Strategic initiatives

Background

To enhance its strategic impact, NWE Programme developed the so-called Strategic Initiatives: these refer to projects of significant thematic and/or geographic relevance to the area. Five thematic areas have been identified as strategically important for NWE: (1) transport and logistics chains, (2) production and consumption of energy from renewable sources, (3) developing capacity for innovation and knowledge based economy, (4) challenges posed by demographic change and immigration and (5) adaptation to the spatial impacts of climate change.

Strategic projects

The Programme has approved 7 Strategic projects by the end of 2011:

• WEASTFLOWS
• KARIM
• EnAlgae
• ARBOR
• CODE24
• ACE
• BIOenNW

These initiatives brought together regional, local, national and EU experts and other stakeholders and received an early and tailored-made support from the Programme. They received and will continue receiving a wider exposure in the Programme’s communication activities.

Please note that this pilot approach is now closed.

Strategic Clusters

 This initiative is open for projects that have already been approved by the Programme. Projects that are addressing similar themes may be invited by the Programme to form a cluster. Through joint cooperation projects can maximise their impact and visibility and thus achieve ‘strategic’ relevance. Potential clusters will have to define together a Joint Action Plan including a budget and appoint a cluster leader. The Secretariat will provide advice on the Joint Action Plan before it will be submitted for assessment and approval to the Programme Steering Committee. Clusters can receive up to 1% of the total clusters’ budget. No match funding is required. The cluster development initiative is regulated by a dedicated call for proposals. So far, the Programme has approved four clusters:

• SIC adapt!: Focusing on the adaptation to the expected spatial impacts of climate change. The cluster includes the projects FORESTCLIM, IMCORE, FUTURE CITIES, WAVE, AMICE, ALFA, FLOODRESILIENCITY and C-CHANGE. 
• ENVIREO (formerly CALGREST): Innovative approaches to sustainable energy promotion and management. This cluster has been formed by the projects REGAIN, LIVINGGREEN, CAP’EM, SUSSTATION and TRAMSTORE.
• SYNAPTIC: Innovative approaches to urban, inter-urban and rural public passenger transport. The participating projects are ICMA, SINTROPHER, ROCK and BAPTS.
• APACHES: Attractive Public Areas: Competitiveness, Heritage, Urban Environments and Sustainability. The participating projects are: MANDIE, COLLABOR8, MANAGE+, LICI, VALUE, VALUE+, CURE and PORTICO
   

For further information on Strategic Initiatives please contact the JTS officer Anke Möllers (anke@nweurope.eu).