Projects

The project comnprised an ex ante evaluation accompanying the design of the 2014-2020 North Sea Region Programme and appraisal of its different elements.

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 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 providing research and advisory support for the Planning Bureau, Cyprus, in preparation for and during the Cyprus EU Presidency. The research included the development of briefing papers on options for the reform of the Multiannual Financial Framework and specific EU policy areas, especially EU Cohesion policy.

The project contributed to the evaluation of the cross-border cooperation programmes involving Poland, drawing on lessons from internatil experience.

The project involved research contributing to the OECD's review of higher education focusing on the Basque Country.

The project involved a comparative assessment of regional development policy in the EU and in Brazil. Commissioned by the Brazilian Ministry for National Integration, the study provided a detailed assessment of EU and Brazilian evaluation approaches and experiences, and a comparative assessment of overlap, challenges and recommendations which could be implemented in Brazil.

The project provided a critical analysis of EU Cohesion policy reform perspectives for the post-2013 period. On the basis of a literature review and budgetary modelling, the study offers an assessment of the policy’s strengths and weaknesses, the main reform ideas and counter-positions, including the implications of different reform proposals. Recommendations are derived to inform the position of the European Parliament in the upcoming negotiations on the legislative package of regulations

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.

The project involved research assessing the management and implementation of Structural Funds in the UK, and the lessons of international experience with implementing Cohesion policy.