Funding sources: innovative measures

There are two main Innovation Measures: ERDF and ESF (see page on Structure Funds).

ERDF innovative measures

Innovative measures (studies, pilot projects and exchanges of experience) to which the ERDF contributes are to reinforce competitiveness in Europe by reducing the gaps between regions and supporting innovation, RTD and the use of new information and communication technologies. It therefore forms part of the strategy which aims at boosting employment, economic competitiveness and social cohesion in the framework of a knowledge-based economy.

In the period 2000-06, the innovative measures must therefore concentrate on three priorities:

regional economy based on knowledge and technological innovation: helping the less-favoured regions to raise the level of their technology
the information society at the service of regional development (eEurope-regio)
regional identity and sustainable development: promoting regional cohesion and competitiveness through an approach that integrates economic, environmental and social activity.

The innovative measures form part of regional programmes of innovative measures whose strategy is determined, in line with the regional partnership principle, by a steering committee. Programme proposals must be submitted to the Commission by 31 May each year at the latest from 2001 to 2005 so that the Commission can select those to be part-financed by the ERDF. The innovative measures have an annual allocation of Euro 400 million.

ESF Innovative Measures (Article 6)

The general objective is to support innovative measures that seek to promote new approaches and identify examples of ‘good practice’ which can subsequently improve the implementation of the operations supported by the ESF. Types of action supported include innovative projects aiming to develop local employment strategies that reinforce the implementation of the applicable National Action Plan for Employment (NAP). Proposals may include the following activities (among others) within a single Member State:

analysis of existing local employment situation
development of partnerships at local level including relevant actors from different sectors
relevant studies and research to prepare the local employment strategies
development and implementation of the local employment strategies
development of indicators
relevant and appropriate training on the European Employment Strategy, and
exchange of information, awareness raising.

The Commission will co-finance actions up to a maximum of 75 per cent of the total eligible costs, between a minimum of 300,000 Euro and a maximum of 3,000,000 Euro over a two-year period.

As a general rule, projects are managed directly by the services of the Commission. More information is available by downloading this PDF file.

Details are also posted on these Article 6 websites:
http://europa.eu.int/comm/employment_social/esf2000/article_6-en.htm
http://forum.europa.eu.int/Public/irc/empl/vp_2001_017/library.

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