Version: Final Date: 11 April 2012

Regional Innovation Monitor

Regional Innovation Report (Nord-Pas de Calais)

To the European Commission Enterprise and Industry Directorate-General Directorate D – Industrial Innovation and Mobility Industries

Patrick Eparvier Olivier Mallet Technopolis-ITD

www.technopolis-group.com PREFACE

The Regional Innovation Monitor (RIM)1 is an initiative of the European Commission's Directorate General for Enterprise and Industry, which has the objective to describe and analyse innovation policy trends across EU regions. RIM analysis is based on methodologies developed in the context of the INNO-Policy Trendchart, which covers innovation policies at national level as part of the PRO INNO Europe initiative. The overarching objective of this project is to enhance the competitiveness of European regions through increasing the effectiveness of their innovation policies and strategies. The specific objective of the RIM is to enhance the scope and quality of policy assessment by providing policy-makers, other innovation stakeholders with the analytical framework and tools for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of regional policies and regional innovation systems. RIM covers EU-20 Member States: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. This means that RIM will not concentrate on Member States where the Nomenclature of territorial units for statistics NUTS 1 and 2 levels are identical with the entire country (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), Malta which only has NUTS 3 regions, Slovenia which has a national innovation policy or Cyprus and Luxembourg which are countries without NUTS regions. The main aim of 50 regional reports is to provide a description and analysis of contemporary developments of regional innovation policy, taking into account the specific context of the region as well as general trends. All regional innovation reports are produced in a standardised way using a common methodological and conceptual framework, in order to allow for horizontal analysis, with a view to preparing the Annual EU Regional Innovation Monitor reports. European Commission official responsible for the project is Alberto Licciardello ([email protected]). The present report was prepared by Patrick Eparvier and Olivier Mallet ([email protected]; [email protected]). The contents and views expressed in this report do not necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the Member States or the European Commission. Copyright of the document belongs to the European Commission. Neither the European Commission, nor any person acting on its behalf, may be held responsible for the use to which information contained in this document may be put, or for any errors which, despite careful preparation and checking, may appear.

1 http://www.rim-europa.eu

Table of Contents

1. Main Trends and Challenges in the Regional Innovation System 1 1.1 Recent trends in regional economic performance 1 1.2 Recent trends in regional innovation performance 2 1.3 Identified challenges 3 2. Innovation Policy Governance 5 2.1 Degree of institutional autonomy 5 2.2 Institutional-set up, co-ordination and implementation mechanisms 5 2.3 Availability and use of policy intelligence tools 7 2.4 Key challenges and opportunities 8 3. Innovation Policy Instruments and Orientations 9 3.1 The regional innovation policy mix 9 3.2 Appraisal of regional innovation policies 12 3.3 Good practice case 13 3.4 Portfolio of innovation support measures 14 3.5 Towards smart specialisation policies 15 3.6 Possible future orientations and opportunities 16

Appendices

Appendix A Bibliography...... 18 Appendix B Stakeholders consulted...... 19 Appendix C RIM Repository information ...... 20 Appendix D Statistical data ...... 21

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Figures

Figure 1-1 Economic and innovation performance indicators...... 3 Figure 2-1 Management and implementation structure of regional innovation strategy ...... 7

Tables

Table 3-1 Overview of the regional innovation policy mix...... 9 Table 3-2 Existing regional innovation support measures ...... 11

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Executive Summary 1. Introduction: Main recent trends in the Regional Innovation System Historically, Nord-Pas de Calais has been a great industrial centre, with both the textile sector and the mine sector being big suppliers of both employment and revenues. However, the region has been suffering from the closure of mines and large factories over the last 50 years. Nord-Pas de Calais has then been in reconversion in over the past few decades, and is still recovering from the collapse of these major industrial sectors. Between 2000 and 2008, the GDP per capita grew from €18,600 to €24,700, i.e. a growth of 24.7%, which means at a slightly lower pace than the EU GDP per capita (+ 31%). Overall, the GDP per capita remains under the EU average. However, Nord-Pas de Calais is the 4th largest region in France in terms of GDP and represents 5.2% of national GDP. Regarding the GERD (Gross domestic expenditures on R&D) and the BERD (Business expenditures on R&D), the share of investment in research and innovation has grown over the few last years, but remains low in comparison with the national level: • the region dedicated 0.8% of its GDP to GERD in 2009, making it the 11th region in France and largely under the national level of 2.1%; • the regional BERD represented €380 M in 2008, representing 0.3% of the regional GDP. The low level of investment in R&D both from the public and the private sector reflects the industrial structure of the local economy and the relatively low number of public research institutions in Nord-Pas de Calais. 2. Major innovation challenges and policy responses Challenge 1: changing the vision of actors regarding innovation With an industrial sector largely dominated by subcontractors and low or medium technology sectors, innovation is not always taken into consideration as part of the strategy of regional firms. The relatively low amount of money spent on R&D as a share of the GDP is a good illustration of the situation. One key challenge the regional authorities have pointed out is the need to change the vision local actors has toward innovation. The idea is to help companies build a strategic vision. This means to support companies who wish to reflect on their human resources, links with universities, research centres, links with other companies (cluster policies) and international development. Challenge 2: reorganising the higher education system to enable it to perform research of weight and significance at international standards The region is characterised by a large number of universities (six) relative to its size and a very large number of so-called ‘Grandes Ecoles’, especially in the engineering field. But the region lacks large public research centres. Because of this large number of HEIs and research centres, the region has trouble competing with other national or European regions in the fields of research, except for a few fields (health and biology for instance). The challenge for the regional authorities is to improve the coherence of the research landscape, in order to create bigger research teams and strengthen the links between HEIs and the regional economic sector. The creation of an institution (PRES Lille- Nord de France) that represents 30 HEIs of the region is part of this strategy.

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Challenge 3: strengthening support to non-technological innovation This challenge is not specific to Nord-Pas de Calais, and is described in several Regional Innovation Strategies in France. However, regional authorities are pushing this concept in the region, focusing especially on design and organisational innovation, through several supporting measures. 3. Innovation policy governance The innovation policy governance is characterised as in all French regions by a joint designing of the innovation strategy and a joint steering and implementation by the regional authorities and the State administration in the region. Two major policy and programming documents reflect this strategy: the ‘Contrat de projets Etat-Region’ (CPER – State-Region projects contract) and the ERDF Operational Programme (OP). A third actor also plays a key role in each region, the national public innovation agency OSEO Innovation. However, even within this common pattern, there are some differences across French regions, highlighted by the Regional Innovation Strategy, adopted at the end of 2009 in Nord-Pas de Calais. The autonomy of the regions is reflected in two policy documents (and not programming documents) which are relevant for innovation policies: the Regional Economic Development Scheme (SRDE) and in some regions by the Regional Scheme for Higher Education and Research (SRESR). In Nord-Pas de Calais, SRESR is currently being produced. Both documents indicate policy orientations, but need general State co-funding to have the orientations translated into concrete actions. The SRDE is the main governance body, representing stakeholders and controlling the efficiency of the Regional Innovation Strategy. At a more operational level, the regional development agency (NFID) is responsible for monitoring the actions taken under the Regional Innovation Strategy. It serves as a link between users and supporting structures. Supporting structures complete a contract with NFID in order to ensure the liability of them regarding the objectives of the regional authorities towards companies and innovation. 4. Conclusions: future actions and opportunities for innovation policy With the Regional Innovation Strategy, regional and national authorities have tried to set up innovation policies that focus more on the needs of companies and target specific sectors in order to concentrate financial means. The creation of NFID should reinforce the general coherence of the policy mix, and has a great role to play in involving stakeholders in the shaping of future policies: it can be the link between policy-makers on one hand and users on the other hand. The region is lucky enough to have a stable or increasing budget for innovation policies. It should use these budgets to continue its efforts to raise awareness among companies about innovation and foster smart specialisation of the region. The difficulty for policy-makers is to do so while taking into account the specificity of the industry in Nord-Pas de Calais.

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1. Main Trends and Challenges in the Regional Innovation System

1.1 Recent trends in regional economic performance Nord-Pas de Calais is the 4th largest region in France regarding population (with four million people in 2008), which corresponds to approximately 6.5% of the French population. Historically, Nord-Pas de Calais has been a great industrial centre, with both the textile sector and the mine sector being big suppliers of both employment and income. However, the region has been suffering from the closure of mines and large factories over the last 50 years, and the development of the automotive sector followed the same path. Nord-Pas de Calais has since been in reconversion over the past few last decades, and is still recovering from the collapse of these major industrial sectors. According to the French national statistics office (INSEE), the unemployment rate declined between 2000 and 2008, but has since increased again. It remains above the national rate: it was 12.8% in 2000 (9.1% in France) and 13.0% at the end of 2009 (9.6% in France). The high level of unemployment is largely linked to this situation. Moreover, the region suffers from the relatively low education levels in comparison to the rest of France and the brain drain operated by other French and European regions on higher- education graduates of Nord-Pas de Calais. Between 2000 and 2008, GDP per capita grew from €18,600 to €24,700, i.e. a growth of 24.7%, which means at a slightly lower pace than the EU GDP per capita average (+31%). Overall, GDP per capita remains under the EU average. The region is the 4th largest region in France regarding GDP and represents 5.2% of national GDP. As far as added value is concerned, the service sector represents 76.7% of the total added value of the regional economy, which is a little under the national level (79.3%). The share represented by the agricultural sector is also less important in Nord-Pas de Calais than at the national level (1.2% against 1.7%, both decreasing over the last few years). The particularity of the region’s economy is the rather important industrial sector: it represents 23.2% of the gross added value of the region, whereas at the national level it represents less than 19%. According to the French national statistics office (INSEE), the region is characterised by a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with under 50 employees: they represent 97.9% of local companies (a little less than the national level, which is 98.7%). 90.3% of the local companies are even smaller, employing less than 10 people. Nord-Pas de Calais is one of the regions with the most companies with more than 100 employees: they represented 0.9% of all the local companies in 2009. In comparison, the share of companies with more than 100 employees in France is 0.6%. This relatively high number of large companies is one of the characteristics of the productive system of the region: the industrial system is organised around a limited number of large players, with lots of SMEs working for them as subcontractors. Although, some major French companies do originate from the region and are still the biggest employers: Auchan (retail industry), Oxylane-Decathlon (sport equipments and retail industry), Leroy-Merlin (do-it-yourself retail industry). Other big groups have also chosen to locate big factories in the region: Bombardier (transportation), Alstom (transportation) or Toyota (automotive). The region has always been more oriented towards production: it hosts a relatively large number of production units but a rather limited number of private R&D or technological centres.

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However, over the last few years, GDP per capita has grown faster than at the national level, and the region has been the 3rd biggest region in terms of receiving foreign investments. The region has tried to identify new sectors for future growth, through diverse strategic plans. It benefits from its location, close to the Paris area, Belgium and Germany. The Regional Council budget increased between 2006 and 2010 (+ 45%), with 40,5% of the budget dedicated to investment. The budget of the Regional Council dedicated to research, innovation and technology transfer has significantly increased over the past few years, from €17.2m in 2005 to €42,7m in 2009. However, the Region is one of the French Regions with the biggest (and increasing) debt, especially since the beginning of the financial crisis, representing €1271.46m in 2006 and €1692.7m in 2011. Investments benefit from OSEO Innovation and ERDF OP fundings and have been increasing over the last years.

1.2 Recent trends in regional innovation performance Because of its industrial structure and the orientation of the companies towards production rather than research and development over the past few decades, Nord-Pas de Calais stands at a rather low level in terms of investment in research and innovation, in comparison with the French average. The majority of investments are concentrated in the Lille metropolitan area, including the Higher Education Institutes and the decision-making centres. Regarding the GERD (Gross domestic expenditures on R&D) and the BERD (Business expenditures on R&D), the share of investment in research and innovation has grown over the last few years, but remains low in comparison with the national level: • The region dedicated 0.8% of its GDP to GERD in 2009, making it rank 11th in France, well below the national level of 2.1%. Between 2002 and 2007, regional GERD grew by 14 % (the same as at the national level); • The regional BERD represented €380m in 2008, representing 0.3% of the regional GDP. Between 2002 and 2007, regional BERD grew by 21 % (+ 14 % at the national level), reflecting efforts of region-based companies regarding R&D2. The evolution of regional GERD and BERD shows that investments from the private sector have helped the region catch up with the national level, even though the level of BERD as part of GDP is still low. The low level of investment in R&D both from the public and the private sectors reflects the industrial structure of the local economy and the relatively low number of research institutions in Nord-Pas de Calais. Regional businesses contributed 51% of regional expenditures on R&D in 2008. The region hosts key players both from the private sector and the public research in several broad R&D areas: • Transportation, especially rail transportation; • Health, food and nutrition; • New trade; and • ICT. As shown by Figure 1-1, Nord-Pas de Calais displays poor results as far as innovation is concerned. Nord-Pas de Calais lags behind in terms of non-R&D innovation expenditures, patents (per inhabitants) and innovators.

2 Observatoire des Sciences et des Techniques (2010), Indicateurs de Sciences et de Technologies 2010

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Figure 1-1 Economic and innovation performance indicators

Nord ­ Pas­de­Calais (FR3) Performance and change relave to EU ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE INDICATORS GDP per capita (PPP) GDP per capita growth Unemployment rate Change in unemployment rate

INNOVATION PERFORMANCE INDICATORS Tertiary education Government R&D expenditure Non‐R&D innovation exp. Patents per mln popoluation Business R&D expenditure Higher education R&D expenditure Marketing/organisational innovators Product/process innovators

0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160

Source: Eurostat and Community Innovation Survey. In order to make research and cooperation between private and public sectors efficient, ‘intermediary’ organisations in charge of supporting technology transfer and innovation are well spread among the territory. The region hosts 12 clusters of excellence, seven competitiveness clusters (sectors concerned: transportation, heath- food-nutrition, trade of the future, ocean studies, textiles, eco technologies, chemical products), equal number of incubators, and five Carnot institutes (linking industry and research). In the field of research, the region hosts one Higher Education and Research Pole (PRES), which regroups the six universities of Nord-Pas de Calais and several other HEIs. For most of the regional and national authorities, the region suffers from a relatively low number of researchers in comparison to the population, and from a relatively high number of HEIs, making it difficult to maintain a territorial coherence.

1.3 Identified challenges Challenge 1: Changing the vision of actors regarding innovation With an industrial sector largely dominated by subcontractors and low or medium technology sectors, innovation is not always taken into consideration as part of the strategy of regional firms. The relatively low amount of money spent on R&D as a share of the GDP is a good illustration of the situation. One key challenge the regional authorities have pointed out is the need to change the vision local actors has toward innovation. The idea is to help companies build a strategic vision. This means to support companies who wish to reflect on their human resources, links with universities, research centres, links with other companies (cluster policies) and international development.

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A specific study on innovation in Nord-Pas de Calais (based on CIS data and published in 20103) emphasised the fact that companies in this region innovate less than in France overall. This statement is true whatever the definition of innovation that is considered, i.e. product and process innovation (narrow definition) or product and process innovation as well as organisational or marketing innovation (large definition). When looking at services or transport, Nord-Pas de Calais displayed a worse situation than France overall as far as innovation is concerned. A large part of the discussion regarding the Regional Innovation Strategy (thereafter SRI) focused on the tools and means the regional authorities had to develop in order to support innovation in local companies. Challenge 2: Reorganising the higher education system to enable it to perform research of weight and significance at international standards The region is characterised by a large number of universities (six) relative to its size and a very large number of so-called ‘Grandes Ecoles’, especially in the engineering field. But the region lacks large public research centres. Because of this large number of HEIs and research centres, the region has trouble competing with other national or European regions in the fields of research, except for a few fields (health and biology for instance). The challenge for the regional authorities is to improve the coherence of the research landscape, in order to create bigger research teams and strengthen the links between HEIs and the regional economic sector. The creation of an institution (PRES Lille- Nord de France) that represents 30 HEIs of the region is part of this strategy. Challenge 3: Strengthening support to non-technological innovation This challenge is not specific to Nord-Pas de Calais, and is described in several Regional Innovation Strategies in France. However, regional authorities are pushing this concept in the region, focusing especially on design, organisational innovation, through several support measures, in particular the so-called ‘2000 SME Plan’.

3 INSEE Nord-Pas de Calais (2010), “Innovation en Nord-Pas-de-Calais: un potentiel à optimiser”, Pages de profils, n° 79, octobre

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2. Innovation Policy Governance

2.1 Degree of institutional autonomy As in all French regions, innovation policy governance is characterised by joint design, steering and implementation of the innovation strategy by the regional authorities and the State administration. A third actor that also plays a key role in each region is the regional directorate of the innovation agency (known also as the OSEO Innovation). However, even within this common pattern, there are some differences across French regions regarding priorities. The Regional Innovation Strategy, adopted at the end of 2009 as far as Nord-Pas de Calais is concerned, highlights regional specificities in terms of strategy. All French regions have a general competence regarding regional interests. The competence is shared with the State and with other local authorities (for example city councils) in so far as their territory is concerned. Since 2004, they are competent for regional economic development, which entails at least two specific competences: the drafting of a Regional Economic Development Scheme (SRDE); public grants (direct or indirect) to companies (in compliance with EU competition law). The General Code for Regional and Local Authorities indicates that ‘the Region is associated with the framing and application of the national research and technology policy’ (Article L4252-1). Their budgetary autonomy vis-à-vis the central government is rather limited, since they collect very few taxes (and have in general little autonomy in determining their amount) and are heavily dependent on State transfers and subsidies. The role of ERDF funding is relatively important in the field of RTD through the ERDF Operational Programme (OP) (and is considered in general by regional policy-makers as strategically important). Regional innovation policies are jointly designed by the State administration in the region (Regional Secretariat for Regional Affairs – SGAR, Regional Delegate to Research and Technology – DRRT, Regional Directorate for Industry – DIRECCTE) and the regional authorities. The autonomy of the regions is reflected in two policy documents (and not programming documents) which are relevant for innovation policies: the already mentioned SRDE and in some regions by the Regional Scheme for Higher Education and Research (SRESR). In Nord-Pas de Calais, SRESR is currently being prepared. Both documents indicate policy orientations, but need general State co-funding to have the orientations translated into concrete actions. Overall, the need to implement proactive research and innovation policies in regions has progressively arisen during the past two decades. Awareness of the importance of RTD policies has increased in parallel with the growing power given to regional authorities as regard economic development.

2.2 Institutional-set up, co-ordination and implementation mechanisms As in all French regions, there have been four key institutions supporting innovation in Nord-Pas de Calais since 2000: the State administration representing the Ministry in charge of research (DRRT), the State administration representing both the Ministry in charge of industry and the Ministry in charge of labour (DIRECCTE); the regional authorities (Regional Council); and OSEO Innovation. These four institutions are working together through the implementation of a State- Region contract (known also as the CPER) and ERDF OP.

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The Nord-Pas de Calais regional authorities have some autonomy, insofar as they manage some actions and measures through ERDF global grants. OSEO Innovation is also managing measures and actions through global grants and specific agreements with the regional authorities. The design of the Regional Innovation Strategy (SRI) was carried out in 2009 at a request from the European Commission. After some initial conflicting views between the State and the European Commission and the Region concerning priorities, a global agreement appears to have been reached on the key points of the SRI. Concerning the general governance of the regional innovation system, the authority responsible for the overall governance is the committee in charge of the Regional Economic Development Scheme (SRDE. The members are State authorities, the Regional Council, the Higher Education and Research Pole, the Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Lille Chamber of Commerce, OSEO Innovation, Local Council of Nord and Pas-de-Calais). The objective is to create a link between the innovation strategy and the economic development strategy, in order to create coherence between all the actions. At an operational level, all the actions decided in the SRI are administered and managed by the regional actors that support innovation projects: clusters of excellence, competitiveness clusters, incubators, local chambers of commerce, platforms for the support of the exploitation of research outcomes, etc. At management level, the regional innovation agency called NFID4 was created after the adoption of the Regional Innovation Strategy in order to implement the strategy and monitor the coherence of all the actions taken at the regional level. NFID is a non- profit organisation, based on a partnership between the Region, the State and OSEO Innovation. It replaces the former Innovation platform, following the evaluation of the Regional Programme in support of Innovation (2006) that pointed to the governance problem of the regional innovation policy mix. Its three main missions are as follows: • Monitoring of the Regional Innovation Strategy, • Helping regional authorities with new subjects and actions taken in order to achieve the SRI objectives, • General survey on research and innovation policies, as a support for regional authorities. NFID is not intended to be the main partner for companies, but should instead help link companies and support organisations together. It was created to reinforce the coherence of all the actions taken at the regional level by diverse authorities to support innovation and research.

4 http://www.jinnove.net/ (in English)

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Figure 2-1 Management and implementation structure of regional innovation strategy

Governance level: Regional Economic Development Scheme State authorities, Regional Council, Higher Education and Research Pole, Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Lille Chamber of Commerce, OSEO Innovation, Local Council of Nord and Pas-de-Calais

Management level: NFID

Operational level: Regional Actors Clusters of excellence, competitiveness clusters, incubators, local chambers of commerce, platforms for the support of the exploitation of research outcomes

2.3 Availability and use of policy intelligence tools The Regional Innovation Strategy led to the setting up of several working groups in charge of technological watch, economic and strategic intelligence and foresight studies. Moreover, the regional innovation agency NFID regularly organises lectures with key actors of innovation from outside the region. The idea is to help people think ‘outside the box’ and regularly change their perspective on regional issues. For regional authorities, it is a way to spot best practices from all over Europe and create an innovation-friendly atmosphere. With a more sectoral approach, competitiveness clusters also perform strategic watch and organise workshops as well. According to regional authorities, such foresight activities are working quite well. However, they are only useful if they involve as many stakeholders as possible, which has not always been the case so far. Regarding evaluation and monitoring, NFID is now responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of the actions part of the Regional Innovation Strategy. The region has performed some evaluations over the last decade, but only a few have focused on innovation and research. A unit of the regional council administration is dedicated to evaluation and most of these evaluations are external and summative. However, on a study on five different evaluations5, regional authorities acknowledged that evaluations have not been well used, often because of a lack of diffusion of the results. Two major evaluations were performed in 2006: the evaluation of the 2000-2006 ERDF OP and the evaluation of the Regional Programme in support of Innovation (Programme régional de soutien à l’innovation, PRI). These two evaluations were used as inputs for the work on the Regional Innovation Strategy.

5 Conseil régional Nord-Pas de Calais (2009), Pratique de l’évaluation au Conseil Régional 2004-2006

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2.4 Key challenges and opportunities Nord-Pas de Calais is facing both challenges and opportunities regarding the governance of the innovation system concern the issues of greater coherence, involving a larger number of actors, and linkages between metropolitan and other areas in the region. Governance challenge 1: Rationalising the innovation support system The creation of NFID as a monitoring and support institution for the Regional Innovation Strategy should help strengthen the coherence of the diverse range of actions available in the region regarding innovation support. Because lots of actions regarding innovation are implemented directly by local actors or specific structures, the role of NFID is important in order to generate a ‘big picture’ of the innovation system in Nord-Pas de Calais. The fact that the monitoring aspect of NFID’s mission is coupled with the capacity of this institution to propose new measures and to conduct foresight studies should help regional authorities keep track of the evolution of regional actors regarding their use of innovation tools. Governance challenge 2: Involving the stakeholders in an efficient way The SRI was based on a series of workshops involving as many stakeholders as possible. However, involving company representatives appeared to be difficult in the long run. The creation of several workshops as part of the monitoring of the SRI is a means to keep enterprises involved in the regional system, and a way to develop tools that are as useful for companies as possible. Regional authorities have to take into account the needs of all stakeholders, especially since many structures are involved in the innovation system in Nord-Pas de Calais. Governance challenge 3: Keeping the balance between the Lille metropolitan area and other parts of the territory Lille metropolitan area is the economic heart of the region. It hosts most of the companies, HEIs, decision centres. However, regional authorities are aware of the importance of protecting the balance between the metropolitan area and the other areas of the region, in order to promote well-balanced development. One of the key features of this balanced development is the clusters of excellence and the competitiveness clusters. Because they are partly funded by regional authorities, they have to build a regional view of their activity, and not just a local view. In other words, these clusters should involve as many institutions and companies as possible from the whole region, and not just from the area they are located in. This is the only way for local authorities to create better links between the numerous areas of the region.

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3. Innovation Policy Instruments and Orientations

3.1 The regional innovation policy mix In 2009, the French regions spent €834,5m on RTDI, which represented an increase of €376,1m compared to 2003. In the same year, regional expenditures represented two-thirds of the total expenditures dedicated to RTDI by all French local authorities (including departments and cities). In 2009, 29% of the RTDI budget of the Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais was distributed through the competitiveness clusters. In Nord-Pas de Calais, a great majority of measures are co-funded by the Region and the State through the CPER and/or co-funded by the Region, the State and the EU through the ERDF OP. Measures related to access to finance are co-funded by OSEO through specific agreements with the Region, and only very few measures are funded exclusively by the Region. Governance measures are tackled through the SRI and SRDE, which are two main strategic texts involving a large spectrum of actors in order to promote a global vision of the regional innovation system. NFID, co-funded by the Region, the State, OSEO Innovation and the EU through the ERDF OP, plays a key role for monitoring and coordinating the implementation of horizontal measures through its main missions. Horizontal measures concern support to the regional innovation platform for research support for the exploitation of research outcomes and the actions undertaken by NFID like economic and technological intelligence studies, support to collective actions of enterprises, identification of potentially innovative companies, support to answers to calls for tenders, etc. Research and technologies’ measures focus on providing support to competitiveness clusters and excellence clusters. There are 6 competitiveness clusters based in Nord-Pas de Calais, including one with a so-called ‘international vocation’ (i.e. it should focus on competing with other international players). In addition to these clusters, 12 excellence clusters exists at a regional level. Other measures are dedicated to the funding of R&D and innovating projects, with a special focus on start-ups and emerging SMEs. One measure supports Human Resources in the field of RTDI and is aimed at reinforcing the capacity of people to support innovating projects. Three measures target the creation and growth of innovative enterprises. They aim at reinforcing services available to new companies in their search for financing and the setting of innovation processes. Table 3-1 Overview of the regional innovation policy mix

Governance Research and Human Creation Markets & horizontal Technologies Resources and growth and research and of innovation innovation innovative culture policies enterprises 2000 SME Plan - - - 4.2.1 Support - to innovation and advisory services 4.3.1 Support to innovative start ups incl Gazelles.

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Governance Research and Human Creation Markets & horizontal Technologies Resources and growth and research and of innovation innovation innovative culture policies enterprises Support for R&D - 2.3.1 Direct - - - and innovation support of project business R&D (grants and loans) 2.1.4 Research infrastructure Post Master - - 3.3.1 Job 4.2.1 Support - higher education training to innovation certificate for and other and advisory innovating personnel services project involved in developers innovation Innovam – seed - - - 4.3.2 support - and venture risk capital capital fund 4.3.1 support to innovative start up incl Gazelles Support to the - 2.3.1 Direct - 4.3.1 support - creation of support of to innovative innovating business start up incl enterprises (grants and Gazelles loans) Regional 1.3.1 Cluster 2.2.3 R&D - - - competitiveness framework cooperation and excellence policies 2.2.2 clusters knowledge transfer Support to the - 2.2.3 R&D - - 5.1.1 Support regional cooperation to the innovation creation of a platform favourable innovation climate Support of - 2.2.3 R&D - - - platform of the cooperation Higher 2.2.2 Education and knowledge Research Pole transfer for the exploitation of research outcomes Source: Technopolis. With the creation of NFID and the massive support to clusters, the policy mix is largely oriented towards the reinforcement of the regional structure supporting innovation. The idea is to create a favourable environment for innovating actors by providing them with the support they need and fostering links between a various range of actors. Other actions largely target new innovating companies, with the idea of helping them overcome barriers in order to enter the market through financial and technical support.

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Table 3-2 Existing regional innovation support measures

Title Duration Policy priorities Budget Organisation More information responsible 2000 SME Plan 2010 – no 4.2.1 Support to innovation and advisory 16,600,000 NFID http://www.rim- fixed end date services (2010-2012) europa.eu/index.cfm?q=p.supp 4.3.1 Support to innovative start-ups incl ort&n=12510&r=FR30 Gazelles. Support for R&D and innovation 2009 – no 2.3.1 Direct support of business R&D (grants 48,000,000 Regional Council of Nord- http://www.rim- project fixed end date and loans) (2008-2010) Pas de Calais europa.eu/index.cfm?q=p.supp 2.1.4 Research infrastructure ort&n=12512&r=FR30 Post Master higher education 2009 – no 3.3.1 Job training and other personnel involved 25,000 NFID http://www.rim- certificate for innovating project fixed end date in innovation (2009) europa.eu/index.cfm?q=p.supp developers 4.2.1 Support to innovation and advisory ort&n=12506&r=FR30 services Innovam – seed and venture 2008 – no 4.3.2 support risk capital 800,000 Regional Council of Nord- http://www.rim- capital fund fixed end date 4.3.1 support to innovative start up incl (2008) Pas de Calais europa.eu/index.cfm?q=p.supp Gazelles ort&n=12509&r=FR30 Support to the creation of 2009 – no 2.3.1 Direct support of business (grants and 2,000,000 Regional Council of Nord- http://www.rim- innovating enterprises fixed end date loans) (2009) Pas de Calais europa.eu/index.cfm?q=p.supp 4.3.1 support to innovative start up incl ort&n=12513&r=FR30 Gazelles Regional competitiveness and 2007 – no 1.3.1 Cluster framework policies 6,000,000 Regional Council of Nord- http://www.rim- excellence clusters fixed end date 2.2.3 R&D cooperation (2009) Pas de Calais europa.eu/index.cfm?q=p.supp ort&n=12511&r=FR30 2.2.2 knowledge transfer Support to the regional 2007 – 2013 1.3.1 Cluster framework policies 4,000,000 Regional Council of Nord- Part of the CPER: innovation platform 5.1.1 Support to the creation of a favourable Pas de Calais and State www.nordpasdecalais.fr/20 innovation climate 07/telechargement/cper.pdf Support to the activities of 2007 – 2013 1.3.1 Cluster framework policies 158,000,000 Regional Council of Nord- Part of the CPER: competitiveness clusters 2.2.3 R&D cooperation Pas de Calais and State www.nordpasdecalais.fr/20 07/telechargement/cper.pdf 2.2.2 knowledge transfer Support of platform of the 2007 – 2013 2.2.3 R&D cooperation n/a Regional Council of Nord- Part of the CPER: Higher Education and Research 2.2.2 knowledge transfer Pas de Calais and State www.nordpasdecalais.fr/20 Pole for the exploitation of 07/telechargement/cper.pdf research outcomes Source: Own assessment.

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The three most important regional innovation policy measures are the support to clusters, the support given to the regional innovation structure NFID and the so-called ‘2000 SME Plan’. 1. Measures supporting clusters are ranked first: this major policy was created in the early 2000’s and reflects today both national and regional priorities. The clusters contribute to help concentrate resources on a few industrial sectors, and participate in the reinforcement of the links between research and enterprises. Because clusters are largely spread over the entire region, they can play a role in the balanced development of Nord-Pas de Calais. Moreover, regional clusters have to develop their activities from a regional perspective, and not only a local perspective: the clusters should then help reinforce intra regional links. 2. Support to the creation of NFID is very important. NFID is not directly involved with stakeholders and does not provide direct services to companies. It has a broader role of monitoring the Regional Innovation Strategy and emphasising actions over others in order to create a coherent policy mix. NFID also has a more strategic role, because it implements foresight studies and is the institution that can request evaluations of the diverse measures to be carried out. 3. The so-called ‘2000 SME Plan’ directly addresses a challenge pointed out by regional authorities, which is the raising of awareness among companies about the importance of a strategic vision regarding innovation. In this measure, innovation encompasses R&D expenditures, but also human resources issues and international development. By focusing only on very promising companies, this measure is in line with the concept of smart specialisation.

3.2 Appraisal of regional innovation policies Apart from very few evaluations (that are not publically available), it is hard to find relevant evaluations that could allow for assessing the effectiveness of the regional innovation policy mix. However, most of the new tools that are made up by NFID are carefully monitored and assessment of their effectiveness will be done after two or three years. Interviews carried out for this report can provide information on the view of the innovation policy mix. For the policy-makers of the region, the SRI constituted a great opportunity to think again about innovation policies and the needs and demands of businesses. With the ‘2000 SME Plan’, a major shift has taken place regarding regional intervention towards innovative SMEs: the idea is to target a rather limited number of potentially innovative SMEs (6,000) and work with them in order to build a systematic approach to innovation, from research and development to international development and human resources strategy. The SRI also helped regional actors focusing on clusters on a limited number of sectors. However, with 12 clusters of excellence and seven competitiveness clusters, the policy mix encompasses almost every thematic field. According to the regional authority, this makes sense for different reasons: given the past of the region, it is too risky to concentrate all the funding and public support on two or three sectors. Moreover, the regional authorities wanted to help the transition of sectors that are big providers of employment (i.e. car industry, textile, eco construction and building, mechanics) and support to future sectors based on the excellence of research in Nord- Pas de Calais: energies and electronics, waste treatments, ICT, ‘e-health’. All these factors should help reinforce the general innovation network of the region. Especially given that budget trends regarding support to innovation are stable or growing, even during a period of budgetary constraints.

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Another way to assess the effectiveness and relevance of the regional innovation policy mix is to compare the regional performance to other regions regarding national calls. In the last ten years, regional and national authorities have focused innovation policies on clusters and on the reinforcement of public research and public-private links in the field of R&D: • On the regional policies regarding clusters: over the last decade, regional authorities have tried to reinforce clusters on a limited number of sectors. The national policy for competitiveness clusters (2005) led to the creation of six competitiveness clusters in Nord-Pas de Calais, which showed that the region was well prepared. However, none of the regional clusters are clusters with international targets6, which shows that the region is still lacking critical mass and excellence in one or several industrial sectors. It also reflects the industrial specialisation on low and medium tech sectors of Nord-Pas de Calais, • On HEIs and links between public and private research: Nord-Pas de Calais did not perform well on the ‘Investment for the future’ programme, for several reasons. First, the large number of HEIs was seen as an issue, because of the governance problem it involved. Secondly, links between public research and the private sector are still rather weak. The reasons are well known: low number of private R&D centres in the region, lack of public research institutions that can compete at an international level.

3.3 Good practice case Once again, the lack of evaluation studies and the novelty of some measures do not allow for an evidence-based approach to good practices. The ‘2000 SME Plan’ seems however to be a good candidate to be a good practice case. This measure is considered as a good practice case because it directly addresses one of the strategic objectives of the regional innovation policy-makers: changing the way companies view innovation, and carrying them through the entire process of innovation. The plan was set up in mid 2010, based on the following assessment: the region faces a weak presence of innovative SMEs and suffers from a lack of a coordination and visible support mechanism for SME development. The region, through NFID, has thus developed an SME support mechanism aimed at identifying high-potential SMEs and helping them design and implement strategic development plans; offering assistance by means of a team of trained and certified advisors; and answering all business development needs through a single mechanism. The main objective of the plan is to increase the number of R&D projects in regional enterprises and more precisely to support 2,000 SMEs from 2010 to 2012. Overall, NFID spotted 6,000 SMEs with a potentially innovative project. NFID is responsible for identifying high potential SMEs, serving as first point of entry for SMEs seeking assistance, coordinating support interventions and certifying advisors. One of the main factors of success of this particular measure is the fact that there is a single organisation responsible for its implementation and management. Even though NFID is not responsible for offering assistance to SMEs (advisors are hosted by other regional structures), it is responsible for identifying SMEs in need of assistance, organising and coordinating interventions, keeping a record of actions being taken. One of the elements that have allowed NFID to do so is the clear mandate that was given to it by the Regional Council through the Regional Innovation Strategy. In addition, this organisation enjoys a high degree of recognition and legitimacy among regional actors involved in the implementation of this measure.

6 At the national level, competitiveness clusters are divided in three categories: national clusters, world- oriented clusters and global clusters.

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Because it involves clusters of excellence and competitiveness clusters, the measure fits perfectly with other regional and national priorities, focusing on limited sectors and creating links and a stronger network of SMEs, that are potentially going to work together on innovative projects.

3.4 Portfolio of innovation support measures In a relatively centralised country like France, the national innovation policy mix necessarily has a strong influence on innovation policies carried out at regional level. The present French national policy mix is the result of about ten yeas of reforms and its main objectives are: • improving the tax environment, with tax incentives for RTDI business expenditure (research tax credit - CIR); • supporting innovation-driven clusters with the national programme on competitiveness clusters; • giving priority to funding research on a project basis (calls for proposals of the National Research Agency and Single Interministerial fund (FUI), the latter being for collaborative R&D projects coming out from the competitiveness clusters); • opening up universities and research to businesses and society with support to academic spin-offs, development of industry-research partnerships, etc.; • catching up with the ‘best university’ system: larger autonomy for universities and reorganisation of their governance system, development of evaluation tools, introduction of competitions, especially with the ‘Investments for the Future’ programme. National policy is mainly ‘translated’ into policy at regional level through the multi- annual programming agreements between the State and the Region (CPER), and the ERDF OPs, which are based on co-funding. CPER are often complemented by a partnership between OSEO Innovation and the Region, in particular regarding access of business to innovation support services and access to finance (guarantee). Because of the general ‘co-funding’ practice, there is a rather general consistency between the innovation policies carried out at regional level and the national innovation policy. However, the consistency can be questioned with respect to several issues: • the CIR, as a tax break, is a fully national measure and as such is ‘blind’ with respect to the various regional contexts, while being in financial terms by far the most important innovation support measure; • regions may have some problems with the national priorities of OSEO Innovation, which are often considered by French regional policy-makers as privileging ‘breakthrough’ innovation and enterprises with more than 50 employees to the detriment of incremental innovation and smaller companies; • the SRI that has taken place at a regional level was not coordinated with the setting up of the National Innovation Strategy (SNRI). The risk is to have regional strategies that are totally incompatible with the overall national strategy. However, the involvement of most of the stakeholders and especially the State reduced the risk of incompatibility between the SRI and the SNRI.

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To be more specific, both the Region and the State have chosen to focus mainly on competitiveness clusters and clusters of excellence. The two authorities consider that policy to be the most efficient way to generate innovation and create growth, by focusing on a few specific sectors where research centres, SMEs, big companies and HEIs can work together in an inclusive environment. For regional authority, the main issue is to support diverse sectors, whereas the State has been pushing to concentrate financial support on a very few sectors (three) in order to become world-class clusters. Regarding other measures, lots of them are co-funded by the regional authorities and OSEO-Innovation or the State (through CPER) or the State and the EU (through the ERDF PO).

3.5 Towards smart specialisation policies The realisation of the Regional Innovation Strategy paved the way for a discussion among stakeholders and policymakers about smart specialisation. The idea of the State and the European Union was to focus on only three sectors, corresponding to the three major clusters in the region: rail transportation, trade of the future and health- nutrition-food. In these three major clusters, foresight studies are performed in order to accelerate the development of new products, and conquer new markets. The cluster on transportation (i-Trans) has developed its powers of reflection by taking into account the SRI orientations: the top priorities are fostering the links between the public and the private sectors and between regional actors and other key European players. However, regional authorities fought the idea of focusing only on these three sectors, given the industrial past of the region: it was considered too risky to have such a concentration of means and human resources, in case one of the three sectors collapse. The idea was then to acknowledge the importance of the three sectors previously mentioned for future growth and employment, with a specific objective: turning the region into one of the main regional players in these three sectors within a few years. The SRI also focuses on supporting four sectors, which is expected to have a great impact on regional employment by helping them to diversify, open new markets and innovate more. The sectors are: • automotive; • bio-based products, textiles; • eco construction; and • mechanics. As mentioned already, 29% of the RDTI expenditures of the Regional Council are distributed through the competitiveness clusters hosted or shard by the region. The goal is to maintain employment in the region by reinforcing the sectors, even if they do not rely on highly intensive and competitive research. Last but not least, the SRI has also identified a few potentially important sectors, based on the scientific expertise of the regional actors. The idea is to identify sectors that are not necessarily currently strategic in terms of employment, but that can reinforce the R&D capacity of the region. The regional authorities have chosen four sectors with high potential: • energies and electronics; • waste management; • ICT; and • ‘e-health’.

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These choices are based on the reflection of regional actors and emerged from a bottom-up process. They are consistent with the national strategy regarding future key sectors that have been highlighted in the document Key-technologies 2015 of the Ministry of Industry (Technologies-clés 2015, 2011) The choice of specialisation is backed by a number of transversal measures aimed at reinforcing the innovation system in Nord-Pas de Calais. These measures have the following goals: • Supporting the creation of innovative companies, through communication towards existing companies, coordination of existing supporting structures and developing the link between public research and companies; • Radically changing the vision SMEs have on innovation, by focusing on human capital and strategic analysis; • Changing the image of the region, in order to attract ‘high technological intensity’ investments, • Innovating by and for the service sector; • Improving the financing of innovation; and • Reinforcing the potential of research in the region. Because the Regional Innovation Strategy was only adopted in 2009, it is too early to assess if the strategy towards smart specialisation is working at the regional level of Nord-Pas de Calais. However, interviews with policymakers indicated that lots of measures supporting innovation have encountered large success among companies, which means at least that the measures are relevant for these companies. Overall, regional authorities are very keen on organising the region with the principles of smart specialisation. The region was the second French region to apply for the European smart specialisation platform. For regional authorities, smart specialisation will be the central point of the next ERDF OP (2014). So they are trying to push for reflections on smart specialisation, in order to be ready in three years.

3.6 Possible future orientations and opportunities The region is one of the French regions that received the most from European funds in the last few years. Moreover, OSEO Innovation budgets are increasing, and so are regional budgets regarding innovation. Stable or increasing budgets are great opportunities for regional actors to reinforce efforts regarding innovation. The general trend is rather positive regarding innovation in Nord-Pas de Calais: several R&D centres have been located in the region over the last few years, and the region is 3rd in France in terms of investments made by OSEO Innovation. Following discussions with regional authorities, it is possible to highlight four main opportunities for the region: • Cross-border cooperation, given the location of the region (close to Paris, Belgium, Luxembourg and Germany); • Fostering the innovation network through the work of NFID, with a special focus on rationalising the regional innovation system; • Reinforcing the coherence of the higher education system, taking into account the specific needs of the regional industrial sectors (life-long learning and training); • Capitalising on the work that has been done on clusters to create new clusters on emerging markets/sectors.

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Because of its strategic location, close to the Paris area, but also close to Belgium and Germany, the region is aware of the importance of cross-border cooperation and regional policymakers try to reinforce these partnerships. Regional authorities are working on developing partnerships and cross-border cooperation. The regional and national authorities should also work to reinforce the coherence of the higher education system, in order to make the region more attractive and reinforce public research in the region. To have a research sector that can compete internationally is crucial in order to develop innovation and create growth in the long term. Another opportunity that has arisen with the conclusion of the Regional Innovation Strategy: with the creation of NFID as a structure monitoring innovation policies, the region has the tools to develop their evaluation and monitoring practices. This should help provide evidence-based conclusions on the efficiency and consistency of regional policies and should reinforce the legitimacy of public intervention. Moreover, NFID is a great way to reinforce the links between all the stakeholders participating in the innovation process in Nord-Pas de Calais.

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Appendix A Bibliography

INSEE Nord-Pas de Calais (2010), “Innovation en Nord-Pas-de-Calais : un potentiel à optimiser”, Pages de profils, n° 79, octobre. Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais (2009), Stratégie Régional de l’Innovation du Nord-Pas de Calais. Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais (2007), Contrat de projets Etat-Région, 2007- 2013. Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais (2007), ERDF OP: 2007-2013. Ministry of Higher Education and Research (2011), STRATER Nord-Pas de Calais. DGICS – Ministry for Industry (2010), Technologies clés 2015 France. Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais (2009), Pratique de l’évaluation au Conseil Régional 2004-2006.

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Appendix B Stakeholders consulted

1. Mathieu Defresne, Regional Delegate for Innovation, OSEO Innovation (7 November 2011). 2. Yannick Giry, Regional Delegate for the Regional Innovation Strategy, Regional Council (2 November 2011). 3. Jean-Marie Pruvot, Director, NFID (2 November 2011).

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Appendix C RIM Repository information

20 Regional Innovation Monitor Baseline regional profile

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord-Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Regional Profile

Introduction

Nord-Pas-de-Calais is tucked between the Picardie region, Belgium and the English Channel. The region hosts 4m inhabitants, representing 7% of the French popuation. This makes it one of the most densly populated regions in the country. Due to the recent decline of traditional industrial sectors (coal, steel and textiles) the region is currently undergoing significant economic restructuration.

Repository

Support measures Support to the creation of innovating enterprises Support for R&D and innovation projects 2000 SME Plan Regional competitiveness and excellence clusters Inovam – seed and venture capital fund Post-master higher education certificate for innovating project developers Policy documents Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Innovation Strategy Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Innovation Strategy Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Economic Development Plan Nord-Pas de Calais Operational Programme 2007-2013 Organisations OSEO Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Directorate North France Innovation Development Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service Economy

Between 2000 and 2008, the Nord-Pas de Calais region accounted for an average of 4.9% of the annual French GDP, making it the fourth-most important in terms of contribution to national growth ( Eurostat). However, the region can only be considered as a medium-sized player at the national scale. This is illustrated by the fact that it is well behind the top three regions contributing to national GDP: Ile-de-France with 27%, Rhône-Alpes with 9% and Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur with 7%. In addition, GDP per capita (€20,300) only represents 78% of the national average (ROP). Nord-Pas de Calais hosts approximately 6% of the French population (2008) and accounted for 6% of national employment between 2000 and 2008. However, its unemployment rate stands at 13%, which is much higher than the national (9%) and the European (8.5%) rates ( Eurostat). Traditionally, the regional economy has been mostly oriented towards industrial activities. However, the serious decline in industrial activities over the last half century has led to the loss of 360,000 industrial jobs (ROP). Most of these jobs have been replaced by service-related activities, as reflected by the 2.1% average annual growth of employment in services in the 2000 - 2008 period (compared to -1.5% for industry). Certain industrial sectors such as the automobile, metal and agro-food industries have also absorbed many of these lost jobs. As a result, regional employment in the services sector is equal to the national percentage (70%); while industrial employment is still higher than the national average (27% vs. 24% - Eurostat). The remaining deficit is found in the agricultural sector, where the regional share of employment is two points lower than the national average (2% vs. 4%). The region is the country's third producer in the railway and automobile industries; and it hosts a high percentage of national employment in tele-sales and the textile industry (50% and 20% respectively). The agro-food industry is also a key sector, as the region hosts Europe's first sea industry cluster. However, the region suffers from a strong deficit in high-tech and knowledge intensive jobs and activities. Regional employment in this type of activity is 3.4% in comparison to the 5.3% at the national level ( Eurostat).

Research, Development & Innovation

Between 2000 and 2008 the region only dedicated on average 0.67% of its GDP to GERD, compared to 2.1% at the national level and 1.9% at the European level ( Eurostat Eurostat). This places the region at number 14 in terms of R&D expenditure in French regions. In addition, the GERD growth rate during the same period has been lower in the region (2.8%) than at the national (3.1%) and European (4.2%) levels ( Eurostat). These low levels of R&D expenditure are mainly explained by the weakness of efforts on behalf of the region's private sector. The business enterprise expenditure (BERD) in the region represents only 0.3% of the GDP (compared to 1.3% at the national level). In addition, businesses account for just under half of regional R&D expenditure (45%), while the national average stands at 62.9% ( Eurostat). In addition, Altogether, the regional contribution to the national GERD (1.5%) and BERD (1.1%) are below the regional contribution to the national GDP (4.9%). The regional deficit can also be measured in terms of human resources. Indeed, researchers working in the private sector only represent 1.6% of the total national, and the region comes last in terms of private researcher density (Regional Innovation Strategy - RIS). In addition, human resources in science and technology represent only 0.9% of the total national. According to the regional strategic framework for innovation (RIS), the region's poor RTDI performance is also explained by the fact that the innovation taking place in regional enterprises is not technology-oriented, and is thus less reflected in national statistics (RIS). This makes an important number of regional enterprises victims of the "neglected innovator" syndrome. Despite a remarkably positive business creation rate in the region (30.1% from 2002 to 2007 against 18.2% at the national level over the same period), innovative enterprise creation still remains very low in comparison to other French regions. According the RIS, the region only contributes to 2 to 4% of the total national number of new innovative businesses. According to the document however, this lack of innovation entrepreneurship is not due to the absence of support mechanisms, but is rather the product of a lack of coordination between the multiplicity of existing mechanisms.

Governance

There are two types of innovation policies at the regional scale: 1.Policies designed and implemented at regional level (OSEO schemes for SMEs, Regional council support for innovating projects); 2.Policies designed at national level and implemented both at regional and national level, but having great influence on funding and support provided to the regional innovation system (Competitiveness clusters, Corporate tax credit for research incentives to name the most important). The Regional Council, together with the OSEO regional direction, are the main providers of funding and support for innovation activities in the region. The Regional Council is one of the main contributors to the definition of the regional innovation strategy. It does so through the SRI policy document. When designing this strategy, the Regional Council consulted the region's sub-regional authorities. Yet, the Council remains the leading local authority for measures related to innovation. The French central government is represented through the Regional delegation for research and technology transfer (DRRT) of the Ministry for research and higher education. This delegation is responsible for implementing the National Strategy for Research and Innovation (2009) and national policies fostering innovation at the regional level. The Regional Direction for Enterprises, Competition, Consumption, Labour and Employment (DIRECCTE) represents the Ministries of Economy, Industry and employment; and of Labour, Social Relations, Family, Solidarity and Cities. It is in charge of implementing the national competitiveness cluster policy. The General Secretariat for Regional Affairs of the Nord-Pas de Calais Prefecture (SGAR) also represents the State in the Region and administers the regional ERDF OP. The DRRT and the SGAR are therefore also key actors in the implementation of innovation policy in the region. The Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) recognises the complexity of the regional innovation system's governance structure. It states that one of the system's weaknesses is the existence of a high number of actors, operating outside of a single regional framework and strategy. This has often led to the existence of policy and support mechanism redundancies, as well as to a lack of interest on behalf of potential beneficiaries

Policy

Existing policies and measures implemented within the region are mainly oriented towards: 1.Collaborative R&D projects (competitiveness clusters, PRES, regional collaborative projects, etc.) 2.Direct support to business R&D through grants or loans (OSEO schemes, regional support for R&D and innovation projects, etc.) and indirect support organised at national level (Research Tax Credit, Young Innovative Company) 3.Support to technology transfer (through Regional Centres for Innovation and Technology Transfer - CRITT, technology platforms, etc.) 4.Support to technology transfer between firms (Centres for Scientific and Technological Expertise Resources, Regional Centres for Innovation and Technology Transfer) Based on the actions included in the RIS, it is possible to distinguish emerging policy trends. Regional innovation policies notably seek to: Support innovating enterprise creation by raising entrepreneurship awareness, materialise the higher education capital and coordinate the work of support structures; Develop practices within SME based on strategic analysis and human capital; Attract "high-technologically intensive" investments, while changing the image of the region; Innovating for and by services: the region will soon implement innovation in services fund in collaboration with OSEO; Improve innovating financing mechanisms; Strengthen the regional research potential, as well transfer and commercialisation activities. Indeed, the region gives strong priority to research activities in the fields of rail transportation, health, and innovation in sales.

Support measure

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Support Measure

Title of measure Support to the creation of innovating enterprises

Full title

Aide à la creation d’entreprise innovante

Duration

From: null To: No fixed end date Policy objectives 4.3.1. Support to innovative start ups incl Gazelles 2.3.1. Direct support of business R&D (grants and loans)

Presentation of the measure

The weak levels of innovating enterprise creation and the low survival rates of innovating start-ups are what led the Regional Council to adopt this measure in collaboration with the OSEO national agency. Its main objective is thus to assist entrepreneurs with an innovating enterprise or project to develop business plans, as well as to meet the necessary technical and legal preconditions to carry them out. Eligible candidates must be SME according to European standards, under three years of age. Funding may be used to cover the costs linked to the design and definition of the project; commercial, technical, legal and financial feasibility and definition of the project; commercial, technical, legal and financial feasibility studies; the search and identification of project partners. Through this measure, the region has also sought to develop links between higher education and the world of innovating business creation. Approximately 10 projects are selected on a yearly basis.

Keywords

Small and medium-sized enterprises Start-ups/spin-offs Early stage-financing Budget, source and type of funding Currency: EUR

Source of funding 2009 National public funds 500,000 Regional public funds 1,000,000 EU Structural funds Private funds Other 500,000 Form of funding provided Grants Subsidised loans (including interest allowances) Policy learning

Extent to which the measure can be considered as a success and worthy of policy learning

It is too early to judge the success of the measure (e.g results of first call for proposals still not known).

Evidence of outcomes based on evaluation and other evidence

The measure helps the creation of 10 young innovative entreprises every year. As the region Nord Pas-de-Calais stands behind the French average as far as innovation and innovative SME's are concerned (see INSEE), such a support measure is an effective tool for the economic development in the region.

Do's and Don'ts

Regional representatives did not provide information on this topic. This measure is recommended as an example of regional good practice to policy-makers from other regions:

Yes Organisation(s) responsible Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service

Support measure

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Support Measure

Title of measure Support for R&D and innovation projects

Full title

Aide au projet de R&D et d’innovation

Duration

From: 2008 To: No fixed end date Policy objectives 2.3.1. Direct support of business R&D (grants and loans) 2.1.4. Research Infrastructures

Presentation of the measure

The will to offer support to innovating enterprises involved in high-technological risk projects is what led the Regional Council to adopt this measure in collaboration with the Pas-de-Calais General Council, OSEO and the Lille Metropolitan Area. This mechanism's main objective is thus to offer support to innovative project owners during most of the initial phases of the innovation cycle; from the conception of an innovative idea to the pre-competitive phase of the project. It offers support to SME in the industrial or industrial-services sectors in order to develop technologically innovative products, processes or services, with a high potential for commercialisation; as well as to finance their participation in national or European technology partnerships. This mechanism is mainly designed to reduce technology-related risks generated by innovative projects. Eligible beneficiaries must be SME of up to 5,000 employees. Financing may be used to cover feasibility studies, personnel fees, instruments and material, industrial property fees, research-contractor fees, prototypes, etc.

Keywords

Small and medium-sized enterprises Early stage-financing New technology-based firms Budget, source and type of funding Source of funding 2008 2009 2010 National public funds 400,000400,000400,000 Regional public funds 400,000400,000400,000 EU Structural funds 400,000400,000400,000 Private funds Other 400,000400,000400,000 Form of funding provided Grants Subsidised loans (including interest allowances) Policy learning

Extent to which the measure can be considered as a success and worthy of policy learning

There has been a positive response by beneficiaries to the measure (e.g. over-subscribed in terms of requested versus available budget) but it is too early to judge results or impact

Evidence of outcomes based on evaluation and other evidence

It is too early to make this assessment for this measure.

Do's and Don'ts

It is too early to make this assessment for this measure. This measure is recommended as an example of regional good practice to policy-makers from other regions:

Yes Organisation(s) responsible Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service

Support measure

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Support Measure

Title of measure 2000 SME Plan

Full title

Plan 2000 PME

Duration

From: 2010 To: 2012 Policy objectives 4.3.1. Support to innovative start ups incl Gazelles 4.2.1. Support to innovation management and advisory services

Presentation of the measure

The weak presence of innovating SME in the region, as well as the lack of a coordinated and visible support mechanism for SME development are what led the Regional Council to include this measure in the Regional Innovation Strategy. According to this document, strategic analysis must be considered a key component of business development projects. The region has thus developed an SME support mechanism aimed at identifying high-potential SME and helping them design and implement strategic development plans; offering assistance by means of a team of trained and certified advisors; and answering all business development needs though a single mechanism. The main objective of this tool is to increase the number of R&D projects in regional enterprises and more precisely, to support 2,000 SME from 2010 to 2012 in the realisation of their R&D and innovation projects. The measure is implemented and managed by Nord France Innovation Development (NFID). This organisation is responsible of identifying high potential SMEs, serving as a first point of entry for SME seeking assistance, coordinating support interventions and certifying advisors.

Keywords

Small and medium-sized enterprises Innovation support services Budget, source and type of funding Currency: EUR

Source of funding 2010 2011 2012 National public funds Regional public funds 2,000,0002,000,0002,000,000 EU Structural funds Private funds Other 6,600,0002,000,0002,000,000 Form of funding provided Other Policy learning

Extent to which the measure can be considered as a success and worthy of policy learning

It is too early to judge the success of the measure (e.g results of first call for proposals still not known).

Evidence of outcomes based on evaluation and other evidence

One of the main factors of success of this particular measure is the fact that there is a single organisation responsible for its implementation and management. Eventhough Nord France Innovation Développement is not directly responsible for offering assistance to SME (advisors are hosted by other regional structures), it is responsible for identifying SME in need of assistance, organising and coordinating interventions, keeping a record of actions being taken. This has made policy intervention in this field much more coordinated across the region and among actors. One of the elements that has allowed the NFID to do so, is the clear actors. One of the elements that has allowed the NFID to do so, is the clear mandate that is was given by the Regional Council through the Regional Innovation Strategy. In addition, this organisation enjoys a high degree of recognition and legitimacy among regional actors involved in the implementation of this measure.

Do's and Don'ts

It is too early to make this assessment.

This measure is recommended as an example of regional good practice to policy-makers from other regions:

Yes Organisation(s) responsible North France Innovation Development

Support measure

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Support Measure

Title of measure Regional competitiveness and excellence clusters

Full title

Pôles regionaux de competitivité et d’excellence

Duration

From: 2007 To: No fixed end date Policy objectives 1.3.1. Cluster framework policies 1.3.1. Cluster framework policies 2.2.3. R&D cooperation 2.2.2. Knowledge Transfer

Presentation of the measure

The low levels of co-operation and integration among the region's economic, research and education/training actors are what led the Regional Council to adopt this measure. Its main objective is thus to promote the creation of innovation and R&D projects by means of collaboration between these types of actors. The Regional Council not only offers financial support for cluster activities and their R&D and innovation projects, but it also offers technical advice and enables networking among development actors and stakeholders. In order to be eligible to apply, participants must be officially labelled as members of one of the six regional competitiveness clusters (land transportation, innovating textiles, water products, commercial industry, health-life span-nutrition, materials and sustainable uses); or one of the region's eleven clusters of excellence. The Regional Council directly manages projects over €2,000, while delegating this responsibility to OSEO for projects below this sum. Every year, approximately forty projects are financed through this mechanism.

Keywords

Science-industry cooperation Cluster Public-private partnership Budget, source and type of funding Currency: EUR

Source of funding 2009 National public funds Regional public funds 6,000,000 EU Structural funds Private funds Other Form of funding provided Grants Subsidised loans (including interest allowances) Policy learning

Extent to which the measure can be considered as a success and worthy of policy learning

There has been a positive response by beneficiaries to the measure (e.g. There has been a positive response by beneficiaries to the measure (e.g. over-subscribed in terms of requested versus available budget) but it is too early to judge results or impact

Evidence of outcomes based on evaluation and other evidence

One of the main advantages of this tool is that it is flexible, particularly with regards to the forms under which funding is provided. These are usually determined by the success or failure of the project itself. For example, beneficiaries may initially receive a subsidized loan to carry out their project, which may be transformed into a non-reimbursable grant in case the project does not lead to positive results. The form of funding may also be determined based on the localisation of job-creation directly linked to the project.

Do's and Don'ts

When launching a similar measure, policy makers must be aware of the risk of 'overlapping' support with that provided by national sources. In order to avoid this from happening, close coordination and specific governance mechanisms must be set in place in order to discuss and adopt a common strategy. In addition to this, regional authorities must clearly identify the actions within which regional support will provided the highest added-value, based on larger regional priorities.

This measure is recommended as an example of regional good practice to policy-makers from other regions:

Yes Organisation(s) responsible Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service

Support measure

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Support Measure Title of measure Inovam – seed and venture capital fund

Full title

Inovam – fonds d’amorçage et de capital-risque

Duration

From: 2007 To: No fixed end date Policy objectives 4.3.1. Support to innovative start ups incl Gazelles 2.3.1. Direct support of business R&D (grants and loans) 4.3.2. Support risk capital

Presentation of the measure

The Inovam seed and venture capital fund was created within the framework of the Regional Institute for Development, a public company dedicated to financing and promoting the development of regional enterprises. Its primary task is to carry out equity financing investments in support of enterprise creation in the fields of ICT, electronics, biotechnology and other activities linked to technology and scientific progress. Inovam provides between €50,000 and 200,000 for initial investments. The three main criteria for intervention are: 75% of investments must go to financing enterprises directly linked to public research, beneficiaries must be based out of the region and, Inovam must be allowed to participate in the selection of additional financial investors. The fund is established under the form of a "simplified joint-stock company", in which the Regional Council holds 21% of stocks. Since its creation, Inovam has participated in the financing of approximately twenty projects. Examples include: A Voulte specialised in 3D sound technology, Endotis Pharma in the field of biotechnology, and Esium specialised in electronic systems for the visually impaired.

Keywords

Start-ups/spin-offs Early stage-financing Budget, source and type of funding Currency: EUR

Source of funding 2008 National public funds Regional public funds 400,000 EU Structural funds Private funds 400,000 Other 800,000 Form of funding provided Venture capital (including subordinated loans) Policy learning

Extent to which the measure can be considered as a success and worthy of policy learning

There has been a positive response by beneficiaries to the measure (e.g. over-subscribed in terms of requested versus available budget) but it is too early to judge results or impact

Evidence of outcomes based on evaluation and other evidence

In 2008, a total of 27 funding requests were submitted to INOVAM. Out of these, 12 projects were effectively selected representing a total of €1.5m. This particular mechanism has allowed to federate a number of regional stakeholders within a single structure, while pooling venture and seed capital available at the regional level.

Do's and Don'ts

It is too early to make this assessment.

This measure is recommended as an example of regional good practice to policy-makers from other regions:

Yes Organisation(s) responsible Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service

Support measure

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Support Measure

Title of measure Post-master higher education certificate for innovating project developers

Full title

Certificat d’études supérieures après master “Developpeur de Projets Innovants”

Duration

From: 2009 To: 2009 Policy objectives 3.3.1. Job training (LLL) of researchers and other personnel involved in innovation 1.1.2. Activities of official advisory and consultative forum 4.2.1. Support to innovation management and advisory services

Presentation of the measure

This graduate studies programme was explicitly designed to train innovation project advisors and those offering assistance in the implementation of an innovating project. The programme was developed by Nord France Innovation Development (NFID), in collaboration with the Business Administration Institute of Lille (IAE). The institute if responsible for organising coursework and issuing diplomas. One of the main objectives of this initiative is to increase the capacities and level of professionalism of individuals offering assistance to regional enterprises. It provides them with the necessary capacities to identify, build and implement innovation projects in SME. Candidates follow courses on innovation strategies, marketing, project management, monitoring, industrial property and licensing, human resource management, financial project management. Entry requires candidates to be in possession of a master's diploma, or be able to justify a professional experience of equal importance. The cost of the programme is €4,950. The NFID covers 50% of tuition fees for its members following the programme. Each year, approximately fifteen people are admitted.

Keywords Innovation networks Innovation support services Budget, source and type of funding Currency: EUR

Source of funding 2009 National public funds Regional public funds EU Structural funds Private funds Other 25,000 Form of funding provided Other Policy learning

Extent to which the measure can be considered as a success and worthy of policy learning

It is too early to judge the success of the measure (e.g results of first call for proposals still not known).

Evidence of outcomes based on evaluation and other evidence

One of the factors having facilitated the implementation of this measure is the recognised legitimacy and experience NFID has among the regional business support operators. In addition, the organisation enjoyed good relations with the IAE, responsible for organising the programme.

Do's and Don'ts

It is too early to provide recommendations on the implementation of a similar measure.

This measure is recommended as an example of regional good practice to policy-makers from other regions:

Yes Organisation(s) responsible North France Innovation Development Policy document

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Policy Document

Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Innovation Strategy Stratégie Régionale de l'Innovation - Nord-Pas de Calais

Organisation responsible

Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service Content

The elaboration of the Regional Innovation Strategy corresponds to an incentive of the European Commission addressed to all French regions in 2007 aimed at establishing a clear diagnosis of innovation conditions for the creation of operational programmes. In line with European recommendations, the RIS acts as a common basis gathering all public actions supporting innovation at the regional scale. This strategy was established in accordance with the principles of Lisbon and Göteborg, while giving a strong emphasis to economic and employment development. The first part of the document identifies key weaknesses and strengths such as the investment shortage in private R&D, the lack of innovative enterprise creation, and the need for a regional innovation governance mechanism allowing to improve coordination among the multiplicity of existing actors. The document goes on to present three strategic guidelines organised around six crosscutting objectives which include innovating by and for services, support the creation of innovating enterprises by increasing awareness on entrepreneurship, attracting "high technologically intensive" investments.

Year of publication

2009 Link to website

Link: http://www.nordpasdecalais.fr/srde/strategie.asp

Policy document

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Policy Document

Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Innovation Strategy Stratégie Régionale de l'Innovation - Nord-Pas de Calais Content

The creation of the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS) corresponds to an incentive of the European Commission addressed to all French regions, aimed at establishing a clear diagnosis of innovation conditions before the adoption of ERDF operational programmes. In line with European recommendations, the SRI acts as a common basis for all public actions supporting innovation at the regional scale. This strategy was established in accordance with the principles of Lisbon and Göteborg, while giving a strong emphasis to economic and employment development. The first part of the document identifies key weaknesses and strengths such as the investment shortage in private R&D, the lack of innovative enterprise creation, and the need for a regional innovation governance mechanism allowing to improve coordination among the multiplicity of existing actors. The document goes on to present three strategic guidelines organised around six crosscutting objectives which include innovating by and for services, support the creation of innovating enterprises by increasing awareness on entrepreneurship, attracting "high technologically intensive" investments.

Year of publication

2009

Link to website Link to website

Link: http://www.nordpasdecalais.fr/srde/strategie.asp

Policy document

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Policy Document

Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Economic Development Plan Schéma Régional de Développement Economique – Nord-Pas de Calais

Organisation responsible

Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service Content

This document contains the main strategic actions and orientations guiding the regional council's policy intervention in the field of economic development. Its main objective is to promote balanced economic development and to support the region's territorial attractiveness. The RECP is founded on the principles of consultation and collaboration between the region's economic actors in order to collectively define and implement the actions in favour of economic development. One of the document's main objectives is to place innovation, fundamental research and research output commercialisation at the top of the policy agenda in order to accelerate the regional economic transformation process. It states the need for the region to increase investment and spending in R&D and innovation, in order to meet the 3% of GDP standard set by the Lisbon treaty. It plans on doing so by strengthening the public and private research potential, optimise exchanges and collaboration between laboratories, technology centres and enterprises and; increase awareness, develop and support innovation and technology transfer within entreprises.

Year of publication Year of publication

2005

Link to website

Link: http://www.nordpasdecalais.fr/srde/intro.asp

Policy document

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Policy Document

Nord-Pas de Calais Operational Programme 2007-2013 Programme Opérationnel ‘Nord-Pas de Calais’– 2007 - 2013

Organisation responsible

Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service Content

The Operational Programme establishes the main guidelines for the use of funding provided by the EU under the ERDF in the region. The document begins by presenting a diagnosis of the region's R&D and innovation capacities. It recognises the fact the region has fallen behind national standards in research and innovation, and that regional spending (public and private) on R&D and innovation remain relatively low compared to the national average and neighbouring regions. Based on this diagnosis, the document identifies four strategic intervention guidelines of which "research & development, innovation and enterprise policy" represents the first and most important in terms of funding. The strategic elements adopted under this guideline include: strengthen and open research clusters while concentrating efforts on four emerging sectors (biology and health, transport, sustainable development, science and ICT); promote access to higher education through research activities; attract high-added value and high education through research activities; attract high-added value and high innovation-potential economic activities to the region; support the development of existing innovative enterprises in the region.

Year of publication

2007

Link to website

Link: http://www.nordpasdecalais.fr/tic/actions/contractualisation ...

Organisation

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Organisation

OSEO Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Directorate OSEO Direction Régionale Nord-Pas de Calais Link: http://www.oseo.fr/ Immeuble Axe Europe 213, boulevard de Turin Lille, 59777 Mission The OSEO Nord-Pas de Calais regional direction is the regional office of the OSEO public national agency for innovation. This agency is under the joint supervision of the ministry in charge of industry, the ministry in charge of SMEs and the ministry in charge of research. It has four main fields of activity including innovation, enterprise growth, internationalisation, and enterprise succession and transfer. In the field of innovation, OSEO is one of the main actors providing financing opportunities and support; and technical, scientific, financial and marketing counseling to enterprises wishing to carry out innovative projects. The agency provides assistance by sharing the financial risks generated by such projects with enterprises, through a diversity of mechanisms such as subventions, loan or guarantee schemes. OSEO also offers counseling on project setup and management throughout the whole innovation cycle, from the feasibility until the commercialization phases of the project. Activities OSEO's innovation support mechanisms can be regrouped into three categories: financial support, bank loans and counseling services. Financial support includes all mechanisms for innovation aimed at sharing the risks created by R&D projects and improving SME access to private financing. This usually comes under the form of direct subventions. Examples include support mechanisms for collaboration projects between clusters, the creation of innovative businesses, strategic industrial innovation projects, technology transfer and youth and innovation projects. The second group of mechanisms is designed to improve access to bank loans in order to finance operational cycles, increase cash flows and capital volumes, and guarantee the risks taken by banking and financial partners. Examples include innovation development contracts (guarantee-free loans in order to finance intangible assets needed for an innovation project), innovation guarantee funds, and biotech guarantees aimed at improving SME access to biotechnology. The last group of instruments offers support through counseling and expertise for SME carrying out an innovation project. Assistance is provided in order to find the necessary partners to build transnational technological projects, carry out certification procedures to improve access to public funds and networking among potential project partners.

Organisation

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Organisation

North France Innovation Development Nord France Innovation Développement Link: http://www.jinnove.com/fr/Qui-sommes-nous/NFID 323 Bvd. du Président Hoover Lille, 590000 Mission Nord France Innovation Development is the regional organisation responsible for federating regional actors implied in technological and innovation development support activities. According to the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS), this organisation has three main responsibilities: monitoring the implementation of the RIS itself; being the back-office for regional innovation and research policies; and establishing the actions and guidelines necessary to reach the goals included in the RIS. This organisation is also notably in charge of the operational implementation of the 2000 SME plan by coordinating the involved actors and stakeholders and reaching out to potential beneficiaires. It is financed by the Nord-Pas de Calais Regional Council, the European Union, OSEO, and the Nord Departmental Council (Conseil Général). It is recognised as an association under French law. Activities Nord France Innovation Development is responsible for organising the "J'innove in Nord-Pas de Calais" innovation platform. This platform was created in 2007 by the Regional Economic Development Scheme as a successor to the Technological Development Network. It gathers chambers of commerce, intellectual property specialists (INPI), competitiveness clusters, sector-specific business and science parks, higher education and research institutions and technology transfer specialists around a shared objective: promoting the region's science and technology capabilities and supporting business innovation. The platform provides companies working on innovative projects with experts, guidance and networking opportunities in support of these initiatives. As mentioned on their website "contributing towards turning ideas into products, processes and new services, so as to create value and increase the competitiveness of companies in national and international markets, is the sole purpose of the organization". They are also responsible for managing a collaborative online tool and database which contains all of the support tools that are available, the interventions carried out, enterprise intellectual property data and the activities for innovation support that are carried out at the regional level. This mechanism allows members of the platform to gain access to a centralised source of information, avoiding intervention redundancies. This is of particular importance in a region with a high concentration of innovation support actors and structures.

Organisation

FRANCE NORD - PAS-DE-CALAIS Region Nord - Pas-de-Calais NUTS Code FR30

Organisation

Regional Council of Nord-Pas de Calais - Department for Economic Action, Enterprise Innovation and Competitiveness Service Conseil Régional Nord-Pas de Calais Link: http://www.nordpasdecalais.fr/economie/territoireRegional.asp 323 Bvd. du Président Hoover Lille, 59000 Mission The Department for Economic Action is the branch of the Regional Council responsible for implementing the regional policy for economic development, which includes an important R&D and innovation component. The Department seeks to place innovation, fundamental research and commercialisation of research outcomes at the heart of regional priorities in order to accelerate the economic transformation process. The Department's activities are aimed at allowing the regional council to meet the Lisbon objective of 3% of regional GDP investment in R&D and innovation. In order to do so, it carries out a broad set of actions in order to increase the regional innovation and research potential; promote the creation of partnerships between laboratories, technology centres and enterprises; and develop and support innovation and technological transfer within the region's enterprises. Activities The Department is responsible for implementing a wide set of actions in the field of enterprise creation and transmission, competitive cluster development, international development, and information and communication technologies. In the field of innovation and enterprise development, the department's activities include: implementing the "innovation and commercialization of research outcomes" co-operation platform; establishing an operational counselling team to support innovation project development; managing the regional fund for innovation and research output commercialization; and developing the "I innovate in Nord-Pas de Calais" communication campaign. In addition to this, the Department offers financial and technical assistance to the region's six competitive clusters, as well as for the creation of new clusters and additional collaboration schemes between laboratories, enterprises and education/training institutions.

Appendix D Statistical data

Nord - Pas- Nord - Pas- Nord - Pas- de-Calais de-Calais de-Calais (FR3) (FR3) (FR3) EU27 2000 or Previous Indicator around year Most recent Most recent GDP per capita (PPP) 17200 21900 21700 25100 2000 2007 2008 2008 Change in GDP per capita 3.44 4.45 3.41 3.73 2000-03 2006-07 2005-08 2005-08 Unemployment rate 10.75 9.725 9.875 6.98 2000-03 2006-09 2007-10 2007-10 Change in unemployment ratee -2.45 0.10 -0.15 -0.30 2000-03 2006-09 2007-10 2007-10 Tertiary education 0.18 0.31 0.32 0.30 2000 2009 2010 2010 Government R&D expenditure 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.24 2000 2004 2004 2008 Non-R&D innovation exp. 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.41 2004 2004 2004 2006 Patents per mln popoluation 41.3 45.5 42.0 115.1 2000 2005 2006 2006 Business R&D expenditure 0.66 0.58 0.58 1.21 2000 2004 2004 2008 Higher education R&D expenditure 0.62 0.66 0.66 0.44 2000 2004 2004 2008 Source: Eurostat and Community Innovation Survey

Regional Innovation Monitor 21

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