THE OBJECTIVE 1 PROGRAMME FOR WALES: LESSONS LEARNED IN PROGRAMME MANAGEMENT AND PERSPECTIVES Dr Emyr Roberts, Chief Executive, Welsh European Funding Office 28 September 2004

Welsh Programmes - Value (€) European Funds Total Objective 1 1,853 m 3,937 m Objective m 303 m Objective m 317 m INTERREG IIIA 48 m 65 m URBAN 11 m 21 m LEADER+ 15 m 31 m

Objective 1- Programme Structure (1) Single Programming Document Programme Complement 41 measures 4 funds (ERDF, ESF, EAGGF, FIFG)

Objective 1- Programme Structure (2) 6 Priorities –Expanding and developing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) –Developing innovation and the knowledge-based economy –Community economic regeneration –Developing people –Rural development and the sustainable use of natural resources –Strategic Infrastructure Development –(Technical Assistance)

Objective 1 - Targets Create 43,500 net additional jobs Contribute to raising GDP in West Wales and the Valleys Contribute to reducing economic inactivity

Objective 1 - Current Position (end August 2004) € 3,942 million total programme €1,853 million European money 1,195 projects approved to date 63% funds committed 31% paid to end of July 2004 €2,898 million total project investment 31,855 gross new jobs created 40,505 jobs safeguarded

Lessons - Administrative Structures Need to put programme firmly within the overall national/regional development framework Identify partners and how you are going to engage with them Private sector - special arrangements? Programme Monitoring Committee - size, membership, structure Advisory Groups - harness expertise Local partnerships - technical assistance

Lessons - Programme Structures Must link to national/regional development strategies and priorities Keep programming documents simple and flexible Consider targets and indicators from outset Build in monitoring and evaluation, and link to IT system

Lessons - Managing Finances Establish robust, user-friendly Management Information system to track commitment, spend and outputs at programme and project level ‘n+2’ targets: prepare for the worst Accurate financial profiles Relationships with project sponsors Beware the fine print! Robust payment and audit functions Exchange rates - an added complication

Lessons - Project Development and Delivery Dialogue/training for project sponsors Consider role of intermediaries - don’t reinvent the wheel Risk assessment of projects and impact on programme Beware State Aids Aftercare

Lessons - Private Sector Define roles: –monitor (PMC) –advice (PMC, Advisory Groups) –delivery (projects) Importance of intermediaries Private sector facilitators/advice

Lessons - Publicity Need a public relations plan Try to set realistic expectations Claim the credit for projects Show what’s happening on the ground Share best practice Project sponsors/beneficiaries - best ambassadors Share the good news with the European Commission

Looking Forward - Post 2006 Establish national/regional development priorities and how Structural Funds are going to help deliver them Work on projects as well as programme structures Need robust Management Information system to underpin programme Keep programme structure as simple as possible Constantly monitor and put contingencies in place Spread the word - Structural Funds are making a difference

Dr Emyr Roberts Chief Executive Welsh European Funding Office Cathays Park Cardiff CF10 3NQ Tel: +44(0) Fax: +44(0) website: