Northern Periphery Programme: Changing Contexts and New

Opportunities

Irene McMaster 15 November 2012

Northern Periphery Programme: Changing Contexts and New

Opportunities

Irene McMaster 15 November 2012

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde2

European Policies Research Centre

• Research institute based at the University of Strathclyde

• Specialise in comparative research on the design & implementation of regional development policies in Europe

• Research on territorial cooperation – Comparative studies of territorial cooperation programmes

across Europe– OECD territorial review of the NORA region– Evaluations of the Northern Periphery Programme

(INTERREG III & IVB)

2007-13 starting points…

“help peripheral and remote communities on the northern margins of Europe to develop their economic, social and

environmental potential”

• 2007-13 NPP built on a strong base of cooperation • Distinct identity & raison d’etre • Key changes:

– Tighter, more strategic focus: 2 programme priorities– Emphasis on projects which create innovative

transboundary products & services– Significantly expanded area

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde3

Change 2007-2013

Within the current period, the NPP has: – retained its strong, distinct identity– maintained its strategic focus and emphasis

on delivering products and services– involved partners and stake holders from

across the Programme area – delivered beneficial results– responded to challenges and adapted to

change in development and policy environments

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde4

Changing environments: Economic crisis

Economic crisis triggered major shift in fortunes across the area

•Heightens relevance & need for programmes like the NPP

However… •Operational & strategic challenges:

– meeting financial commitments– mobilising project partners

http://world-crisis.net/5

Changing Environments: Climate change

• The pace of Arctic melt even more rapid than predicted – serious environmental, social/cultural and economic implications

At the same time…

• Development opportunities:

– development & application of new tech– exploitation of mineral & marine resources – new navigation routes

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde6

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde7

Changing environments: demographic aging

• Demographic pressures on the region remain, including aging populations and youth out migration

– Field where the 2007-13 NPP has been very active

• MyHealth@Age• O40• RYE3

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde8

Changing policy contexts: Domestic policy

• Political change, e.g. Greenland, Iceland, Scotland – seeking to widen and deepen links to NPP partner countries

• Vested interests in the Arctic: Arctic States developing their own ‘Arctic Strategies’ and EU Arctic Strategy

• Increased profile of territorial cooperation

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde9

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde10

Changing policy contexts: EU

• Territorial cooperation embedded as pillar of Cohesion policy

• New forms of support• macro regional strategies• EGTC

• Arctic Strategy

Baltic Sea Strategy area

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre11

Proposals for European territorial cooperation (ETC)

Reform priorities:•ETC more central to Cohesion policy•Links to Europe 2020•Greater strategic focus•More coherence / integration with national, regional and external cooperation programmes•Reduced administrative burden for programme managers and beneficiaries•Ensuring more demonstrable benefits •More resources (!!???)

‘nothing is agreed until everything is agreed’

Key issues during the debate on ETC

•geographical and financial eligibility – who gets what•inclusion of ETC in the Partnership Agreements – level of detail on commitments about the content of individual programmes•degree of flexibility in provisions on thematic concentration within Territorial Cooperation programmes •questions around the degree of simplification

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde12

Summary

• NPP’s clear strategy and focus on innovative products and services - key strengths

• Key challenges remain, e.g. accessibility, supporting SMEs

• Substantial changes in relation to:– economic crisis – climate change– domestic policy contexts– EU policy frameworks

Irene McMaster, European Policies Research Centre, University of Strathclyde13

Conclusion

http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Rock_Ptarmigan, http://www.birdfinders.co.uk/news/finland-norway-2008-pics.html,

http://www.alaska-in-pictures.com/spring-rock-ptarmigan-6136-pictures.htm

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