Programme under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective, co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Programme description
On 2 October 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the Austrian Bundesland of Vienna for the 2007-13 period.
The Operational Programme “Strengthening the regional competitiveness and integrated urban development in Vienna 2007-2013” falls within the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective framework (“phasing-out” regions not included) and has a total budget of around € 50.3 million. Community assistance through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some € 25.2 million, which represents approximately 1.72% of the total EU investment for Austria under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-2013.
1. Aim and purpose of the programme
The overall objective of the programme is to strengthen the competitiveness and innovation potential of the regional economy and to keep Vienna an attractive region, while respecting the principles of sustainable development and gender equality. This approach shall guarantee the quality of life, income and employment of all inhabitants of the Bundesland Vienna.
With a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita of 179.70 % of the EU average Vienna belongs to the top regions of the European Union with a very high standard of living and good environmental quality However, to meet the challenges of a globalising world and significant changes in the EU internal market after the 2004 enlargement of the Union, well-targeted support to specific sectors is essential to strengthen the economy and urban development.
To increase competitiveness and knowledge and to assure a long-term growth of the economy it is essential that Vienna plays an important role in Europe. Networking with the neighbouring regions and other European centres should contribute to achieve these objectives. Innovation and an economy based on integrated urban development should ensure a significant improvement of the living and environmental conditions in Vienna. The Operational Programme shall promote innovation and the knowledge-based economy as well as the creation of permanent jobs. An increase in research & development (R&D) will substantially contribute to achieving the Lisbon Strategy objectives of growth and jobs. The Gothenburg objectives of sustainability and gender mainstreaming will be horizontal objectives within the context of the Programme.
2. Expected impact of the investment
The Operational Programme will ensure the creation of 250 new jobs and trigger a total investment of €94 million.
3. Priorities
The principal objectives of the "Strengthening the regional competitiveness and integrated urban development in Vienna 2007-2013" Programme are the establishment of an innovative and knowledge-based economy and an increase of the integrated urban development of the Bundesland Vienna.
The Vienna Regional Operational Programme is structured along the following priorities:
Priority 1: Innovation and knowledge-based economy [approximately 38.0% of total funding]
In the current era of globalisation, Vienna's economy faces a strong competition on the EU and world markets. In this context, improving innovation and promoting a knowledge-based economy is of crucial importance, as well as increasing the importance of Vienna as the location for knowledge. One key issue is the successful application of R&D outputs. Small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) are the key success factor and are the focus of the programme, with a wide range of support activities. These activities range from establishing a company from networking and guidance through all phases. In addition, the infrastructure must be adapted to the demands of a modern economy.
Priority 2: Integrated urban development [approximately 58.0% of total funding]
Mobility, demographical change and social integration represent the main challenges of the near future, for which sustainable solutions must be foreseen. Corresponding measures therefore have to be implemented while taking energy efficiency and other environmental aspects into consideration. Concentrated urban development should be realised in three selected urban areas ("Gründerzeitviertel -Westgürtel", "Bahnhof Wien – Erdberger Mais" and "U2 Donaustadt – Flugfeld Aspern"). Through innovative and efficient measures, services and transport infrastructure can be improved. Special key-projects and pilot projects should assure an innovative approach.
Priority 3: Technical assistance [approximately 4.0% of total funding]
There is also provision for technical assistance to implement the programme. Financial support is available for administration, co-ordination, monitoring and evaluation, exchange of information and control as well as policy learning issues.
4. Managing Authority
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovation and knowledge-based economy | 9.557.708,00 | 9.557.708,00 | 19.115.416,00 |
| Integrated urban development | 14.588.079,00 | 14.588.079,00 | 29.176.158,00 |
| Technical assistance | 1.006.074,00 | 1.006.074,00 | 2.012.148,00 |
| Total | 25.151.861,00 | 25.151.861,00 | 50.303.722,00 |