Publications

Guide to Social Innovation (February 2013)

Social innovation is in the mouths of many today, at policy level and on the ground. It is not new as such: people have always tried to find new solutions for pressing social needs. But a number of factors have spurred its development recently.

There is, of course, a link with the current crisis and the severe employment and social consequences it has for many of Europe's citizens. On top of that, the ageing of Europe's population, fierce global competition and climate change became burning societal challenges. The sustainability and adequacy of Europe's health and social security systems as well as social policies in general is at stake. This means we need to have a fresh look at social, health and employment policies, but also at education, training and skills development, business support, industrial policy, urban development, etc., to ensure socially and environmentally sustainable growth, jobs and quality of life in Europe.
(5 MB)

Connecting Smart and Sustainable Growth through Smart Specialisation - A practical guide for ERDF Managing Authorities (November 2012)

The Europe 2020 strategy is built on the three objectives of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth to be implemented as 'three mutually reinforcing priorities'. In order to deliver on these goals and provide a response to the economic and financial crisis, it is of utmost importance that all involved actors connect these areas of action, involving all relevant stakeholders, developing synergies and boosting the added-value of public investments.

To promote a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy it is clear that the way ahead has to include significant innovation: sustainable growth needs to go hand in hand with smart growth in order for the EU and its citizens to reap the full benefits of a switch to the green economy.

(12 MB)

Regiostars Awards 2013 - Presentation of the finalists (October 2012)

Finalists will be invited to present their projects to an independent jury at the OPEN DAYS in October 2012. The Award Ceremony will take place in February 2013.

The objective of the RegioStars Awards is to identify good practices in regional development and to highlight original and innovative projects which could be attractive and inspiring to other regions. The RegioStars awards form part of the Commission's Regions for Economic Change initiative, which aims to highlight good practice in urban and regional development.

The Outermost Regions - European regions of assets and opportunities (June 2012)

The European Union currently has eight Outermost Regions (ORs), which form an integral part of EU territory. These are: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique, Saint Martin, Réunion (France); the Canary Islands (Spain) and the Azores and Madeira (Portugal). Unlike the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs), which have associate status with their respective Member States (Denmark, France, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom), the Outermost Regions must adhere in full to the rights and obligations arising from the European Treaties.

Cohesion Policy 2014-2020 explained

• Cohesion Policy 2014 -2020 : Investing in growth and jobs
  
• Simplifying Cohesion Policy for 2014-2020
  
• Integrated Sustainable Urban Development
  
• Research Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation
  
• Community-led Local Development
  
• Financial Instruments in Cohesion Policy 2014-2020
  
• Ensuring the visibility of Cohesion Policy : Information and communication rules 2014-2020
  
• Integrated Territorial Investment
  

More

Measuring performance: country factsheets (2012)

Cities of tomorrow - Challenges, visions, ways forward - (October 2011)

More than two thirds of the European population lives in urban areas. Cities are places where both problems emerge and solutions are found. They are fertile ground for science and technology, for culture and innovation, for individual and collective creativity, and for mitigating the impact of climate change. However, cities are also places where problems such as unemployment, segregation and poverty are concentrated. The ‘Cities of tomorrow’ reflection process will provide inspiration for policymakers and practitioners involved in urban development, whether at local, regional, national or European level. Study : - Summary and conclusions:

Errors in Cohesion Policy (November 2011)

The European Commission has recently published its 'Analysis of errors in cohesion policy for the years 2006-2009', as well as actions it has taken to reduce their occurrence, and the way forward. While errors do exist, they are concentrated in a handful of programmes in a small number of Member States. The document stresses however, that 'errors' are not equal to 'fraud'. The term 'error' is used for any non-compliance with a condition for receiving EU funds, while 'fraud' entails deliberate or criminal deception for the purpose of making an unjust gain. The Commission's analysis highlights the most common examples of errors, such as contracts awarded without following the correct tender procedure; inadequate documentation to support expenditure (lack of audit trail); inaccurate calculation of overheads; application of incorrect co-financing rate; and, overestimated payment claims

European Code of Good Conduct for microcredit provision (October 2011)

This European Code of Good Conduct for microcredit provision, published by the European Commission in October 2011, provides recommendations and standards that should foster best practice in the microcredit sector. It is intended to provide guidance for microcredit providers from the point of view of consumers, investors, funders and regulators.

European Territorial Cooperation: building bridges between people
(October 2011)

Regional Policy Directorate General just published a new publication entitled 'European Territorial Cooperation: building bridges between people'. This publication will give you an insight into how cooperation, including the European groupings for territorial cooperation and EU macro-regional strategies, currently works, and what the future may hold. It brings you stories about people from all over Europe who either have benefited from, or are somehow connected to, cooperation.

Investing in our Regions - 150 examples of projects co-funded by European Regional Policy (February 2010) -

Guide to Social Innovation

Social innovation is in the mouths of many today, at policy level and on the ground. It is not new as such: people have always tried to find new solutions for pressing social needs. But a number of factors have spurred its development recently.

There is, of course, a link with the current crisis and the severe employment and social consequences it has for many of Europe's citizens. On top of that, the ageing of Europe's population, fierce global competition and climate change became burning societal challenges. The sustainability and adequacy of Europe's health and social security systems as well as social policies in general is at stake. This means we need to have a fresh look at social, health and employment policies, but also at education, training and skills development, business support, industrial policy, urban development, etc., to ensure socially and environmentally sustainable growth, jobs and quality of life in Europe.
Guide to Social Innovation(2013)

Connecting Smart and Sustainable Growth through Smart Specialisation - A practical guide for ERDF Managing Authorities (November 2012)

The Europe 2020 strategy is built on the three objectives of smart, sustainable and inclusive growth to be implemented as 'three mutually reinforcing priorities'. In order to deliver on these goals and provide a response to the economic and financial crisis, it is of utmost importance that all involved actors connect these areas of action, involving all relevant stakeholders, developing synergies and boosting the added-value of public investments.

To promote a more resource efficient, greener and more competitive economy it is clear that the way ahead has to include significant innovation: sustainable growth needs to go hand in hand with smart growth in order for the EU and its citizens to reap the full benefits of a switch to the green economy.

(12 MB)

Guide to Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation
This guide has been conceived as a methodological guidance for policy-makers and implementing bodies on how to prepare for and how to design, draft and implement a national/regional research and innovation strategy for smart specialisation (RIS3). Rather than an all-encompassing, prescriptive document, the guide is to be understood as a general orientation document which will evolve as the concept develops. Indeed, the document will be improved and updated on a regular basis.
Guide to Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (2012)

Connecting Universities to regional Growth : A practical guide (September 2011)

This EU Guide has been designed to enable public authorities to promote the active engagement of universities and other higher education institutions in regional innovation strategies for smart specialisation, in cooperation with research centres, businesses and other partners in the civil society. It can also be used by academic and economic partners to explore the benefits they can expect from working together for regional development. It is not an academic publication but a practical tool with recommendations, part of a series of guides prepared in the framework of the Smart Specialisation Platform set up by the Commission for providing methodological assistance and practical guidance to national and regional policy makers involved in designing and delivering innovation strategies for smart specialisation. It will be useful for the last years of the current programming period and for preparing the next one.

Guide to broadband investment (September 2011)

The "EU Guide on Broadband investment models" is the first attempt by the Commission to advise public authorities managing EU funds on the strengths and weaknesses of different models of investment in high speed internet infrastructures. It provides advice to managing authorities and project promoters on the issues that should be considered when planning a public sector investment in broadband infrastructure based on a detailed review of several broadband investment projects (mostly ERDF co-funded) and includes messages on success factors and lessons learned. This guide was born under the Digital Agenda for Europe and has been co-signed by Commissioners Hahn, Kroes, Ciolos and Almunia. It complements other activities by the Commission services such as the European Broadband Portal and the Bottom up Broadband initiative.

Regional Policy for smart growth in Europe 2020
(May 2011)

Regional policy is a key delivery mechanism for Europe 2020 and the Innovation Union. Investment in research, innovation and human capital is crucial for all regions, but regions start with different endowments and capabilities. Regional diversity favours different routes to growth through innovation and specialisation and challenges policy-makers to develop the right policy mix adjusted to regional potentials and needs. All regions can gain from adopting a policy mix that develops their strengths and tackles their weaknesses, whether through knowledge generation or through its diffusion and absorption.

Regional Policy contributing to sustainable growth in Europe
(May 2011)

Sustainable growth is one of the three main pillars of the new 'Europe 2020' strategy. The brochure sets out the how EU's regions and cities can exploit the opportunities offered by Cohesion Policy to boost local and regional sustainable growth. A number of good practice examples provide practical support and underline the potential of the low-carbon and resource efficient economy to provide jobs, growth and preserve the environment and resources