European Union European Regional Development Fund

1. European Union European Regional Development Fund Preparatory projects and funding opportunities18 - 19th August 2010 – Copenhagen, DenmarkChristopher Parker and Rachel Burn

2. General purpose of preparatory projects • Producing a well-balanced, high quality main project application with an appropriate partnership constellation • Facilitate the development of joint project plans on themes that correspond to the objectives of the programme • Committing partners to specific contributions • Reducing risks connected to main projects In general, it is to ensure that a project is meeting all the NPP core concepts of transnationality and added value.

3. General background information • Continuous call • Application can be submitted at any time or as directed by PMC • Expenditure will become eligible from the date of submission Minimum requirements • Project idea • At least 2 contributing partners from 2 countries • Public match funding in place, confirmed through match funding commitments

4. Current status of preparatory projects in the NPP 2007-2013 programme • The NPP 2007 – 2013 Programme Monitoring Committee delegated authority to the Programme secretariat to approve preparatory projects and make funding decisions. • The Programme Secretariat has assessed 60 and approved 25 preparatory projects • Committed funds preparatory projects: € 433 387 (Remaining € 66 613) • A call for preparatory projects from 10th of June 2010 addressing project themes identified in gaps in the programme. • In preparation for the Sixth Call, the definition of products and services has widened and alternative wording has been provided for a number of themes to facilitate a better understanding.

5. Preparatory projects as project development support tools • Addressing programme identified gaps • Kept in focus for accepting new preparatory project applications • Continued call for 6 months preparatory projects • Approval only preparatory projects dealing with identified gaps and not yet sufficiently addressed themes in the program • Programme Secretariat’s tools to work pro-actively promoting the identified gaps • Attracting project idea holders to apply for identified project gaps/ attract potential project idea holders

6. 6 months preparatory project 30 000 EUR total budget 18 000 EUR from NPP, 60% grant rate Conditions: public match funding in place, confirmed through match funding commitment forms project plan indicating potential tangible interesting products and services. offering participation in development workshop in June 2010; facilitated by Programme Secretariat How to Apply seminar on September 16th, 2010

7. Preparatory project Call The themes below are open for preparatory project applications: In Priority 1: Objective “To promote competitiveness by increasing and developing the capacity for innovation and networking in rural and peripheral areas”, the two themes: • exchange of best practise and establishment of cooperation networks between R&D institution and SMEs to increase the capacity for innovation, facilitate the design of innovation systems and strengthen competitiveness • cooperation and exchange of best practice between SMEs on how to address and reach markets with existing and new products

8. Preparatory project Call Objective “To facilitate development through the use of advanced information and communication technologies and transportation in the programme area”, the three themes: • increased use of ICT to overcome distance • developing innovative product/service solutions for developing and maintaining transport infrastructure with regard to roads, railways, airports and ports under harsh climatic conditions • maritime safety in relation to remote areas with arctic, harsh conditions And in Priority 2: Objective “To improve sustainable development in peripheral regions by strengthening urban-rural (alternative wording: towns and surroundings) relations and enhancing regional heritage”, the theme: • urban-rural partnerships for new service solutions (alternative wording: new services for rural areas linked to towns or services provided in towns and distributed to their surrounding area.)

9. Next Main project application Call • Please note that the Sixth Call for Applications will be launched 3rd of September 2010 and closes on 14th of October 2010. • More information about the exact nature of the Sixth Call will be published in June 2010 to inform applicants in good time about what will be expected from them.

10. Next steps • Further develop your project idea • Visit NPP website www.northernperiphery.eu application forms for preparatory project • Get in contact with your Regional Contact Point • Submit application in an original blue ink signed and electronic version to Northern Periphery Programme Secretariat Strandgade 91, 4. sal DK-1401 Copenhagen K, DENMARK secretariat@northernperiphery.eu Check NPP website for regular updates

11. Contact Details – Programme Secretariat • Northern Periphery Programme Secretariat Strandgade 91, 4. sal DK-1401 Copenhagen K, DENMARKFax: +45 3283 3775 • Niclas Forsling – Head of Secretariat • Tel. +45 3283 3786, niclas.forsling@northernperiphery.eu • Christopher Parker – Programme Manger for Project Development Support • Tel. +45 3283 3782, christopher.parker@northernperiphery.eu • Kirsti Mijnhijmer – Programme Manager for Information & Communication • Tel. +45 3283 3784, kirsti.mijnhijmer@northernperiphery.eu • Rachel Burn – Project Officer • Tel. +45 3283 3785, rachel.burn@northernperiphery.eu

12. For further information, please visit: www.northernperiphery.eu Thank you for listening!