The INTERACT programme Matt Nichols, INTERACT Point Qualification

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The INTERACT programmeMatt Nichols, INTERACT
Point Qualification Transfer6 June 2006,
Brussels
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Introduction to INTERACT
INTERACT INTERreg Animation Coordination and
Transfer
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Introduction to INTERACT
To facilitate thematic exchange on INTERREG
activities and research findings
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Introduction to INTERACT

• Overall objectives
• Exchange within the INTERREG community
• Learning and INTERREG know-how
• Supporting the development of Territorial
  Cooperation programmes

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Introduction to INTERACT
Current cross-border programmes
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Introduction to INTERACT

• Future cross-border cooperation themes
• Development of cross-border economic, social and
  environmental activities through joint
  strategies
• Encouraging entrepreneurship, in particular the
  development of SMEs, tourism, culture, and
  cross-border trade
• Encouraging and improving the joint protection
  and management of natural and cultural resources
  as well as the prevention of natural and
  technological risks
• Supporting links between urban and rural areas

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Introduction to INTERACT

• Reducing isolation through improved access to
  transport, information and communication networks
  and services, and cross-border water, waste and
  energy systems and facilities
• Developing collaboration, capacity and joint use
  of infrastructures in particular in sectors such
  as health, culture, tourism and education.
• In addition, the ERDF may contribute to promoting
  legal and administrative cooperation, the
  integration of cross-border labour markets, local
  employment initiatives, gender equality and equal
  opportunities, training and social inclusion, and
  sharing of human resources and facilities for
  RTD.

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Introduction to INTERACT

• Cross-border cooperation some general points
• Cooperation themes are very wide
• Aim at developing local solutions to local
  challenges
• Budgets will generally increase

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Introduction to INTERACT
Current transnational programmes
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Introduction to INTERACT

• Future transnational cooperation themes
• Sustainable urban development strengthening
  polycentric development at transnational,
  national and regional level, with a clear
  transnational impact.
• Actions may include the creation and improvement
  of urban networks and urban-rural links
  strategies to tackle common urban/rural issues
  preservation and promotion of the cultural
  heritage, and the strategic integration of
  development zones on a transnational basis.
• (Priority 4 of 4 Draft ERDF Regulation, Art
  6.2)

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Introduction to INTERACT

• Future transnational cooperation themes
• Innovation
• Environment
• Accessibilty
• All priorities have an important urban dimension

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Introduction to INTERACT
Current inter-regional programmes
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Introduction to INTERACT

• Future inter-regional cooperation themes
• Focusing on
• Innovation and the knowledge economy
• Environment and risk prevention

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Introduction to INTERACT

• Factors in integrating the urban dimension
• Programmes generally moving in a more strategic
  direction

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Introduction to INTERACT

• Factors in integrating the urban dimension
• Lisbon and Gothenburg
• Focus on a small number of priority themes
• Need to ensure significant long-term impact
  (creation of good practice at least as important
  as exchange)
• Need to capitalise on past experience
• Limitations on the eligibility of funding for
  housing
• Urban areas recognised as drivers in regional
  development
• Many potentials for harmonising urban
  redevelopment and wider territorial development
  goals

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Introduction to INTERACT
Intensity of cooperation. CADSES IIC
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Introduction to INTERACT

• INTERACT II
• Aims to facilitate development of the new
  programmes and integration of the strategic
  dimension
• New focus on localisation of activities and
  information
• Goal to identify and communicate good practice
  in a range of areas

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For more information please seewww.interact-eu.ne
t or contactmatt.nichols_at_interact-eu.net