Member Article

North East shows off science in Brussels

An event in Brussels this week will see North East science and technology proving its worth to EU decision makers. Regional development agency One NorthEast is leading the ‘Science and Innovation in Regional Policy’ element of the Brussels Open Days, the biggest annual event on EU regional policy. The Open Days include experts in Structural Fund programmes, members of the European Parliament, and private companies and business entrepreneurs.

Among numerous workshops with North East representation, the agency is introducing sessions delivered by NStar Finance and Newcastle Science City. Each will demonstrate how new tools for regional development, such as financing for SMEs, are opening up opportunities for the North East economy.

Efforts to expand the science and technology base of North East England receive significant funding support from Europe. There are a range of EU transnational programmes such as Framework 7 and Interreg from which the region can secure funding if it engages in collaborative work with other EU member states on specific policy issues.

Pat Ritchie, One NorthEast assistant chief executive, said: “It’s all about sharing best practice and getting the experts together under one roof to adopt model policy principles. We can learn much from reciprocal and collaborative projects. “We’re involved with over 30 European regions in projects funded under the EU’s Interreg and Framework Programmes. These are worth over €4m to the North East.”

Transnational programmes are not just about cash either. They act as testbeds for the European Commission to help shape future policy and decide how structural funds such as ERDF and ESF are spent. European funding has been used to support the North East since 1989 and has brought many millions of pounds worth of investment to the region.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .