Российский национальный суб-комитет программы BSR Interreg IIIB

Interreg III B Northern Periphery Programme Partenariat

Keflavík, Iceland

September 13 – 14, 2002

The 4^th Northern Periphery Programme partenariat in Keflavík, Iceland was designed to focus on thematic project ideas presented in parallel workshops and to facilitate the transnational partner search process. It was the ambition of the Joint Programme Secretariat, Institute of Regional Development in Iceland and NORA to organise a Partenariat where all projects ideas would be presented and discussed in “Thematic parallel workshops”.

Over 220 participants from seven countries attended the second Northern Periphery Programme Partenariat of 2002. Six delegates came from as far away as Russia. Sweden was represented by 25 delegates, 93 delegates came from Iceland, 29 delegates from Norway, 21 delegates from Scotland, 12 delegates from Greenland, 20 delegates from the Faroe Islands, 14 delegates from Finland, 2 delegates from Denmark. Guest speakers were invited from the SFG Data Quality in the Faroe Islands and Tees Valley Strategy Unit in the U.K. The partenariat delegates represented local and regional government authorities, research and educational institutions, non-governmental organisations and national government representatives and private companies interested in presenting their project ideas and searching for project partners.

Welcome remarks

Mr. Jón Sigurðsson, Board chairman, Institute of Regional Development in Iceland, Chair welcomed delegates to Keflavík and the 4th Northern Periphery Programme Partenariat and introduced the Icelandic Minister of Industry Mrs. Valgerður Sverrisdóttir.

Mrs. Sverrisdóttir welcomed the 130 guest from seven northern periphery countries and highlighted the fact that Iceland had joined the Northern Periphery Programme as a member in June 2002. The Minister expressed the belief that Iceland was looking forward to full involvement in the programme. In highlighting Iceland’s involvement Minister Sverrisdóttir spoke directly to the issue of globalisation and regional development through information technology, widing economic ties and the cultural level of engagement through such programmes as the Northern Periphery Programme.The Minister encouraged all delegates to seize the important initative presented through the Northern Periphery Programme and rise to the challenge.

Northern Periphery’s challenges for West Nordic countries: Greenland, Iceland and Faroe Islands

Mr. Signar Heinesen presented his initial views on “Northern Periphery’s challenges for West Nordic countries: Greenland, Iceland and Faroe Islands” by briefly highlighting aspects of a SWOT analysis. Strengths are the entrepreneurial way of life and local initiatives – i.e. social capital. Weaknesses include scarce human resources and the lack of international initiatives in the northern periphery. Opportunities included the optimism that a world of partners and competitors are waiting to seize the challenge. Threats include being outside the knowledge circle and contact infrastructure of the market.

With the SWOT analysis as a background Mr. Heinesen expressed his thoughts on the Northern Periphery Programme and its benefits for West Nordic Countries. Mr. Heinesen concluded that the Northern Periphery Programme addresses the obvious disadvantages of physical and electronic infrastructure and the great distances in the northern periphery. To see Mr. Heinssen’s presentation

<b><a href="../documents/challenges for the west Nordic countries.ppt " Target="_blank">Click here</a></b>

Programme Director, Ms. Härmä, presented an overview of the Northern Periphery Programme by describing the NPP area, objectives and vision. The eligible country partners include: Finland, Finland, Norway, Scotland, Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and on a project-by- project basis North West Russia.

In addressing the strategies to face the challenges of the northern periphery, Ms. Härmä highlighted the fact that co-operation and networking to solve common problems and project should utilize these opportunities as a key strategy. Another strategy is co-operation and networking carried out in joint innovative activities, linked research, networking for interactive learning and exchange of experiences and good practices.

The financing consists of Member States’ contribution 39,3 MEUR with an ERDF share of 21,3 MEUR and non-member states contribution 14 MEUR. This brings the total budget to 53,2 MEUR. The allocation of programme funding was assigned according to programme priorities: Priority 1 Communications: 23 %, Priority 2 Strengthen Sustainable Economic Development: 40 %, Priority 3 Community Development: 30 % and Priority 4 Technical assistance: 7 %

Ms. Härmä emphasised that a partnership structure should include regional and local authorities, research and educational institutions, NGOs and non-profit organisations and the private sector. It was noted that projects should have 3 or more partners from at least 3 different countries. Private sector partners are invited to contribute to projects as a partner if their contribution represents a wider public interest. However, there are some limitations concerning private sector contribution.

Ms. Härmä in brief detail described the three project tools that could be applied through the Northern Periphery Programme: Micro projects, Preparatory projects and Main Projects.

After describing the project types, Ms. Härmä outlined the different priorities and their measures that apply to projects.

By way of graphic illustration, Ms. Härmä reviewed the committed fund projects funds to date.

In concluding her remarks, Ms. Härmä highlighted some of the recent news and forthcoming events of the Northern Periphery Programme (NPP). In the last NPP Programme Monitoring Committee meeting in Faroe Islands it was confirmed that Iceland was fully participating in the programme, with 1,5 MEUR. There have been two Programme Monitoring Committee (PMC) meetings to select projects on 17-18 January and 16-17 June 2002. Since the June 17th meeting seven main projects, seven preparatory projects and one micro project have been approved. The Joint Programme Secretariat is planning the first project Leaders’ seminar in Scotland in November 2002. The first annual report to the Commission is due by June 2003 and a Mid-term evaluation of the Northern Periphery Programme is due by December 2003.

Ms. Härmä reminded delegates that the next application round ends September 27^th, 2002 at 18:00 CET and the Joint Programme Secretariat is looking forward to receiving applications.

Tips for successful NPP projects

Programme Manager, Ms. Pentler started the presentation by highlighting the general aspects of a successful application as such preparation requires a thorough understanding of the administration rules found in the datasheets and the lead partner principle. All applications should in their description demonstrate the transnationality, innovative and an understanding of the conditions in the Northern Periphery area. Complex partnerships, added value and clear objectives illustrated through targets, baseline and indicators are important for the determination of an application success.

Ms. Pentler suggested as preparatory ideas that project developer and sponsors become familiar with the administrative rules and to define tasks and responsibilities at the earliest stage in order to create clear targets and meet time schedules. In assessing the end results of a project, Ms. Pentler encouraged project developers to think about deliverables and the match funding required to make a project successful. In terms of a successful partnership for a project, Ms. Pentler emphasised the need of appointing of a lead partner from a public or similar like body from Finland, Scotland, Sweden, Norway or Iceland who would be administrative and legally responsible for the project.

Most importantly, Ms. Pentler emphasized the need for a partnership agreement and to seek the advice of the Joint Programme Secretariat and Regional Contact Points.

Programme Assistant, Mr. Parker presented a guided tour of the Northern Periphery Programme web site http://www.northernperiphery.net/.

Mr. Jón Sigurðsson invited Ms.Irina Karelina of the Russian delegation to present a brief summary of the role of the Russian national BSR Interreg III B sub-committee. Ms. Karelina gave a tour of the sub-committees web site http://www.leontief.ru.rnsc/

Mr. Jón Sigurðsson, invited Chairpersons of the six thematic parallel workshops to report their findings. Each of the Chairpersons reported the different stages of discussions and presentation in their workshops. At the end of the first day all Chairperson reported significance process, but due to the high number of presentation of project ideas not all projects had been presented and that the second day of activities would provide more information to report. All Chairperson congratulated their participants as the level of discussions and interaction was extremely high and pro-active.

Before closing the first days activities Mr. Jón Sigurðsson introduced Mr. Jim Millard who was scheduled to continue the Chairship of the partenariat on the second day. Mr.Millard challenged the participants to think constructive about the Northern Periphery Programme priorities and how to best fit their project.

Day 2 – Saturday 14^th September

Mr. Jim Millard, chairman of the Interreg III B Northern Periphery Programme Monitoring Committee and Chairman of the day opened Day 2 by introducing Mr. Magne Haugseng, Head of Economic Development & Europe at the Tees Valley Strategy Unit who shared his ideas on Practising Project Co-operation. Mr. Haugseng has worked with the European Regional Development Fund since 1980 and is involved in the Interreg III B North Sea Programme.

In his presentation Mr. Haugseng spoke about the reasons behind co-operation in projects, choice of project, what programme to apply funding from, choice of partners, how to build a good partnership through clear and concise agreements, and so called threshold decisions where one decides to cooperate or not.

Mr. Haugseng described the importance of the internal and external conditions. Crucial internal conditions are support and commitments within organisations and regions, goal congruence in the way of having same expectations, result management in the form of choice of steering structures, internal information flow so as to keep colleagues and co-workers up to date with what is happening.

Mr. Haugseng emphasised that in the preparation of a project application it is important not only that everyone says yes to co-operation, but also to agree on what results to expect, how to use these results, how to inform others about the results and distribute them among the partnership and the select project staff.

The role of the public sector was discussed by Mr. Haugseng: to what extent should the public sector be involved? Should it finance the activities, facilitate the project, steer the project or also participate as a project partner? Mr. Haugseng highlighted the importance of being careful when choosing partners, as wrong participants lead to delays and delays give bad reputation.

In the preparations for further development of the project, Mr Haugseng touched upon areas to consider like whether your organisation should lead or be led, what are the eligible costs, definition of roles and timetables, milestones and work programmes and joint agreements on the commitments. Mr. Haugseng reminded the partenariat delegates about the importance of giving of yourself, joint ownership of the project, benefit for all from participation, and the importance of frequent discussions within the project organisation to ensure that everyone agrees on how to proceed with the project activities.

Mr. Haugseng encouraged planning as much possible up front and producing good records of your meetings so as to make sure everyone agrees. To see Mr. Haugseng’s presentation <b><a href="../documents/magne haugseng presentation.ppt " Target="_blank">Click here</a></b>

Ms. Pentler described the Micro and Preparatory projects aiming at promoting partnership building and their simplified application procedure. The purpose of the Micro projects is to establish first contacts between potential partners in the new part of the programme area, i.e. Faroe Islands and Greenland and Iceland as well as Northwest Russia, and partners from the “old” programme area in Finland, Sweden, Norway and Scotland, covering travel expenses and other costs related to the initial encounter. The maximum grant is 5000 EUR, up to 50 % of eligible costs, on the condition match funding in signed national co-financing documents and a project plan presented in the specific application form for Micro and Preparatory projects.

In the Preparatory projects a broader partnership will be mobilized. Ms. Pentler detailed that alternative actions will be clarified through an initial analysis, and a joint project plan will be drafted. This project design is also for committing the partners to specific contributions and thereby reducing the risks connected to large projects involving more complex partnerships. The maximum grant is 15 000 EUR, up to 50 % of eligible costs, on the condition of signed national co-financing documents and a project plan presented in the specific application form for Micro and Preparatory projects. The preparatory project is expected to result in a project application for a main project.

Ms. Pentler explained that the minimum requirements to apply for Northern Periphery Micro project and Preparatory project-funding are to have a project idea in line with the Northern Periphery Programme objectives, at least 2 contributing partners from 2 countries and national co-financing. Micro and Preparatory project applications can be sent to the programme secretariat at any time. The Secretariat has been delegated the responsibility to decide on the Micro and Preparatory project funds, this is done within a month of receive of the application. The official application forms can be downloaded from the “How to Apply” section of the Northern Periphery Programme website; http://www.northernperiphery.net/ apply/frameset.html

Ms. Pentler described the Main project application procedure, which is based on two calls for proposals each year until 2006. The call usually opens about 3 months before deadline, after which the Northern Periphery Programme Secretariat have 4 weeks to check the admissibility of applications before sending the applications to the Regional Advisory Groups for ranking. The Regional Advisory groups have another 4 weeks to assess the projects in relation to the programme selection criteria. The Secretariat collects the five regional groups assessments and compiles these to a joint recommendation to the Programme Monitoring Committee acting as a Steering Committee, which decides on the Northern Periphery Programme funds in co-operation with the Managing Authority. All in all this takes about 3 months after the call for proposals has ended.

To apply for main project funding a project idea in line with the programme is needed, as well as three or more partners, of which one should be from Finland, Scotland or Sweden, committed to transnational co-operation, and confirmed national co-financing. Eligible organisations to apply as Lead Partners, i.e. the organisation carrying the overall financial and legal responsibility of the project, are public or similar organisations situated within the programme area in Finland, Scotland, Sweden, Norway or Iceland. Other organisation eligible to apply as project partners are non-profit local and regional development agencies, non-profit organisations/enterprises dealing with local and regional development, non-profit institutions/organisations active in the fields relevant to the programme as well as private sector with restrictions in Sweden and Finland. Due to national policy in relation to Structural Funds, private funding does not generate EU-funding in Finland and Sweden.

The rules concerning Lead Partners are applicable also for Micro and Preparatory Projects.

Ms. Pentler continued by describing the Applicant’s Package, which consists of the Application form and Guidelines, Datasheets and the Co-financing commitment forms. These documents are available for download from the “How to Apply” section of the Northern Periphery Programme website; http://www.northernperiphery.net/ apply/frameset.html

As only complete applications meeting the deadline will be considered, Ms. Pentler especially highlighted the following points to pay special attention to;

- the national co-financing is confirmed through signed separate co-financing commitments

- the budget is detailed in an annex and in accordance with the eligibility rules

- descriptions of the participating partner organisations are included in CV-format

Ms. Pentler underlined that partnerships involving solely academic institutions will not be supported; the end users will have to be represented.

Ms. Pentler concluded by encourage the participants to feel free to contact the Northern Periphery Programme Secretariat and the Regional Contact Persons for more information.

Parallel workshops

The parallel workshops under the 6 different themes continued during the afternoon as did the drop-in workshop concerning practical issues where the staff of the Joint Programme Secretariat gave advice.

IT and Information Society (chaired by Mr. Donnie Morrison and Ms. Helena Harcourt)

Mr. Donnie Morrison reported back from the IT and Information Society workshop where 15 project ideas were presented and three groups of common interests/themes were gathered; Health care and telemedicine where there were interest from Iceland, Sweden, Faroes, Scotland and Greenland, delivery of services in municipalities through IT/e-services which attracted interested parties from Scotland, Russia and Norway, and a more technical approach in regional and community portals including broadband services which interested Finnish, Icelandic, Faroese, Norwegian and Greenlandic participants.

Professor David Peck presented the joint idea of New technology in psychological health care where video conferencing consulting practises will be compared with traditional practises. Mr. Eero Vilhu accounted for the different ideas within municipal services and IT. Dr. Roger Evans described two complementary approaches of the service of rural business portals and the more technical solution based IT support, which will be combined into one integrated main application.

Ms. Lena Drangel summarised the workshop on natural resources where 15 project ideas had been presented. Most participants in the workshop had found potential partners, and two groups were formed to discuss further project development on local energy production and distribution as well as stone issues. The project ideas presented were discussed in relation to the selection criteria of the Northern Periphery Programme. Ms. Drangel concluded by giving some feedback from the workshop participants on the Partenariat.

Mr. Kaspar Lytthans reported from the workshop on fishing, which could be divided into several themes; raw material, biotechnology, new species, education, research and development, quality trace ability and protection. Regarding the educational theme networking, material, recruitment, training courses, quality systems and knowledge development were discussed. Regarding resources, total utilisation, new species and bio techniques and ownership of resources were discussed. The creating of meeting places is necessary as a basis for networking.

Mr. Eirik Fiva reported from the workshop on tourism where there had been 14 presentations, which could be divided into two themes; nature based tourism and culture-based tourism. The workshop participants were very enthusiastic. The following groupings had been formed; snow, seals and living archipelago.

Entrepreneurship, SME development, Networking and Enhanced Skills (chaired by Ms. Elísabet Benediktsdóttir and Mr. Bernt Vedin)

Ms. Elísabet Benediktsdóttir summarised the workshop on entrepreneurship where 17 project ideas in total were presented. The presentations focused on quality exporting, education of personnel, SME development etc and if only a small part of the ideas would be realised the Northern Periphery would be a very successful region.

Service provision, Spatial planning and Public management/ Transportation, Logistics and Transport Infrastructure (chaired by Mr. Bjarki Jóhannesson and Mr. Esko Lotvonen)

Mr. Bjarki Jóhannesson summarised the project ideas presented in the workshop on the two themes Community Development and Transportation, Logistics and Transport infrastructure. There had been 18 presentations and 3 short introductions and three groupings could be seen; Community development, Air Service and Public transport and decentralised administration and business development.

Chairman’s concluding remarks

Mr. Jim Millard concluded the Partenariat by summarising the presentations and events. The partenariat had been about context setting, discussion of ideas and bringing ideas forward as well as presenting the administrative procedures and project development. Mr. Millard was happy to welcome Iceland as a full member of the Northern Periphery Programme as well as to see Northwest Russian representatives present at the partenariat, bringing the extended family of the Northern Periphery together.

Mr. Millard thanked the organisers behind as well as in front of the scenes and reminded the project developers to look forward and make it happen, build projects and to be prepared and not to forget to relate to the Northern Periphery Programme themes when putting forward your project proposals.

Mr. Millard emphasised the potential of the Northern Periphery through the delivery of outcomes, developing of abilities and the exporting of knowledge and products. Mr. Millard reminded all delegates that micro & preparatory projects are welcome anytime and the closing date for the first round of applications in 2003 is in March.

Annex 1

Project ideas

Theme 1 - IT and Information Society

Finland

Norway

Roger Hansen and Dagfinn Lund - Propagation of knowledge and competence through the Internet – Vinett Ltd.

Scotland

Dr Roger Evans – Rural Business Information Portal

Prof. Dave Peck - Computer – guided self help treatment for psychological problems

Ian Hamilton – Highlands and Islands Creative Industries Partnership Programme

Magni Laksáfoss and IanWennerfeld – Development of local IT-software industry

Magni Laksáfoss and IanWennerfeld – Web-based administrative solutions for government and municipalities in the smaller North Atlantic countries

Theme 2 - Natural Resources

Minna Komulainen – Forest Ladies – Developing Rural women’s entrepreneurship

Norway

Terje Nordvåg and Geir Frantzen - The Scottish UK and North Scandinavia experience interaction program for development of local oil and gas industry.

Kåre Tormod Nilsen – The integrated engergy station - the distributed engergy solution

Scotland

Dr Martin Price - Effective designation and implementation of mountain protected areas for conservation & sustainable development

Elspeth Macdonald and Derek Nelson - The Future supply and quality of timber from Scots pine in the Northern Periphery area: Impacts of changes in climate and silviculture

Sweden

Per-Olof Ståhl - Multiplied Utilisation of Nature Resources in Rural Forest Areas

Iceland

Russia

Valerij Funtov - Assistance to regional authorities in the development of new directions of rural employment

Greenland

Simon Furbo and Hans Hinrichsen – Solar Energy – Energy source of the future

Theme 3 – Fishing Industry

Dagfinn Lund and Roger Hansen - Optimisation of the fish industry – IDA and Teledrifting

Øyvind Jørgensen and Oddvar Ottesen - Industrialization of production of marine fish species in northern regions

Scotland

Jill de Fresnes - Fishing communities – learning networks and community diversification

Colin Wishart – Design and implementation of integrated coastal zone plans at local level

Fareo Islands

Norway

Ivar Sandland - Green Quality – Environmental quality in, and marketing of nature based tourism

Bryndís Haraldsdóttir - Analyse influential factors of local recreation in Tourism

Bryndís Haraldsdóttir - Increased knowledge in marketing for SME’s in Tourism related Industry

Theme 5 - Entrepreneurship, SME development, Networking and enhancing skills

Norway

Edna Cameron - Youth Entrepreneurship Factory, Women in the Periphery

Alasdair Munro – Highlands and Islands Creative Industries Partnership Programme

Ritva Lind - Network for business women

Iceland

Inga Sigurðardóttir - Preparing people in rural areas for new demands in their working live

Bryndís Haraldsdóttir - Interactive knowledge platform for Entrepreneurs and SMEs

Bryndís Haraldsdóttir - Best practice and networking among Incubator Centres in the Northern Periphery

Faroe Islands

Greenland

Thomas Andersen – Entrepreneurship among Saami and Inuit in Greenland and Scandinavia

Russia

Valerij Funtov - Assisting Leningrad Oblast regional authority in creating model of business and marketing image within EU market

Theme 6 - Service provision, Spatial planning and Public management- / Transportation, Logistics and Transport Infrastructure

Norway

Mr. Eirik F. Hanssen - Envirocat – concept for a high speed vessel from northern Europe to main European destinations

Steve Taylor - Improved air services

Dr Morag M. Macneil – Enterprise and Cultural Factors in Rural Marginal Communities

Sweden

Marianne Pedersen and Mr. Björn Lagerkvist – A better community through interactive citizens for the development of a strategy in the fiels of elderly care

Dr. Grétar Þór Eyþórsson - Decentralised administration as a method for strengthening territorial democracy after municipal amalgamations

Bryndís Haraldsdóttir - Benchmarking of the services provided by the community

Baldur Valgeirsson and Bjarnheiður Jóhannsdóttir - Integrated quality services within private and public enterprises

Thuridur Johannsdottir and Sigurjón Mýrdal - Redefining the Role of Education in Rural Development

Olga Biskopstø – Cultual landscapes as a source of social and economic innovation

Valerij Funtov - Reforming public transport control and administration system in Vyborg district of Leningrad Oblast

Veniamin Eremeev and Konstantin Karas - The Northern Dimension and Kalinigrad Oblast of Russia

Irina Karelina and Elena Belova - East-West Spatial Planning Forum for sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region

Partenariat feedback

Partenariat delegates were asked to participate in the follow-up process and provided feedback through a survey form, which asked numerous questions regarding their participation at the partenariat in Keflavik, Iceland. Following is a summary of the feedback received by the Joint Programme Secretariat.

43 participants responded to the request for feedback about the partenariat. Of the total number of participants excluding secretariat staff, organisers and guest speakers the number of respondent represent a response rate of 20%. Of the total number of respondents, 64% who replied through the feedback process were of extremely high praise of the partenariat.

General observations

The reasons given by many respondents for coming to the partenariat were to meet potential partners and other contacts, learn about the application process and the Northern Periphery Programme. Most participants responded by saying that they came to present their project ideas in one of the six thematic parallel workshops. Many respondents praised the opportunity to network whether over coffee or in discussion group. 65 percent of all respondents responded positively to their experience at the partenariat. One participant said that “pre-partenariat contact been strengthened”.

When asked did the partenariat meet your needs, many of the respondents used adjectives such as inspirational and informative to describe their experience at the partenariat.

Some positive suggestions were made regarding the organising of the parallel sessions that should be considered for the next partenariat such as: more time for small group discussions and one participant suggested sending electronic presentations before the start of the partenariat so that organizers could avoid technical problems.

Another suggestion regarding parallel sessions was that they did not meet expectations due to the “scattered” nature of the workshop locations, and some confusion regarding scheduling. To the other extreme many respondent were impressed with the schedule that priorised networking and group work.

When asked if respondents had any activities after the partenariat, many responded by saying that they had contacted partners and were preparing project proposals for the preparatory and main applications.

Other comments

Other comments praised the efforts of Kaspar Lytthans, Ingunn Bjarnadóttir, the Institute of Regional Development in Iceland’s team in Keflavík, Iceland and the secretariat staff in Copenhagen. Many participants enjoyed the exciting few days in Keflavík, Iceland because it increased their enthusiasm and motivation to meet others involved in the Northern Periphery Programme.

Welcome remarks

Tips for successful NPP projects

Day 2 – Saturday 14th September

Parallel workshops

Chairman’s concluding remarks

Annex 1

Project ideas

Theme 1 - IT and Information Society

Finland

Norway

Scotland

Dr Roger Evans – Rural Business Information Portal

Theme 2 - Natural Resources

Norway

Scotland

Dr Martin Price - Effective designation and implementation of mountain protected areas for conservation & sustainable development

Sweden

Iceland

Russia

Greenland

Theme 3 – Fishing Industry

Scotland

Fareo Islands

Norway

Ivar Sandland - Green Quality – Environmental quality in, and marketing of nature based tourism

Norway

Edna Cameron - Youth Entrepreneurship Factory, Women in the Periphery

Ritva Lind - Network for business women

Iceland

Faroe Islands

Greenland

Russia

Theme 6 - Service provision, Spatial planning and Public management- / Transportation, Logistics and Transport Infrastructure

Norway

Steve Taylor - Improved air services

Sweden

Partenariat feedback

General observations

Other comments

Day 2 – Saturday 14^th September