Develop Sweden The European Structural Funds in Sweden 2007–2013 Preface Over the years, European Structural Funds have contributed successfully to economic growth and competitiveness of regions, individuals and businesses. The 2007–2013 programming period focus even more clearly on farsighted and strategic projects and co-operation between regions, authorities, organisations and businesses. The Structural Funds provide strategic investments in the future – investments that stimulate more and better jobs. During 2007–2013, Sweden takes part in 22 Structural Fund Programmes: Eight Regional Structural Fund Programmes and 13 Territorial Co-operation Programmes that are financed by the European Regional Development Fund. These are supplemented by the European Social Fund Programme. More than SEK eight billion in EU funding will be channelled through the eight Regional Structural Fund Programmes and SEK six billion through the Social Fund Programme, funds that are distributed to projects in Sweden. SEK 10 billion are chanelled through the Territorial Co-operation Programmes where funds are shared with other participating countries. All programmes are subject to national public co-financing. As a rule, the co-financed amount should match the EU funding. European Structural Funds are one of the EU’s key instruments for fulfilling the goals of the Lisbon strategy. The aim of this strategy is to make Europe the world’s most competitive knowledge-based economy with sustainable growth, respect for the environment and greater social cohesion. The national strategy for regional competitiveness, entrepreneurship and employment 2007–2013 provides a platform for working with European Structural Funds in Sweden. This brochure outlines the Structural Fund Programmes in Sweden and the programmes that are available to Swedish organisations, authorities and businesses. For more information, such as how to apply for funding, please contact the responsible authorities and organisations. © Tillväxtverket Copies: 200 Production: Ordförrådet Stockholm, August 2010 Print: DanagårdLitho Info 0208 Contents Regional competitiveness and employment 4 Regional Structural Fund Programmes North Sweden 6 Mid-North Sweden 8 North Mid-Sweden 10 East Mid-Sweden 12 Stockholm 14 Småland and the Islands 16 West Sweden 18 Skåne-Blekinge 20 European Social Fund Programmes 22 European territorial co-operation 24 Cross-border Programmes Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak 28 Sweden-Norway 30 Botnia-Atlantica 32 North/Kolarctic 34 Central Baltic 36 South Baltic 38 Transnational Co-operation Programmes The Baltic Sea Region Programme 40 Northern Periphery 42 North Sea Programme 44 Interregional Programmes Interreg IVC 46 URBACT II 48 ESPON 2013 49 INTERACT II 49 The european union, structural funds and Sweden 50 3 Regional competitiveness and employment Regional Structural Fund Programmes European Social Fund Programmes Sweden is divided into eight regions that all work with regional competitiveness and employment. Each region has a Regional Structural Fund Programme that is co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund and a nationwide European Social Fund Programme with regional priorities. 4 5 EIGHT regiONAL STRUCTURAL FUND PROGRAMMES North Sweden The overall goal of the North Sweden Programme is to support long-term sustainable growth. During the 2007–2013 programming period, the European Regional Development Fund will invest SEK 2.2 billion in North Sweden. This will be supplemented by national public co-financing. Geographical areas Norrbotten and Västerbotten Counties. Areas of intervention Innovation and renewal This region has a number of growth areas that will be developed with programme funding. These are: • Testing and training, security and vulnerability • Creative industries, experiences and tourism • Energy and environmental technology • Basic industry – technology and service development • Information, communication technology and services • Biotechnology Innovation and renewal are needed to develop the region. The focus lies on entrepreneurship and new business, innovative environments, international co-operation and regional attractiveness. Accessibility A sustainable transport system for people, products and services is essential for regional development. This also applies for IT. 6 Information and applications www.tillvaxtverket.se/EU-program E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +46 8 681 91 00 7 EIGHT regiONAL STRUCTURAL FUND PROGRAMMES Mid-North Sweden The overall goal of this programme is to increase competitiveness and employment in the region. This will be achieved by stimulating enterprise and making the region more accessible and attractive. During the 2007–2013 programming period, the European Regional Development Fund will invest SEK 1.6 billion in long-term sustain able growth in Mid-North Sweden. This will be supplemented by national public co-financing. Geographical areas Jämtland and Västernorrland Counties. Areas of intervention Stimulating enterprise, energy and environmental-driven business development Investments in innovation are needed to increase the region’s competitiveness. The environment and tourism are special profile areas along with: • Knowledge-driven business development, research and development • Internationalisation and international trade • Tourism and the creative industries • Entrepreneurship and new business • Capital procurement for businesses • Initiatives to expand offerings in the energy and environmental area Accessibility and attractiveness Transport, logistics and IT projects, that will make the region more accessible and attractive, are priorities in the programme. This involves spreading information about the region and developing the environment. 8 Information and applications www.tillvaxtverket.se/EU-program E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +46 8 681 91 00 9 EIGHT regiONAL STRUCTURAL FUND PROGRAMMES ÅttA regiONALA struKturfONdsprOgrAM North Mid-Sweden The North Mid-Sweden Programme will develop innovative environ- ments, foster dynamic enterprise and increase accessibility for people and enterprise in the region. The overall goal of the programme is to stimulate more business start-ups, create more jobs and contribute to higher rates of activity for both men and women. During the 2007–2013 programming period, the European Regional Development Fund will invest SEK 1.75 billion in long-term sustain able growth in North Mid-Sweden. This will be supplemented by national public co-financing. Geographical areas Gävleborg , Dalarna and Värmland Counties. Areas of intervention Business development Investments in innovative environments and entrepreneurship are priorities in the programme. The programme funds research, development and innovation and supports the creation of innova- tive environments and clusters. The focus lies on technological and business development through collaboration between universities/ colleges/research institutes and small and medium-sized businesses. The creation of more business start-ups and jobs in the region requires investment in both new and existing enterprise. Funds will be granted to projects that stimulate entrepreneurship among women and immigrants and initiatives that promote spin-offs from both public and private sector organisations. Accessibility Access to effective transport and IT will influence the region’s oppor- tunities for development. The programme could, for instance, support the development of public transport that would promote commuting to work, studies, services and shops. 10 Information and applications www.tillvaxtverket.se/EU-program E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +46 8 681 91 00 11 EIGHT regiONAL STRUCTURAL FUND PROGRAMMES East Mid-Sweden This programme supports the development of East Mid-Sweden as a region with dynamic and internationally competitive enterprise and a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship. During the 2007–2013 programming period, the European Regional Development Fund will invest around SEK 730 million in long-term sustainable growth in East Mid-Sweden. This will be supplemented by national public co-financing. Geographical areas Uppsala, Södermanland, Östergötland, Örebro and Västmanland Counties. Areas of intervention Innovative environments Projects, that will strengthen the innovative capacity of existing businesses, stimulate new business and attract skills, capital and companies to the region – also from abroad, are priorities in the pro- gramme. By developing the infrastructure for innovation and skills provision, initiatives will stimulate the commercialisation of research findings and support the development of new products and services. Entrepreneurship The programme supports the creation of new and robust businesses and growing companies, which combined will strengthen the region’s national and international competitiveness. Accessibility The programme contributes to achieving co-ordinated public trans- port with cohesive and joint systems for tickets, fares and timetable information. The programme also supports access to a functional, robust and future-proofed IT-infrastructure for the private sector. 12 Information and applications www.tillvaxtverket.se/EU-program E-mail: [email protected] Phone: +46 8 681 91 00 13 EIGHT regiONAL STRUCTURAL FUND PROGRAMMES ÅttA regiONALA struKturfONdsprOgrAM Stockholm The overall goal of the Stockholm Programme is to focus on small companies and contribute