policy with a view to the preparations for the 2014-20 period and identifies ways of integrating the Flagship initiatives into the future Common Strategic Framework. Detailed roadmaps were provided for each Flagship initiative, indicating what, when, how and by whom actions should be carried out over short-, medium- and long-term perspectives. Lastly, the report delivered recommendations related to the implementation of the Flagship initiatives using Cohesion policy instruments.

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.

This project examined territorial cooperation in the EU and its neighbourhood, asking what role cooperation has in ensuring the sustainable development of territorial units. The project covered 52 cross-border and 13 transnational cooperation areas as well as macro-regions such as the Baltic Sea Region. By considering the common characteristics of regions, critical mass and possible fields of cooperation, the project identified those regions that are most appropriate for territorial cooperation. The project also highlighted cases of good practice and general lessons that could be transferred or applied to other cooperation areas.