IMPROVE project brings together partners from 8 regions with the aim to improve the management and implementation of Structural Funds Programmes in the participating regions and cities. During the first three semesters the exchange of experiences has taken place through Peer Reviews and interregional thematic workshops. Regional/city level cooperation has also played a significant role through RSG meetings bringing up stakeholders` different perspectives in terms of challenges and future`s actions on implementation of Structural funds.
Project`s kick of Meeting was held in Badajoz, Spain in October 2019 hosted by FUNDECYT Science and Technology Park as lead partner of the project. In 2020 IMPROVE project faced a significant challenge due to Covid-19 situation influencing both on the project itself as well as implementation of Structural funds. All scheduled Peer Reviews and Interregional Thematic workshop were turned into online meetings. However, project partners managed well with the situation adjusting their activities both on the project level and implementation of policy instruments.
Project`s communication also responded to the situation releasing series of news on how the participating regions with their addressed policy instruments are reacting to the crisis generated by Covid-19. News dealt with measures taken concerning additional calls to project, changes and adjustments for ongoing projects as well as advisory services provided.
As a basis for the learning process each partner conducted State of the Art report including analysis of implementation of policy instrument with regards of policy mix, governance and monitoring among others. State of the Art report also addressed areas for improvements, which were opened up for discussions in Peer reviews in order to enable mutual learning.
As noted, in 2020 Peer Reviews and Interregional Thematic workshop took place via online events hosted by partners from Centre-Val de Loire, Lapland and Centro. After a 1st ITW organised in June 2020 to present the State of the Art reports and defined the common challenges to be addressed in future workshops, the 2nd ITW was held in December 2020 was focused on the coordination between different funds and instruments. Peer Reviews addressed region`s overview, strategic framework and governance system of policy instrument. Topics were related mainly to regional specific issues such as synergies of funding, involvement of companies to RDI activities as well as interregional cooperation and funding instruments dedicated for it. In all events, issues were addressed from the perspectives of both the authorities and stakeholders providing new methodologies and good practices. Moreover, Peer Reviews included interactive elements by involving partners to address challenges through brainstorming sessions and using online platforms.
This year key measures taken by partners will be to identify good practices and gradually take steps to prepare action plans. Some of the partners - mainly those already organized Peer Reviews – are moved to identify good practices. Project`s actions in terms of improving implementation, governance and evaluation of policy instrument are well in connection with the preparations for the next programming period 2021-2027. Further actions will be based on each partner`s State of the Art report and Peer Review feedback from partners. In designing further actions, regional level cooperation with key stakeholders will take place in a regular manner.
This year the fourth Peer Review will be held in 9.-10.2. hosted by project`s lead partner FUNDECYT-PCTEX. Peer Review events and Interregional Thematic Workshops will be hosted as well by partners from Gabrovo, Tartu, North West and Puglia.
Schedule for upcoming events:
• Peer Review #4 (Extremadura–ES) February 2021
• Peer Review #5 (Gabrovo–GB) April 2021
• Peer Review #6 (Tartu–EE) June 2021
• ITW #3 (Tartu–EE) June 2021
• Peer Review #7 (North-West–RO) September 2021
• Peer Review #8 (Puglia–IT) December 2021
• TW #4 (Puglia–IT) December 2021
Project`s kick of Meeting was held in Badajoz, Spain in October 2019 hosted by FUNDECYT Science and Technology Park as lead partner of the project. In 2020 IMPROVE project faced a significant challenge due to Covid-19 situation influencing both on the project itself as well as implementation of Structural funds. All scheduled Peer Reviews and Interregional Thematic workshop were turned into online meetings. However, project partners managed well with the situation adjusting their activities both on the project level and implementation of policy instruments.
Project`s communication also responded to the situation releasing series of news on how the participating regions with their addressed policy instruments are reacting to the crisis generated by Covid-19. News dealt with measures taken concerning additional calls to project, changes and adjustments for ongoing projects as well as advisory services provided.
As a basis for the learning process each partner conducted State of the Art report including analysis of implementation of policy instrument with regards of policy mix, governance and monitoring among others. State of the Art report also addressed areas for improvements, which were opened up for discussions in Peer reviews in order to enable mutual learning.
This year the fourth Peer Review will be held in 9.-10.2. hosted by project`s lead partner FUNDECYT-PCTEX. Peer Review events and Interregional Thematic Workshops will be hosted as well by partners from Gabrovo, Tartu, North West and Puglia.
• Peer Review #5 (Gabrovo–GB) April 2021
• Peer Review #6 (Tartu–EE) June 2021
• ITW #3 (Tartu–EE) June 2021
• Peer Review #7 (North-West–RO) September 2021
• Peer Review #8 (Puglia–IT) December 2021
• TW #4 (Puglia–IT) December 2021
