Programme co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) under the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective
Programme description
On 17 August 2007, the European Commission approved a Regional Operational Programme for the Marche region in Italy for the period 2007-13. The Operational Programme falls within the framework laid out for the Regional Competitiveness and Employment Objective and has a total budget of around €289 million. Community funding through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) amounts to some €113 million, which represents approximately 0.4% of the total EU investment earmarked for Italy under the Cohesion Policy for 2007-13.
1. Aim and purpose of the programme
The overall objective of the Operational Programme is to boost competitiveness throughout the entire regional economic system. The Programme is focused on providing impetus to research and innovation, creating an innovative economic environment, promoting sustainable development and supporting access and efficient use of information and communication technologies (ICT) by businesses, thereby contributing to meeting the Lisbon strategy for growth and jobs objectives. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will benefit from measures designed to facilitate access to credit and financing, in addition to an improved system of financial guarantees designed to foster SME investments.
Other major investments are targeted at substantially reducing the digital divide in certain market areas, increasing the use of broadband and developing added value services throughout the business sector.
2. Expected impact of investments
The Programme is expected to result in the creation of some 1500 direct new jobs combined with a 20% increase in employment in the research and development (R&D) sector. Greenhouse gas emissions are expected to decrease 5% by 2013, with local air pollution levels also being substantially curbed (60% decrease in acute phenomena). In the ICT area, broadband access should reach an additional 6% of enterprises.
3. Priorities
The Programme is structured according to the following priorites:
Priority 1: Innovation and Knowledge Economy [approximately 41.5% of total funding]
This priority aims to strengthen the regional innovation system by emphasising the role of the private sector, encouraging technological transfer and enhancing cooperation among firms and research institutes. The industrial research and technology effort will be promoted by groups of firms as well as public and private research bodies. SMEs will benefit from easier access to credit and financing and an improved system for financial guarantees as part of fostering SME investments.
Priority 2: Information Society [approximately 11.6% of total funding]
This priority will promote better network access for citizens and enterprises, thereby reducing the digital divide in less developed areas. The take-up and efficient use of ICTs by SMEs as well as increased broadband use will also be promoted, especially in remote and rural areas, all the while respecting the principle of technology neutrality. The development of services and applications, including added value services for SMEs, will also fall under this priority.
Priority 3: Sustainability and Energy Efficiency [approximately 13.0% of total funding]
The priority will promote greater efficiency in the use of energy resources (long-term sustainability) at all points along the energy chain, boost production from renewable sources (from both the supply and demand sides) and improve energy efficiency through energy savings and CHP (combined heat and power) generation.
Priority 4: Accessibility to Transport Services [approximately 14.1% of total funding]
The first strategic focus here is to enhance key transport infrastructures in the region. This includes developing freight and passenger transport systems in terms of accessibility (namely, Ancona airport, Ancona port and the Jesi multimodal platform) and ensuring concentration in the region’s central area.
The second focus is to boost local public transport services by implementing Intelligent Transport Systems and improving connections.
Priority 5: Territorial Development [approximately 15.9% of total funding]
This priority is characterised by a clear territorial approach and will be implemented through integrated territorial programmes focused on promoting and preserving environmental and cultural heritage and supporting risk prevention.
Priority 6: Technical Assistance [approximately 3.9% of total funding]
Technical assistance for implementing the Programme will be provided under this priority, in addition to financial support which will cover administration, monitoring, evaluation and control.
4. Managing Authority
Financial information
Breakdown of finances by priority axis
| Priority Axis | EU Investment | National Public Contribution | Total Public Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innovation and Knowledge Economy | 46.803.988,00 | 72.914.902,00 | 119.718.890,00 |
| Information Society | 13.098.553,00 | 20.405.947,00 | 33.504.500,00 |
| Sustainability and Energy Efficiency | 14.703.375,00 | 22.906.065,00 | 37.609.440,00 |
| Accessibility to Transport Services | 15.889.526,00 | 24.753.944,00 | 40.643.470,00 |
| Territorial Development | 17.974.055,00 | 28.001.385,00 | 45.975.440,00 |
| Technical Assistance | 4.347.231,00 | 7.002.663,00 | 11.349.894,00 |
| Total | 112.816.728,00 | 175.984.906,00 | 288.801.634,00 |